|
PEPonline
Professionalization
of
Exercise Physiologyonline
An
international electronic
journal
for exercise physiologists
ISSN
1099-5862
Vol
5 No 10 October 2002
|
The
Years to Come: Niche or be Niched
Tommy Boone
Professor
and Chair
Director,
Exercise Physiology Laboratories
Department
of Exercise Physiology
The College
of St. Scholastica
Duluth, MN
55811
“The
best way to speak the truth is to know it clearly, believe it implicitly,
love it sincerely, live it courageously, and proclaim it zealously.”
-- Clifton J. Allen
WITH THE FOUNDING
OF the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP), there is now
an incredible new opportunity for exercise physiologists. Even today,
as we read excitedly about the exercise physiology research papers published
in the Journal of Exercise Physiology – online, we didn’t know what the
electronic journal would be like, but it has become a credible avenue for
scientific publications. It isn’t a revolution yet, but it certainly
is the leader in electronic publications of exercise physiology research.
We have also
begun another new avenue for publications. Most exercise physiologists
aren’t sure exactly what to think about it, but I am certain this new electronic
journal, the Professionalization of Exercise Physiology – online, will
become tomorrow’s breakthrough thinking in the professional development
of exercise physiology. In time, all of us will embrace the path
of professionalism. There will always be some speculation by the
informed and the uninformed about the ASEP organization. Eventually,
everyone will know that it is required for the 21st century exercise physiologist.
The so-called sports medicine connection will continue but it will not
be in large numbers.
The Revolution
The exercise
physiology revolution is about new ideas with special emphasis placed on
the compelling truth that we need our own professional organization.
It will take place over several decades, and will be driven by the need
for credibility. Colleges and universities will continue to seek
ASEP academic accreditation. Board certification will become a commonly
recognized step to practice exercise physiology in the public sector.
The interest is already evident, and the foundation is securely laid.
The years to come look great, and yet we need to find our niche.
I’m writing
this article now as part of my contribution to the 21st century view of
the emerging profession of exercise physiology. Exercise physiology
is about “exercise” and everyone has come to understand that “exercise
is medicine”. You can’t flip through a health and/or fitness book
or a scientific publication without seeing an article about the benefits
of exercise. Popular magazines are full of questions, pictures, and
articles about exercise. Anyone hoping to loose weight is interested
in exercising. Everyone is touched by the information about exercise,
and everyone ought to be able to access credible information (i.e., what
works and what doesn’t). Perhaps, this is the critical divide between
professionally prepared exercise physiologists and quacks.
The Opportunity
I realize
that part of the appeal for a national organization is that finally we
have an enormous opportunity to compete on the same level with other healthcare
practitioners. That was the beginning of my work and the creation
of the ASEP web pages, however plain they were at the time. Meaning,
they were about as basic as is water to a fine wine. And to this
day it thrills me to know that the pages have changed and have been updated
in numerous ways to make it more user friendly. Most people believe
that the web site is very professional and, as it turns out, the ASEP web
site has a significant following. In time, a whole generation of
new exercise physiologists all over the world will click on the ASEP web
pages and become part of the revolution. This is an astoundingly
inexpensive way to connect with exercise physiologists worldwide.
It is also unprecedented.
Every part
of what ASEP is seems exciting in that it gives hope, especially for the
non-PhDs, when at one time, exercise physiologists were defined by the
PhD. But, in the not too distant future, there will be a day when
everyone with an undergraduate exercise physiology degree who is Board
Certified will be recognized as an “Exercise Physiologist”. It will
be the passport into a new professional career. No one, in the name
of healthcare, will take away from the title, Exercise Physiologist”.
But first we must continue to re-invent ourselves through our willingness
to work and rescue those lost to past thinking. A great deal of work
has already gone into a new way to think, to make decisions, and to access
knowledge in the field. It takes time, and it takes the transmittal
of information in all forms. And, of course, it takes determination
and perseverance.
“Determination
and perseverance move the world; thinking that someone else will do it
for you is a sure way to fail. “ -- Marva Collins
The ASEP Exercise
Physiologist
This is why
the new exercise physiologist is dubbed the “ASEP exercise physiologist”.
Think of the work other professionals have put into professionalism.
All kinds of activities have taken place, from workshops to books and professional
meetings. ASEP exercise physiologists have come to understand a sense
of identity, of who they are and where they belong [standards]. In
short, they have worked at doing whatever is necessary to make it happen
for all exercise physiologists. Shouldn’t all exercise physiologists
do the same? To put it another way, why didn’t exercise physiologists
anticipate the professional revolution? It seems so fundamental an
idea, simple but vital to the understanding of the way disciplines evolve
into professions. Many have watched it happen. Some have made
it happen, which raises the question: “Where are the visionary exercise
physiologists?”
For the moment
it’s enough to know the revolution has begun. This doesn’t mean that it
will always be easy but, for certain, dreams have a fabulous way of coming
true. Until now, the dreams have been shrouded in the frustrations
of traditional thinking. What a difference just a few years can make?
