BooneThink

Getting outside of yourself is not an easy thing to do. I see it everyday with students. Some speak openly about the importance of exercise physiologists having their own professional organization. Others sit back and, often times make facial gestures of displeasure and/or disagreement with a comment that may have argued for supporting the ASEP organization. Just about every normal thinking student understands that physical therapy students support the APTA and, similarly, with dietitians in regards to ADA. The question “Why is it so difficult for graduate students with academic majors in everything other than an exercise physiology degree to discern the importance of a professional organization?” For those of who teach passionately about the need for the ASEP organization, nothing is more difficult than dealing with the insincerity of the students who just don’t get it.

You may say, “Wait a minute, I’m a student and I get it.” Sure, some students do get it. But, it is a small number of the larger pool of students. Time and again I wonder why this is the case for some, but not for the others. In light of multifaceted issues that link past experiences and contemporary behaviors to one’s identify, it’s not all that simple by any means. What is really uncomfortable is the idea that those who don’t get the importance of exercise physiologists having their own professional organization act as if they are offended by the alternative to their views. This, it seems to me is really laughable if it were not so unbelievable. Talk about creatures of habit. Talk about faith in a self-preoccupation that compromises professional integrity. Sports medicine is not exercise physiology! It is an absolute lie and an inexcusable fallacy to continue communicating the impossibility.

The very process of sitting back and isolating oneself from the 21st century view of exercise physiology requires a strong commitment. Perhaps, even more disturbing is the pious posturing by students who display their disrespect to teacher(s) required by their position and their professionalism to emphasize in the strongest manner possible the role of ASEP in the professionalism of exercise physiology. Aside from the freedom of each individual to decide for him or herself, one must wonder why such a commitment to disagree with ASEP supporters? Why can’t they call a spade a spade, especially given the stark facts that are staring at the students? Even now, writing this piece will cause them to point their fingers and frown as though those who believe in ASEP do not have the right to do so.

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There must be thousands of books and articles written with the title or theme, The Power of a Vision.”  I have one here in front of me.  It is written by Dr. Myles Munroe.  He is founder and president of Bahamas Faith Ministries International.  It is an excellent book.  Of course, Dr. Munroe looks at a vision from the standpoint of a sense of one’s personal purpose in life.  In other words, what were you born to do?  What were you destined to be?  These are important questions.  With a little reflection it is clear that the essence of a vision is to inspire people.  Or, perhaps, I should say that is the intended purpose. Those who write vision statements may say, imagine (for example) life without purpose and, therefore, without (maybe) the determination to do the impossible.

Do you know why you exist?  This is an interesting question, although the answer is so obvious.  Often, it is multifaceted, meaning that we have many reasons to live (to exist).  It may be one’s family, one’s work, or the multitude of services people provide others.  How about you?  Do you have a sense of personal purpose or vision, say as professional?  Is it exercise physiology?  Do you have a passion for the professionalism of exercise physiology?  And, if so, are you a member of the American Society of Exercise Physiologists?  It would make sense if you were, especially since the leaders have created the infrastructure for professional development.

They, the ASEP leaders, now understand the importance of a vision of the future.  They know that exercise physiologists didn’t have one for decades and look at the mess they have found themselves.  But, I should explain…..the mess belongs to the students.  They are the end-product of academic EPs failing to have a vision in the 70s, 80s, and 90s.  This is why students at graduation, when it is time to find a job and pay for the student loans,  move from happiness to a sense of despair.  A vision, such as the one ASEP has for its members, is the key to professional life, because where there is an expectation of hope, there is faith in the educational process and the teachers who support it.

Get a vision.  You are special.  Plan for the future.  Then, your vision (purpose) will become your passion and your life will be good.

Every person who aspires to be or is an exercise physiologist must remember that the destiny of exercise physiology as a healthcare profession is in us, and that we are free to look the other way, to not change it, or to do everything possible to insure that we live it.

Everyone shares a responsibility in the future of exercise physiology. But this responsibility must first be understood from the context of yesterday’s thinking. Only then if exercise physiologists are willing to see themselves for what they are will they be able to grow through their struggles.

The time has come for all exercise physiologists to step up to the plate and destroy the illusions of exercise physiologists gaining the respect of society by giving themselves over to a non-exercise physiology organization. This was not the case with other healthcare professions. They have their own professional organization.

Exercise physiologists must shift from the easy and comfortable to the hard work of building their profession. It has remained too long headed in the wrong path. This thinking cannot be otherwise. Our problem is not the lack of perfection in our research, but in our professionalism.

Why not take into account the work of others? Why not support the American Society of Exercise Physiologists? Common sense tells us that this is the right thing to do. It isn’t complex, but it does require commitment.