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Professionalization of Exercise PhysiologyonlineISSN 1099-5862?Vol 13 No 3 March 2010Professionalism in Exercise PhysiologyLet Your Passion Be EvidentErica Fossum, BS, EPCBoard Certified Exercise PhysiologistsThe College of St. ScholasticaDuluth, MN 55811SOMEONE ONCE SAID that “charisma is passion demonstrated.” As we think about the future of our career in exercise physiology, we should start to think about how we can best serve others. A lot of special skills come into play in making a quality health care provider, and among them is demonstrating passion for our field. Being passionate about what we do can give others hope that they can take charge of their own health. It can encourage our patients to develop better health habits, and hopefully gain a lifelong love for being physically active.What will the face of exercise physiology look like as we go forth and pursue our career path? I would hope that others who meet us will see an individual that is passionate about their field. They should see someone who believes in the power of exercise in improving the health and overall well being of individuals. A person who is an exercise physiologist should lead by example, and be ready to work collaboratively with other allied healthcare professionals.In some cases, we will be one of the few exercise physiologists somebody else has met. This gives us the unique opportunity to set the stage for how that person will perceive the profession. We have the opportunity to set the bar high for what is expected of us, and show others how capable we are at performing a unique set of skills.Some individuals who are just starting out in the field of exercise physiology may be hesitant to branch out, and explore the possibilities of a relatively new field. It may be easier to choose a field where a strong precedent has been set. We shouldn’t let the unknown deter us from pursuing a field that we are truly passionate about. If you are meant to be an exercise physiologist, your energy and passion as well as your drive and determination can make it all possible. If you believe in yourself and that you are capable, others will too. We can act as a shining light for others who wish to pursue a career in the field when we let our passion be evident to all. Passion for your career or field of work makes you feel energized and alive, and fills you with the sense that what you do for people is worthwhile and fulfilling [1]. There is a great deal of courage and decency in letting patients and others know about your enthusiasm and optimism for exercise physiology. This positive energy is contagious, and can serve to motivate [2] and inspire others to do their best. Whether that means your patients or clients you work with, or your fellow co-workers, we must work together to accomplish our goals. Whatever career path a person chooses, the greatest sense of peace and satisfaction comes from following your heart. There may be pressure to pursue a career that others expect of you. Only you can decide what is best for you, and what field suits your specific skills, talents and abilities. I believe that the future of exercise physiology is very bright [3]. While there may be setbacks and challenges, we can overcome these obstacles with endurance, courage, and grace. Opening our eyes to the possibilities of our field will only allow our profession to grow. Years from now, we can look back at how far the profession has come, and be proud of the small part that we played in helping it grow.ReferencesEllis, G. and Hupp, S. (2000). More Of…God’s Word of Life For Women. Grand Rapids, MI: The Zondervan Corporation.Hovi, J. (2006). Motivation: The Most Powerful Leadership Principle. Professionalization of Exercise Physiologyonline. [Online]. , J., Gordon, P., Visich, P., and Keteyian, S. (2009). Clinical Exercise Physiology. (2nd edition). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. ................
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