Today, we are living our dream in accordance with the ASEP strategies and
core beliefs. As you look back, it is hard to understand why exercise
physiologists did not take action before 1997. Part of the problem
is inertia; meaning, that we have been interested in exercise physiology
but not committed to it. Another part is the emotional spark created
by the founding of ASEP that goes against the sports medicine model.
Many exercise physiologists could be heard to say, “I’d love to join, but
I’m not sure how I could change my life as I’ve known it.” The truth
is we can learn to change. The road ahead is full of opportunities
to seize the day. Remember the saying, “As we think, so we are.”
Beginning
With a Vision
“
A clearly-stated mission provides more than a ‘common cause’. It
also can provide an ethic for the firm, or way of seeking to do what is
right and avoiding what is wrong.” -- C. William Pollard
Clearly, our state
of mind and how we think about ourselves define our future. This
type of understanding is important in providing the “common cause” to define
our niche in the public sector. We are not yet where we should be,
and we must squarely confront this fact. The process begins with
the very essence of an inspiring vision that results from a sensitive yet
forceful leadership with a defined purpose. That leadership has come
from different members of the ASEP organization at times when sharing is
critical in understanding the competitive path of professionalism.
They have come to terms with what has been unsaid, and what needs attention
to challenge prevailing thinking. In short, different members throughout
the organization have demonstrated the capacity to influence and demonstrate
meaning for “why” ASEP exists. There are the volunteers who are writing
chapters in the ASEP Resource Manual for the Exercise Physiologist Certified
exam, others who are working on licensure of exercise physiologists, and
still others who are working on the accreditation document; all are ASEP
vision-oriented.
These professionals
are creating a new exercise physiology, one with credibility and one with
a new energy and a new vision that supports a new commitment to professionalism
and helping exercise physiologists feel good. The new exercise physiology
is inspiring and empowering. It provokes confidence and encourages
an attitude of daring to be better. Day-to-day risks are acceptable
and required for members who are passionately living the vision.
The ASEP vision represents the best ever in exercise physiology and its
service to the public. It is a professionally transforming career
opportunity. It is easy to understand but nearly impossible to accomplish
and yet absolutely imperative. It’s about excellence. It is
about excellence today, not decades from now. It is about career
and business opportunities today for all exercise physiologists, not just
for the academic types.
The vision
today is a vision of hope, change, and daring to be better. It is
compelling and strategically not just possible but a reality with the ASEP
leadership. It is a vision from within that defines the passion of
exercise physiologists. It is about living it and believing it convincingly;
beyond any doubt. It is a crusade that is from the heart with an
unbridled clarity that is manifestly important in defining its position
different from all its competitors. Hence, the ASEP vision is a crusade
of compelling hope that is strategically and energetically lived by its
members. Its truth embraces the past as much as it does the future.
This is consistent with the sustaining excellence that has defined the
ASEP vision; a campaign for support and participation of all exercise physiologists.
“Nothing
happens unless first a dream.” – Carl Sandburg
The Power of
Conflict
The power
of the status quo is the inertia of playing it safe. It is the perception
that it is better to not try anything new even if it is a constructive
conflict. This situation needs to change in exercise physiology.
John Dewey said it best:
“Conflict
is the gadfly of thought. It stirs us to observation and memory.
It instigates invention. It shocks us out of sheep like passivity,
and sets us at noting and contriving….Conflict is a ‘sine qua non’ of reflection
and ingenuity.”
The dangers of
no reflection and ingenuity are many. American democracy was
founded on conflict. Truth is in part a function of a dream, and
dreams are important in finding the “truth” that results from free and
open discussion. Hence, truth is learned through realized goals and
objectives made possible with conflict, reflection, and ingenuity.
To take on any of these new beliefs or behaviors, change is necessary.
Because we
have not been educated to serve our students, or even think on their behalf,
the split between what we are and what we can become is real. It
is driven by our own inertia and, yet it is time to grow beyond our narcissism.
To do so means that college teachers need to become the servant to the
student. By serving our students we serve ourselves and, therefore,
exercise physiology is served. This shift in thinking is from an
educator as authority to a facilitator as a servant. It is a win-win
deal when college professors can keep their jobs and enable students to
access better jobs through teaching methods that support the integrity
of the profession. Taking responsibility for a new faculty-student
interaction is based on collaboration and respect for students. It
is directly related to the importance that teachers place on working with
students. For example, are teachers considered part of the daily
activities of what students do? What does it mean to college teachers
who fail to serve students? What happens when students are not served?
How do students choose which college is best for them?
“It
is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers.”
-- James Thurber
Perhaps, it is
time to re-organize our preconceptions of the role of the college teacher.
Maybe we need to be more accommodating and more understanding of the students’
issues and concerns! One way to do this is to question the inertia
of playing it safe. Another way is to become as aware as possible
of the current job opportunities, impressions, and perceptions and, where
necessary to, try to modify them.
