The contributions ASEP members make to society, through its electronic journals and Standards of Professional Practice, allow for new thinking about exercise physiology careers in the public sector through increased opportunities in wellness, fitness, rehabilitation, and athletics. There is no question that exercise physiologists engage in a practice, and that they are professionals. The success and strength of ASEP and its independence from externally imposed regulations depends on the internal policing of work-related behavior. Physicians understand this point. Lawyers understand, and high school teachers are learning about the importance of professionalism.
Professionalism is a way of thinking, and it is on the right track to doing the right thing.
It is thinking in terms of agreement with rules of a professional organization, thinking in terms of a commitment and contribution to exercise physiologists, and thinking in terms of helping the public sector understand and accept exercise physiologists in all aspects of healthcare issues. Exercise physiology professionalism is about respecting the credentialing system in the United States. It is about accepting a standard of practice to avoid harm of any kind to others. It is about thinking as a professional even the basics of how to dress, respecting others, paying one s debts, and obeying the law. In other words, professionalism is about thriving and serving the public s well being, and a sense of compliance to moral rules that allow a place in history.