Personal Philosophy of Clinical Exercise Physiology

Anna Howery
Carroll University

Personal Philosophy of Clinical Exercise Physiology

According to the Clinical Exercise Physiology Association, a clinical exercise
physiologist is defined as a healthcare professional who is trained to work with patients with
chronic diseases where exercise training has been shown to be of therapeutic benefit, including
but not limited to cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease and metabolic disorders. However,
in addition, I believe core characteristics are needed in this profession in order to be an effective
clinical exercise physiologist. The aspects of my clinical exercise physiology philosophy and
belief system are as follows: clinical knowledge, compassion, advocacy, respect, honesty, and
communication. Based on the above characteristics and the ability to improve an individuals
well being and quality of life is why I chose a career as a clinical exercise physiologist.
The nature of clinical exercise physiology is rooted in science and clinical knowledge. As
a clinical exercise physiologist, it is a goal to assist individuals in returning to a specific level of
functioning following an illness or injury. This requires a knowledge regarding current best
practice as it pertains to exercise testing, exercise prescriptions and patient education. Clinical
exercise physiologists must understand specific diseases and disease processes in areas such as
cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease and metabolic disorders. Applying educational
knowledge and research techniques I have learned and obtained throughout the didactic
coursework during my masters program will assist myself in being an effective clinical exercise
physiologist.
In regards to clinical exercise physiology and patient care, my philosophy of clinical
exercise physiology focuses on a lifestyle medicine approach, which emphasizes patient-centered
care, as well as the development of a caring and compassionate patient relationship. A lifestyle
medicine approach to treating the patients allows for clinical exercise physiologists to implement

lifestyle behavioral changes in patients to assist in improving their quality of life. By utilizing
this approach, a patient is an active partner in their system of care, allowing the patient to take
responsibility for their actions. This approach allows clinical exercise physiologists to understand
each patient at a complex level and implement behavioral change that is specific to the patients
beliefs and motivations. Lifestyle medicine approaches allow for the development of an effective
healthcare provider patient relationship that is built on compassion, respect and honesty.
My vision for practice as a clinical exercise physiologist focuses on making the most
beneficial and effective decisions for the patient. I hope to build a caring, trusting relationship
with my patients that is built on respect for one another. My goal is to empower each patient to
be active in their care in hopes of improving their overall quality of life. My doing so, I will
implement and apply clinical best practice recommendations when working with each individual
patient in order to obtain optimal outcomes.
In addition to providing superior patient care, effective communication with other health
care professionals is essential. As I believe in utilizing a patient-centered approach, it will be
important that health care professionals work in a collaborative practice such as an
interprofessional team, in order to ensure consistent, continuous and reliable care. Effective
communication in an interprofessional collaborative practice has shown to improve patient
outcomes and the retention of medical staff. Therefore, collaboration with other health care
professionals is essential in order to be a successful clinical exercise physiologist and assist
patients in reaching their health and wellness goals.
The nature of clinical exercise physiology is something that cannot be simplified into one
word or phrase. Clinical exercise physiology is more than a profession; it is more than assisting
an individual in regaining a specific level of functioning, rather it is a model of care and service

to others, and it is continually evolving. The nature of clinical exercise physiology revolves
around a commitment to those in need, assisting individuals, of a variety of fitness levels, in
returning to activities of daily living. In conclusion, my vision as a clinical exercise physiologist
is to develop positive relationships with both my patients and other healthcare professionals in
order to provide optimal patient care.