This may be
accomplished by coming to terms with our tendency to cling to our beliefs
about exercise physiology and “who is an exercise physiologist”.
This is especially important since we are prone to embrace our personally
invested thinking even in the face of disconfirming evidence. Thus,
when our beliefs are challenged, we should try and keep an open mind to
different points of view. Why not ask the question: “In what ways
might my beliefs be wrong?” Maybe it is time to stop comparing the
21st century exercise physiologist to the 20th century prototype.
Just maybe, the latter is no longer accurate. The pluses and minuses,
advantages and disadvantages of seeking a new path of professionalism involve
some trade-offs, but the benefits are better than the alternatives.
Outdated
Thinking or Just Failure to Think Right?
A very unfortunate
consequence of our lack of critical thinking about professional development
in exercise physiology is the continuation of empirically unsupported beliefs
that have overstayed their welcome. Why do exercise physiologists
persist with the sports medicine myth? Perhaps the most important
reason is that they have never questioned the relationship. Could
it be that it is better for exercise physiologists not to have their own
professional organization? What is the lesson to be learned here?
Don’t sport biomechanist have their own professional organization?
Remember, too, that sport psychologists and sport managers have their own
organizations? Why, then, is it that exercise physiologists must
be treated differently? Isn’t it enough that exercise physiologists
have spent decades building up sports medicine? If so, can both now
exist as separate organizations without one plagued by the other?
These questions (and countless others) need answers.
Perhaps no
where is this debate better illustrated than in the paucity of articles
written on professionalism. That is, in a real sense, there is no
debate and thus a senseless error in reification. It is, in other
words, an error in reification to treat sports medicine as if it were exercise
physiology. So, where does this leave us? It is hardly true
that two different courses of action will lead to the same effect.
Further, note that the consolidated ideas of sports medicine are elusive
at whatever glance you take. Exercise physiologists must be careful
not to confuse sports medicine with exercise physiology. If anything,
sports medicine, strictly speaking, is more like athletic training.
But, the latter has its own professional organization. In other words,
evidence of likeness is not, per se, proof that sports medicine and athletic
training are the same.
With new thinking
or the practice of thinking right, exercise physiologists will eventually
come to understand the confusion that arises from the bifurcated view of
exercise physiology. Meaning, in much the same way as a coin, when
flipped, will turn up either heads or tails. There is no middle ground.
Similarly, an exercise physiologist cannot be “a little bit an exercise
physiologist and a sports medicine professional too” – he/she is either
an exercise physiologist or not an exercise physiologist. There is
little value to our students when an exercise physiologist’s position as
a teacher consists of an infinite number of points lying between the two
polar opposites. Students are confused when a teacher’s views are
said to exist along a continuum that presumably encourages the use of either
title.
“There
is hope for the future, but first we must seize our title.”
So, Which is
It?
Can it be
true that a teacher who is an exercise physiology professional is also
a sports medicine professional? Is a physical therapist also a sports
medicine professional if that person belongs to a sports medicine organization?
Is there not a point of critical distinction between what a person actually
is and what he/she may state otherwise? Or, is it possible that the
differences between the two are obscured by similarities? In
point of fact, membership by itself is insufficient to yield a title.
In other words, each profession is, in itself, a direct correlate of a
specific academic degree. Put another way, this is exactly the reason
why students pursue a specific academic major. Hence, a student who
is majoring in biology and earns a biology degree has the right to call
him- or herself a biologist. Similarly, this is exactly why
an exercise physiologist or a nurse who can interpret a 12-lead ECG is
not a cardiologist. This is not just rhetoric. It is a fact
of life, but remember:
“Being
a member of a profession requires a professional degree in that profession.
Now is the time to dream bigger dreams than before to make our glorious
future truly outstanding.” – William Boone
The Professional
Exercise Physiologist
Exercise physiologists
are on the verge of creating something special; a new healthcare profession
with its own healthcare practitioners. Instead of working principally
in cardiac rehabilitation, the exercise physiologist is increasingly working
in a variety of traditionally different environments. To illustrate,
there is a growing body of evidence that gives hope to exercise physiologists
across the United States. These new career paths are different from
earlier conditions. They allow for and encourage imagination and
possibilities beyond yesterday’s thinking.
Now, more than
ever in the history of health issues, including physical, emotional, mental,
and spiritual, there is an increase in the number of people helped by exercise
physiologists. Many seek professional help and services without formal
insurance to assist them. They are willing to pay out of their pocket
for the professional guidance to strengthen and build a better life.
This movement has been relatively slow in spite of the exercise physiologist’s
body of knowledge. Yet, prominent leaders in medicine and other informed
healthcare professionals recognize that the emergence of exercise physiology
parallels the growth of social problems.
