There has been a lot of
progress in sports medicine and exercise science (physiology) during my
professional lifetime, but I'm afraid it's heading in the wrong direction.
In a nutshell, when exercise physiology receives less organizational support
than sports medicine, something isn't right.
But why and where is the
horrendous incompetence, if any? Where does the developed bureaucracy come
from that sells sports medicine? The short answer is twofold: First, the
sports medicine officials have achieved a lot from simple hard work and
deception. Second, exercise physiologists may have become a victim of their
own incompetence. As to the latter, whether the incompetence results from
the accumulation of deadwood or just plain inefficiency doesn't matter,
the end result is that exercise physiology has not moved forward as fast
as sports medicine.
It is a paradox that in our
time of considerable interest in sports medicine, when so many students
are graduating from exercise physiology programs, we have never been less
certain about what is ahead for exercise physiologists. The pitfalls have
become only too obvious for our graduates. As it turns out, one could say
that exercise physiologists have made their bed so let them lie in it.
But, just because exercise
physiologists, as experts, have acted slowly with minimum information about
professionalization, it doesn't mean they have stopped thinking. As W.
Lippmann stated, "Where all think alike, no one thinks very much." Exercise
physiologists must disengage themselves from sport medicine influences
that are not relevant to the professionalization of exercise physiology.
In so doing, they should move closer to discovering their own way.
Know Thy Direction
The ultimate purpose of
the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP) is to help exercise
physiologists chart a course toward a more rewarding professional life.
Careful consideration of the priorities for professional growth will help
keep exercise physiology moving forward.
The interest of ASEP members
is in the future because that is where our graduates will spend their professional
work. Members are also developing a concept of the professional they want
to be. A self-concept that is consistent with professionalization as well
as a vision that will contribute to their peace of mind and life on their
own terms.
Knowing thy way isn't a easily
learned lesson. It requires an organized effort and strategy to create
reality. After all, it is perfectly logical to abandon a course of action
that isn't helping the profession. This should not be surprising or illogical.
It seems that some forget that professional development, like life, is
an ever-changing process.
Concentrating Efforts
To strengthen a constructive
professional base, exercise physiologists should concentrate their efforts
within areas of competence. To avoid doing so will only escalation the
job market problems, given the established hierarchies. Realistic ancademic
alternatives to encourage the growth of exercise physiology will replace
the poor employment opportunities. It is an arduous task, but well within
reach.
Becoming more aware of our
individuality and of how to avoid being manipulated into conforming to
the goals and objectives of other organizations are extremely important.
The future lies ahead. If we wish to make a new place for exercise physiologists,
we have the materials. To put it another way: It is now our moral duty
to save ourselves.
<>Revolution From Within
>
<>Aristotle, in 300 B.C.,
wrote that "Happiness is self-contentedness." Not until we start investing
in our professional worth will society have faith in us. Many exercise
physiologists have already gotten the feeling that change is inevitable
and they are working on it. Others do not appear to know the absolute basis
for their decisions, but they have a very distinctive feeling that it is
"right" to act on their behalf. This feeling appears to be the sum total
of their personalized experience and understanding of the issues faced
by the profession.>
<>
>However, trusting one's innate
knowledge takes time. It isn't as straight forward as it seems. In fact,
it may be an almost revolutionary concept to trust intuition. It helps
to be motivated. Some individuals may be limited in realizing the power
they possess in solving problems. As a result, they tend to rely heavily
on the views of others that may be significantly problematic. For one,
the assumptions of sports medicine professionals have proven inappropriate
for specific situations faced by exercise physiologists.
"Business is business" is
no longer an acceptable state of mind. Other professionals are prejuding
the exercise physiologist. Their prejudiced points of view are entirely
different from what motivates exercise physiologists. Therefore, it is
advisable for all exercise physiologists to unite and connect emotionally.
They need to listen with open minds to strength their collectively contendedness.
Thinking Ahead
After all is said and done,
the reputation of exercise physiologists is in their hands. Down the road,
survival is clear function of delivering first-rate service to the public.
It won't happen overnight, but it will happen.
There will be increasingly
more bright young people majoring in exercise physiology. They will communicate
better and faster with each other than the present form of teamwork and
other communication styles. They will have increased ability to manage
and develop programs to help society.
No longer will the public
be closed to the exercise physiologist's message of healthcare management
and prevention. They will have an organization to support and sell their
professional abilities. Young and smart exercise physiologists will open
doors of increased opportunities for all kinds of entrepreneurs in the
health-fitness-rehab fields. Computers and home healthcare will become
major players in realizing better health and fitness.
Exercise physiologists will
be well-focused and self-confident. They will understand their own leadership
strengths. Their ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face sessions
will be well-understood by other professionals. They will experience a
shared sense of purpose with other healthcare providers.
Exercise physiology is moving
forward!
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©1998 American Society of Exercise Physiologists. All Rights
Reserved.