Q&A: Where is Exercise Physiology in Medical Education?

A recent graduate's viewpoint on what physicians need

Lee Pierson, M.D., is an ACSM member who completed medical school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2008. He has undergraduate and M.S. background in exercise physiology, as well as very recent experience in medical school training. Given his recent exposure to both areas, Pierson shares his thoughts on the status and needs for exercise physiology within medical education.

Throughout his training, Dr. Pierson has been actively involved in research on exercise applications in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease. Certainly, training in exercise physiology is fundamental to preparing physicians to consistently and effectively address physical activity needs of their patients – the fundamental basis for the Exercise is Medicine™ program.

Q: How do you see your knowledge and special training in exercise physiology relating to your medical career and care for patients?

I am interested in a career in cardiology, with emphasis on secondary prevention of cardiac events and disease progression in patients with coronary disease. I believe that exercise, as part of comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation, is very important to help reduce disease progression and prevent cardiovascular events.More

Continuing ACSM coverage of the Paralympic Games

The Games in Canada are far from over! Although the Olympics ended on Feb. 28, inspiring Paralympic athletes from around the globe are competing in Vancouver beginning March 12.

The ACSM Olympic/Paralympic Resource Center features commentary on the Paralympics, and experts are encouraged to provide their take on sports medicine and exercise science aspects of the Games. If you’d like to feature a Paralympics article on the site, simply e-mail winterolympics@acsm.org. ACSM has an ongoing partnership with the International Paralympic Committee.More

Register Your World Day for Physical Activity Event!

Be part of a global movement – literally! Every year in April, World Day for Physical Activity (through the Agita Mundo program) celebrates the health benefits of regular exercise. In 2009, more than 5 million people around the world participated in Agita Mundo activities. ACSM supports the mission of the program through an Indianapolis-based event (the ACSM National Center headquarters city) and nationwide events through the College’s regional chapters.

If your organization or campus is holding a physical activity-related event next month, register it on the Agita Mundo Web site! Registering your event is a simple, free way to make a connection with a global network focused on the same cause. Nothing planned yet? Consider hosting an event – even something as simple as free health examinations for students or a lunchtime walk with your department counts. For more information about World Day for Physical Activity and Agita Mundo, visit www.agitamundo.org.More

April 14 Deadline: 2011 Honor/Citation Award Nominations

The ACSM Awards and Tributes Committee will be accepting nominations electronically for the 2011 Honor/Citation awards. These awards recognize those who have made outstanding scientific and scholarly contributions to sports medicine and/or the exercise sciences. Recipients of these awards will be honored during the banquet at the 2011 Annual Meeting in Denver, Colo. Deadline is April 15, 2010. Click here for more information.More

Policy Corner: Physical Activity a Focus at Childhood Obesity Hearings

Last week, the House Education and Labor Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee held hearings to address childhood obesity issues. The meetings were prompted by First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move initiative, which seeks to end the childhood obesity epidemic. ACSM has been selected as a key organization in moving the initiative forward and assisting with program development and outreach.

Members of Congress and witnesses at both hearings stressed a balanced approach should include increasing levels of physical activity and improving nutrition. The Senate HELP Committee took a general approach by emphasizing wellness and prevention. Members and witnesses at both hearings agreed that an environment conducive to leading healthier lives was central to any solution. For example, Ranking Member Mike Enzi (R-WY) suggested awarding students certificates for physical activity achievements or instituting the standard that recess precede lunch. Other ideas that were suggested include constructing more walking paths and parks to provide convenient opportunities to exercise and developing physical activity standards to encourage healthier lifestyles. As Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) said, it's easier to be unhealthy than healthy-the opposite should be true.More

Reach a Large Audience with Your Health and Fitness Expertise

Attention ACSM members! Do you have radio interview experience and expertise on a public-friendly health and fitness topic? As you may have seen in past issues of Sports Medicine Bulletin, ACSM has its own "sports medicine and fitness" program with HealthRadio, an online syndicate radio station. ACSM experts are featured live every week at 1 p.m. ET.

Interested in contributing to the show (and, in turn, publicizing your expertise and research?) Just send an e-mail with your proposed topic to publicinfo@acsm.org.More

Women More Affected Than Men by Air Pollution When Running Marathons
Science Daily
Higher levels of particles in the air were associated with slower running times for women, while men were not significantly affected. The difference may be due to the smaller size of women's tracheas, which makes it easier for certain particles to deposit there and possibly to cause irritation.More

Even More Reasons to Get a Move On
The New York Times
Regular exercise is the only well-established fountain of youth, and it's free. What, I'd like to know, will persuade the majority of Americans who remain sedentary to get off their duffs and give their bodies the workout they deserve? My hope is that every new testimonial to the value of exercise will win a few more converts until everyone is doing it.More