Similarly,
the payment of professional services is associated with the process of
professionalization of exercise physiology. Today, exercise physiologists
have a Code of Ethics and Standards. They may not have come to fully
understand the importance of each but, in time, knowledge about each and
the enforcement of both to improve exercise physiology will be become commonplace
and a necessity. It is the process of preparing a profession for
service in the community. Students will come to appreciate the discussion
of the current practice of their profession and become motivated to improve
the practice. In time, more American universities will become accredited
by ASEP, and more faculty members will understand the need for the “Society
of Exercise Physiologists”.
Our Niche
From a historical
perspective, most academic exercise physiologists are aware of the challenges
before their students in locating good paying jobs in the public sector.
There is the question however whether they recognize that the “job market
issue” is a problem. Further, the lack of attentiveness to this problem
is perceived as appropriate. It would seem that the majority of the
college teachers are only concerned with whether they can locate a job.
Students are told to get the master’s degree and, if that doesn’t work,
get the doctorate degree. It is in this context that ASEP, as a professional
organization of exercise physiologists with or without the doctorate degree,
is fully committed to communicating a new view of job opportunities in
the United States.
Until recently,
few would have envisioned the “Board Certified” exercise physiologist as
the exemplar of leadership in healthcare, fitness and wellness, and as
professionals with hands-on scientific knowledge about athletic performance
and training. This view is critical to the understanding that exercise
physiologists are professionals. They deserve the same respect and
delineation of their roles as other professionals and why not? The
ASEP exercise physiologist is strictly governed by “Standards of Professional
Practice” which states that:
“The practice
of Exercise Physiology shall include the use of a variety of equipment
that enables the Exercise Physiologist to measure, examine, analyze, and/or
provide instruction to determine, evaluate, or the components of physical
fitness. Such practice is applied to apparently healthy individuals, as
well as to individuals with know disease or ill-health. The goals for such
practice is to improve the components of physical fitness, prevent disease
and disability, assist in the diagnosis of disease or disability, and rehabilitate
certain diseases and disabilities. The equipment used in such practice
may include the use of submaximal and maximal testing using treadmills
and various ergometers to make evaluations, and recommendations regarding,
but not limited to, metabolic processes, the cardiorespiratory system (maximal
oxygen consumption tests), the musculoskeletal system (strength and power
tests), and body composition (percent body fat measurements). The
measurement, examination, analysis, and/or instruction will be done for
the purpose of research, counsel, and enhancing athletic performance and
improving physical and/or emotional well-being. Nothing in the above
description authorizes the exercise physiologist to "diagnose" disease
either by using the electrocardiogram or by any means resulting from other
exercise physiology laboratory procedures. However, due to the use of exercise
as a diagnostic tool in many medical fields, exercise physiologists may
be used by medical personnel to conduct tests that assist in the medical
diagnosis of disease” [Standard 3: The Practice of Exercise Physiology].”
“Exercise physiology
"measurement” and/or “examination" includes administering a health history
questionnaire, practical laboratory evaluation, and assessment of the musculoskeletal
system and/or cardiorespiratory system using standard laboratory equipment,
exercise tests protocols, exercise programs, and risk factor modification
and/or measurements to assist in evaluating the client’s overt and/or objective
responses, signs, and/or symptoms for cardiorespiratory fitness of individuals
who are apparently healthy, or who have disease including, but are not
limited to, tests that measure body composition, range of motion (flexibility),
muscle strength, endurance, work, and power; tests that assist in the overall
analysis of the central and/or peripheral components of oxygen consumption
and energy expenditure; tests of pulmonary function, and exercise prescription
for cardiorespiratory fitness of individuals with metabolic disorders including,
but not limited to, deficiencies of the cardiovascular system, diabetes,
lipid disorders, hypertension, cancer, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive
and restrictive pulmonary diseases, arthritis, organ transplant, peripheral
vascular disease, and obesity; and treadmill or other ergometer test protocols
in conjunction with exercise electrocardiography (ECG) to identify the
heart rate and ECG responses at rest and during submaximal and maximal
(graded) exercise programs in addition to specific contraindications for
continuing exercise. Exercise physiology examination of clients does
not include examining any person for the purpose of diagnosing any disease
or organic condition, unless under the order and guidance of a physician.
Nothing herein, however, is intended to preclude Exercise Physiologists
from stress testing and/or using a variety of different ergometers in assessing
and/or educating subjects otherwise without known disease or cardiorespiratory
limitations.
"Exercise physiology
"instruction" includes providing educational, consultative, or other advisory
services for the purpose of helping the public with issues and concerns
regarding fundamental and scientific information about mind-body health
and fitness. Instruction pertains to matters that are believed to develop
and/or maintain health, fitness, rehabilitation, and/or athletics.
