As the profession enters into the next century, it will be more important than ever to have the right definition of what is an exercise physiologist. It is an issue of specificity and control, including professional and economic autonomy. In time, there is no reason why exercise physiologists must continue to work under the supervision of the medical community. Instead, exercise physiologists will have the professional right to bill for services separate from supervision. The picture for exercise physiology is good.
Exercise physiologists are more involved and more influential today than a few years ago.
Exercise physiology research is alive and diverse. It is respected, and it prepares the way for leadership and a scientific foundation for academic preparedness. There is still much to be done, however. There is the need to support the emerging profession through the ASEP organization. ASEP is about empowerment and possibilities.