Hope and Cynicism
Larry Birnbaum, PhD., EPC
Associate Professor
Department of Exercise Physiology
The College of St. Scholastica
Duluth, MN  55811 

Visions come from the willingness to see the big picture.   Sounds easy and rather straight forward thinking, but a lot of things get in the way and cloud our perspective.  Some say exercise physiology ought to be defined by sports medicine.  The ASEP exercise physiologists believe differently.  These are two opposite views, much like what St. Augustine once wrote:  “Hope has two beautiful daughters.  Their names are anger and courage; anger at the way things are, and courage to see that they do not remain the way they are.”  Thus, it’s virtually impossible not to ask the obvious questions:  (1) are we (exercise physiologists) angry about what is wrong with the field? and (2) if we are angry, do we have the courage to change it?

The opposite of hope is cynicism.  Cynicism also has two daughters, indifference and cowardice.  Again, as we think about how things happen, are we sitting on the sidelines not really caring about exercise physiology?  Of course the question is only the beginning of how we might think about doing something different.  The words “hope” and “cynicism” imply a conflict of some kind.  Is it that we are afraid to step up to the plate to work for positive change?  Envisioning the future is never an easy process.  And, for certain, turning possibilities into realities seems very uncertain.  Perhaps, it is just a simple matter of getting off our duff.  Rather than expecting others to make the appropriate changes, maybe we should make the effort to be better exercise physiologists.
 
Hope and cynicism.  These two words are very powerful and timely for exercise physiology.  Some of us have a vision and “hope” for something better for our students.  For example, we hope that all exercise physiologists will be recognized and respected as healthcare providers in a variety of settings.  We hope that the professionalization of exercise physiology will bring about this recognition and respect.  We also realize that much work needs to be done to achieve this goal.  It is a shared vision of hope that is good.
 
Do you have what it takes to pitch in and help with the effort?  The work includes the accreditation of all exercise physiology programs throughout the country as well as certification of all exercise physiologists as exercise physiologists by The Center of Exercise Physiology.  It’s not about getting just another certification.  It’s about breaking from the past way of thinking, making a better life for students, and stopping the censorship of exercise physiology by non-exercise physiology organizations.

There are numerous programs in exercise science, kinesiology, and the like that could become accredited programs in exercise physiology if the faculty made the appropriate curriculum changes.  The changes are necessary to prepare students as healthcare practitioners who can access real jobs, jobs that pay a good salary and have career potential.  These are changes that say, “We are board certified exercise physiology professionals, we aren’t just certified fitness experts.”

The American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP) has a legitimate accreditation process in place.  It is a helpful process, not one that reprimands programs for deficiencies.   Deficiencies are noted where they exist, but programs are given ample time and guidance to rectify any deficiencies.  Accreditation is absolutely essential for the achievement of professional status.  All healthcare professions have an accreditation process for their individual academic programs.

The ASEP leaders have also created a legitimate certification process.  It is designed specifically for the exercise physiologist,.  An applicant must meet established criteria to sit for the exam; all of which is described in detail on the ASEP web pages.  The exam includes both written and practical (laboratory/hands-on) components.  Passing the exam demonstrates to employers that the individual has mastered the body of knowledge required to practice as a competent exercise physiologist.

Because ASEP has valid accreditation and certification processes, exercise physiologists have hope for the future.  In other words, they have created a shared understanding that is exciting and full of possibilities.  Exercise physiology as a healthcare profession is at the heart and conviction of the ASEP leaders.  Today, there are established Standards of Practice, a Code of Ethics, web-based professional journals, an avenue for sharing information including research (national meetings), and so much more.
 
As the only organization that exclusively represents exercise physiologists, the ASEP leaders have fought legislative battles on behalf of all exercise physiologists.  Their work has provided sustenance to augment hope.  Indeed, ASEP has shown the way, but it is the individual members who have demonstrated courage in doing the work.  Simply put, it takes courage to work on behalf of an emerging profession.

• Courage is required to explain to the old guard why exercise physiology must move forward as a healthcare profession. 
• Courage is needed to explain to a potential employer why an EPC is the appropriate person for the job rather than someone else with multiple, but worthless credentials (e.g., weekend warrior certifications). 
• Courage is crucial to fight legislative battles against other healthcare professions from attempting to invade our domain.  Perhaps the ultimate legislative battle is for licensure, and that battle surely cannot be won without courage.

The exercise physiologists that have hope have joined ASEP.  They know that by working with ASEP, their hope can be brought to fruition.  They are not cynical because they do care about what happens in exercise physiology, and they have the courage to work for the needed changes.  How about you?  Are you hopeful or cynical?