Instruction includes, but is not limited to, the acute physiological responses
to exercise; chronic physiological adaptations to training; designing resistance
training programs; measuring energy expenditure at rest and during exercise;
hormonal regulation and/or metabolic adaptations to training; cardiorespiratory
regulation and adaptation during exercise; thermal regulation during exercise;
exercising at altitude, underwater, and in space; optimizing sports training
through the use of ergogenic aids and better nutrition; appropriate body
composition and optimal body weight and the role of each in diabetes and
physical activity; growth and development of young athletes; aging and
gender issues; preventing cardiovascular disease through exercise; prescription
of exercise for health and performance; biomechanical aspects of posture
and sports; physiological assessment of human movement; stress testing
protocols for athletics and special populations; resting and exercise electrocardiography;
biobehavioral techniques for reducing stress and/or increasing running
economy; and biochemistry of nutrition and exercise.
"Exercise physiology
"analysis and treatment" includes hands-on contact to perform specific
laboratory tests, with specific expectations for 'treatment' measures and
activities. This may include, but is not limited to, range of motion exercises,
muscle strength and muscle endurance exercises, lean muscle tissue-fat
analysis, musculoskeletal and/or postural exercises, sports nutrition programs,
sports biomechanics instructions for the enhancement of sports or occupational
related skills, stress management exercises, sports training and the development
programs, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation (including, but not limited
to, development of such programs, supervising testing, development of exercise
prescription, and other functions such as the education and counseling
of patients), and exercise physiology instruction that pertains to all
forms of sports training and athletics” [Standard 4: Definitions of Practice].
Standards 3
and 4 describe the exercise physiology niche in the public sector.
Here, the word “niche” is taken to mean the “practice of exercise physiology”.
These standards are extremely important in helping other professionals
and society at large to understand the exercise physiology professional.
Hence, as a profession, its members use in its practice a well-organized
and well-defined body of knowledge that requires specialized study in an
academic program in an institution of higher education. Although
the knowledge consists of both laboratory and academic classroom content,
it is definitely practical in its aim, concerned with the well-being of
the public, and altruistic.
“The EPC professional
acknowledgement and registration with ASEP grants the individual with appropriate
credentials, including ASEP designated academic course work, internship
hours, hands-on experiences, successful completion of the EPC examination,
and appropriate professional conduct, the ASEP authorized title of "Exercise
Physiologist". Certified Exercise Physiologists are committed to
health and fitness promotion programs, private homes and community agencies,
community integration with corporate wellness and training centers, cardiac
and pulmonary rehabilitation, universities, industrial settings, retail
businesses, professional lifestyle managers, and research activities. Exercise
Physiologists work with subjects, patients, and clients in various roles
including, but not limited to, education, consultation, research, administration,
and managment in the following…” [Standard 6: The EPC Purpose and Scope
of Practice]:
•
Sports Programs (sports director, strength and conditioning coach, director
of state and national teams)
• College
and University Programs (professor, researcher, administrator, wellness
coordinator)
• Community
Practice (manager of health and wellness programs, manage fitness and athletic
programs, direct corporate fitness and wellness programs, health and fitness
club instructor, health and fitness director in correctional services)
• Clinical
Practice (test and supervise cardiopulmonary patients, evaluate and supervise
special populations, including but not limited to, diabetics, obesity,
rheumatoid arthritis, dyslipoproteinemia, cystic fibrosis, hypertension,
children with heart disease and risk factors for disease, low functional
capacity, pregnancy, exercise technologies in cardiology suites, work hardening,
occupation rehabilitation) • Government and Military Services (fitness
director and manager in military, including the Air Force, Army, and other
careers in military services)
• Business
with the Public Sector (sports management, consultant, functional biomechanist
and ergonomics, sport psychologist)
• Private
Practice (personal health and fitness consultant, health risk manager)
• Sports Nutrition
Programs (exercise nutritionist, exercise nutrition counselor)
• International
Programs and Practice (health and fitness promotion, sports consultant,
affiliation with international organizations)
“Certified Exercise
Physiologists and Exercise Physiologists with the doctorate degree have
a responsibility to read the literature, think clearly, and follow the
ASEP Code of Ethics and the Standards of Practice. Exercise Physiologists
practice only within the boundaries of their competence, as defined by
their academic training, hands-on experiences, and/or the ASEP national
professional certification. When indicated, exercise physiologists monitor
their effectiveness as professionals and take steps including, but not
limited to, continuing education to maintain a reasonable level of awareness
of current scientific and professional information. Exercise Physiologists
have a responsibility to subjects, patients, clients, and to the agency
or institution within which services are performed to maintain high standards
of professional conduct. The professional responsibility is to respect
the dignity, and mental, physical, and emotional welfare of subjects used
in research and/or similar investigative activities, individuals (such
as, but not limited to, persons interested in health and fitness promotion,
improvement in athletics and sports training programs, and requested laboratory
tests to evaluate and develop a lifestyle risk factor plan for reduction
in heart disease, obesity, stress, and the management of specific metabolic
and/or musculoskeletal dysfunctions), and patients in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation
programs, exercise prescriptions, and/or diabetic or hypertension centers.
Disclosure of test results to the subjects, individuals, and/or clients
is performed by Exercise Physiologists for the purposes of describing,
interpreting, comparing, and developing a plan of action consistent with
the research-based benefits of service. Exercise Physiologists recognize
that the records and other pertinent information are confidential, and
that the subject, individual, or client has the right to full access of
all test results, records, and copies of records. Use of data derived from
laboratory tests for purposes of developing a training program, research,
or publication is confined to content that is disguised to ensure the anonymity
of the subjects, individuals, or clients. Other than the implied statements
of professional conduct outlined in the Code of Ethics, the ASEP Board
of Certification is not responsible for the practice of exercise physiology
by doctorate prepared Exercise Physiologists who are not certified by ASEP”
[Standard 7: Professional Responsibility and Competence].
“The ASEP Board
of Certification may revoke or otherwise take action with regard to the
application or certification of an individual in the case of ineligibility
for certification; irregularity in connection with any certification application
or examination; unauthorized possession, use, access, or distribution of
certification examinations, answer sheets, certificates, certificant or
applicant files, documents, or other materials; material misrepresentation
or fraud in any statement to the ASEP Board of Certification or to the
public, including, but not limited to, statements made to assist the applicant,
certificant, or another apply for, obtain, or retain certification; gross
or repeated negligence in professional work, which includes releasing confidential
test information of subjects, individuals, and/or clients with whom the
certificant or applicant has a professional relationship; conviction of,
plea of guilty, or plea of no contest to a felony which is directly related
to public health, exercise physiology care, or education; and not adhering
to the eligibility requirements for certification candidacy or recertification
requirements and Standards of Professional Practice of the Profession”
[Standard 8: Revocation of Certification].
“The ASEP Board
of Certification, by a majority vote, shall appoint five persons who are
Certified Exercise Physiologists to the "Professional Practice and Discipline
Committee". When the Board of Directors receives allegations that raise
the issue of "Revocation of Certification”, the Board of Directors shall
transmit such allegations to the Chair of the Professional Practice and
Discipline Committee. If the Committee determines that no good cause exists
to question eligibility or compliance with the Standards of Professional
Practice, no further action shall be taken. If the Committee determines,
by majority vote, that good cause does exist, it shall direct the transmittal
to the applicant or certificant by certified mail or tracked courier, return
receipt requested, of a letter containing a statement of the factual allegations
constituting the alleged violation and the disciplinary standard allegedly
violated. The letter shall also include the following recitation of rights
and procedures” [Standard 9: Disciplinary Committee and Review Process]::
1.
The applicant or certificant shall have 30 days in which to respond to
the allegations, provide comments regarding appropriate sanctions, and
request an oral hearing if he or she disputes the allegations.
2. Sanctions
may be imposed if the allegations are determined to be true by the Committee,
or if the applicant or certificant fails to submit a timely response.
3. The applicant
or certificant will be deemed to consent to the imposition of sanctions
by the Committee if he or she does not dispute the truthfulness of the
allegations.
4. The applicant
or certificant must appear in person if he or she requests a hearing.
5. The applicant
or certificant may be represented by counsel at the hearing, may present
evidence on his or her behalf, and may examine or cross-examine any witness
under oath.
“If an applicant
or certificant disputes the allegations and requests a hearing, the Chair
of the Professional Practice and Discipline Committee shall schedule a
hearing before the Committee. The opening statements by the applicant or
certificant, any testimony, and closing remarks shall be taped. The hearing
and related matters shall be determined by majority vote. The applicant
or certificant may appeal the decision by the Committee regarding the imposition
of sanctions. An appeal must be filed within 30 days of the applicant’s
or certificant's receipt of the decision through the submission of a written
appeals statement to the Committee. An Appeals Committee of three Certified
Exercise Physiologists from the Board of Certification should be formed
by the Committee to render a decision, using majority vote, on the record
without an oral hearing, although a written briefing may be submitted.
The decisions of the Professional Practice and Discipline Committee and
the Appeals Committee shall be rendered in writing to the Chair of the
Board of Certification. A decision either by the Committee or the Appeals
Committee shall contain factual findings, conclusions of law, and any sanctions
applied. It shall be transmitted to the applicant or certificant by certified
mail or tracked courier, return receipt requested. Sanctions for violations
of any ASEP Standard may include one or more of the following: denial or
suspension of eligibility; revocation; non-renewal; censure; reprimand;
suspension; special training; or other corrective actions. If the Committee
believes that there is an immediate and irreparable injury to the health
of the public, the Committee can, under the "Emergency Procedure", suspend
certification for up to 60 days pending full hearing. The individual applicant
or certificant authorizes the ASEP Board of Certification and its agents
to communicate any information relating to the certification to employers,
other applicants and certificants, educational programs, and others by
means of newsletter or otherwise. The individual releases, discharges,
and exonerates the members of the ASEP Board of Certification and the members
of the ASEP Board of Directors, agents, and any person furnishing documents,
records, and other information relating to the individual's eligibility,
certification, or recertification from any and all liability of any nature
and kind, arising out of the furnishing or inspection of such documents,
records, or other information, and any investigation, evaluation, and communication
regarding the individual's eligibility, certification, or recertification,
made by the ASEP Board of Certification” [Standard 10: Disciplinary Hearing,
Appeal, and Sanctions].
“Certification”
with a Purpose!
Certification
without a professionally-related purpose or vision is a waste. When
it results from a sense of direction and an understanding of the need for
a new beginning, it is awesome and right. This is exactly what has
happened under the direction of the Board of Directors and members of the
Board of Certification. The profession of exercise physiology is
better today because of the succinct and descriptive work that has gone
into the ASEP vision. The point of the vision is that it encapsulates
in three brief sentences the “challenges” and the “expectations” that define
our destiny. It is also a statement of inspiration and a demonstration
of the foresight to change and gain control of the exercise physiology
body of knowledge.
“Some
that recognize the need to change, deceive themselves, thinking they can
achieve a cultural transformation without pain and chaos. But it
just doesn’t work that way. Overhauling the culture is an agonizing
process. – P. Pritchett and R. Pound
Developing the
only “Board Certification” for exercise physiologists was an agonizing
process. Accreditation also has a purpose and it, too, demanded a
significant drive and care about exercise physiology. Dr. Dale Wagner
deserves a major “thanks” from every member of the Society. His work
was deliberate, driven, and steady. It helped set the stage for years
to come; a crusade to sell all exercise physiologists on the ASEP purpose
and strategy. The leadership behind the certification and accreditation
is obvious or, at least, it should be. Members of ASEP need to sell
others on the purpose, too. Where possible, they need to preach the
value of ASEP and explain to everyone its value in strengthening the emerging
profession.
The Months
to Come: Commitment is the Way to Win
To those who
have their eyes open, they know that some exercise physiologists have failed
to make it financially, some have been replaced, and some have given up
altogether. Leaders in the field must commit their minds and hearts
to strengthening the position of all exercise physiologists. Our
future literally lies in the hope of an unwavering commitment to support
ASEP, but as Dr. Jan K. Richardson said in a 1999 APTA Presidential Address:
“Success will not come unless our efforts are fired with emotion.
Our members must know that this is an investment of our heart and soul,
paid for in our sweat and blood.”
Richardson’s
comments apply equally to all transforming cultures, especially to exercise
physiologists who must start walking the walk and talking the talk.
Behavior and example are important. Work on behalf of others is more
important than recognition. Commitment to the right attitude will
shape the profession while failure in doing so will be a certain death
of our enthusiasm and progress. Commitment to making a change in
how we think about ourselves must become an imbedded characteristic that
defines our creativity and innovative thinking. In short, don’t be
afraid to be a renegade or a maverick (especially if your non-conformist
thinking helps to create a new exercise physiology).
Exercise physiology
needs professionals in the academic institutions who are willing to upgrade
the academic coursework to empower their students. Part of this process
is the change in beliefs and priorities that help students understand who
they are and what they will do as healthcare practitioners in the public
sector. The shift from exercise science to exercise physiology is
imperative. Also, the speed of the shift and the reshaping needs
to accelerate to emphasize our passion and commitment to realize the promise
of our profession. Become part of the ASEP vision and its future
by seizing every opportunity possible to speak about the professional development
of exercise physiology. One way of doing so is to:
1.
Develop a clear image of the ASEP vision.
2. Believe
that you can do something special.
3. Do whatever
it takes to realize the outcome.
4. Never give
up.
A Look to the
Future: The Nature of What is to Come
”A
key to your success in developing the soul of your firm is to harness the
power of diversity.” – C. William Pollard
It is of interest
to note that the second half of the title of this piece is “Niche or be
Niched”. For instance, if exercise physiologists don’t work
at defining “what they do” in the public sector, how are students going
to know what they can do and what they cannot do? This is a criticism
that needs correcting. One answer to “who we are” and “what we do”
is to re-read the “Standards” to see exactly the application of the exercise
physiology body of knowledge to issues and concerns within the public sector.
Hence, the contents of this article are organized to guide the reader in
the direction of linking graduation to a job, standards to a job, commitment
to professional development that leads to a job, and positive thinking
that is linked to the exercise physiology niche that defines a credible,
professional job. Others may have a completely different view of
this subject but, as the ASEP organization grows and as the obvious problems
are corrected with determination and persistence, it is a good idea to
expect that the ASEP vision will be realized and defined as the “business-professional
niche”.
To provide
a brief glance into this point of view, the following “niche” should be
considered seriously. It is the professional work of the exercise
physiologist in the future. That is, aside from the numerous other
career opportunities previously stated, the exercise physiology niche is
“physiology”. More specifically, it is the “physiology profile” that
results from a statistical analysis of cardiovascular physiology.
The public will come to recognize the diversity and professionalism in
the following description of the nature of what is to come of the Board
Certified Exercise Physiologist:
"The professionwide
standards of practice is a professional milestone of resounding praise
and appreciation for 21st century ASEP exercise physiologists for helping
to move our profession forward. The movement is an integrated application
of subject matter that defines the exercise physiology curriculum.
The application itself is either generalized where necessary or highly
detailed and specific to individuals where appropriate. The individuals may consist of:
1.
The young child with an excess weight problem; or
2. The child
with relatively little physical ability to properly perform physical activities;
3. The high school student who can benefit from the positive effects of
an exercise program; or
4. The student
whose competitive performance is improved by a better understanding of
applied physics or nutrition;
5. The college
student who is interested in understanding the role of the mind on physiologic
function; or
6. The student
who needs scientific information to train better and/or compete more effectively;
7. The mother
who has gained too much weight following her third child; or
8. The business
person whose work has taken precedent over mental-emotional-physical issues
that need correcting;
9. The middle-age
father who has questions about his/her son or daughter’s health and general
physical condition; or
10. The older
person who is interested in starting an exercise program or, perhaps,
improving a program; or
11. The individual
with one or more of the common musculoskeletal and/or metabolic diseases
and/or dysfunctions that benefit from a prescriptive exercise program;
and
12. The person
who has an interest in speaking with a credible and professional expert
in applied exercise.
Please pardon
the simplicity of the above statements of my attempt to individualize need
at a personal level since the examples are truly a drop in the bucket.
A Board Certified exercise physiologist is an academic prepared professional
who has the qualifications to address the entire spectrum of mind-body-emotional-spiritual
issues and concerns that distract from a positive and rewarding lifestyle.
“It
is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible
to the eye.” -- Antoine De Saint-Exupery
What has been
invisible to the eye of the exercise physiologist is the “opportunity of
professionalism” that allows for a career in human concerns that have seldom
been appreciated before the founding of ASEP. Opportunities now exist
beyond our greatest imagination with sports as our center of thinking,
but with life and health as our ultimate goal. Now, exercise physiologists
have the opportunity, if not, the nerve to influence the actual foundation
of medicine since exercise is medicine. All that is required is an
“absolute” honoring of credibility that aligns itself with the human application
of applied sciences. The application itself is as simple as a common
understanding of physiology, anatomy, and pathology. Naturally, the
application also requires knowledge of testing protocols and procedures,
statistical knowledge and interpretation, application of physics, nutrition,
and research design at rest and during exercise, advanced laboratory techniques
and cardiovascular physiology, and psychophysiology of health and exercise.
The Integration
of Identity and Professional Work
The professional
development of exercise physiology is uniquely related to the observations
that reflect directly on the comprehensive application of its body of knowledge.
Now, finally, with the preoccupation and application of its knowledge in
both a creative and coherent manner, the careless appearance of immature
mounting of ideas is reversed and replaced with an advanced understanding
of what the optimal conditions for professional application means to motivating
behavior. The effect of the integration is in essence the shaping
of a new professional; one with a different personality, education, and
psychological orientation to work in the public sector. This result
of a new way to view exercise physiology is multidimensional with no single
interpretation of the developing psychodynamics and self-actualization.
The self-actualization
itself stresses the development and maintenance of the self-concept of
the new exercise physiology and the achievement of its ideal self; a career
with credible interaction with the public sector. Public interest
and awareness of the ASEP Board Certified exercise physiologist will change
the meaning of exercise physiology forever and with it individual opinions
of the profession. All those not part of this new thinking and behavior
will ask: “What happened? Some will say, “I blinked. Suddenly
what was simply no longer exists.” Others will say, “Of course it
is obvious. It couldn’t have been otherwise. We are professionals.
Something had to be done on behalf of our students.”
The great Greek
philosopher, Socrates, used to say on numerous occasions, “Know thyself.”
We have the right to demonstrate our worth, our dignity, and our right
to work and think as exercise physiologists. We have the right to
be paid as the professionals that we are. We will not be niched!
To this end, have the courage to make mistakes. No matter how big
or small, everyone makes mistakes.
“The
person who never makes a mistake is the person who is a total failure,
for that person never tries to do something worthwhile.” -- Robert
H. Schuller
Happiness comes
from accepting the challenge and in knowing that we already have what we
want. We have met the unexpected, and we have handled it appropriately
and for the right reasons. As someone put it: “Life gives us
but moments, and for those moments we give our lives.”
Related
Readings/References
American Society
of Exercise Physiologists. (2002). ASEP Standards of Professional Practice.
[Online]. http://www.css.edu/ASEP/StandardsofProfessionalPractice.html
Pritchett,
P. and R. Pound. (1993). High Velocity Culture Change: A Handbook for Managers.
Dallas, Tex: Pritchett & Associates.
Copyright
©1997-2007
American Society of Exercise Physiologists All Rights
Reserved.
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