INTEGRATING EXPERTISE: THE ROLE OF CLINICAL EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGISTS IN TRAINING FUTURE CLINICIANS

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https://youtu.be/4-GprnlxmIM INTRODUCTION: Clinical exercise physiologists (CEPs) understand the importance and value of exercise on preventing and treating chronic disease, however, others in health-related fields often are not as well versed. There is limited to no coursework and/or training in medical programs despite the efficacy in utilizing exercise as medicine. An emerging need exists to not only educate future clinicians on the importance of exercise, but also to introduce them to the field of clinical exercise physiology and emphasize the value of referring to these specialists. A novel lifestyle medicine certificate program was developed for physician assistant (PA) students in coordination with a CEP to provide training on basic exercise prescription and the importance of exercise for chronic disease prevention and management while highlighting the value of CEPs. METHODS: Eight out of 22 PA students participated in a lifestyle medicine course focused on teaching behavior change, nutrition, and exercise prescription for the prevention and treatment of chronic disease. The program was 10 months of didactic sessions followed by 10 months of clinical application during which students engaged in patient encounters where lifestyle changes were appropriate and tasked with developing and discussing plans with those patients. RESULTS: Eighty-eight percent of PA students felt that the education received in their PA training was not enough to provide detailed recommendations for exercise prescription. PA students who completed the lifestyle medicine program felt either fully (12.5%) or somewhat competent (87.5%) in exercise prescription for patients with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. PA students who did not participate felt either somewhat competent (79%) or not competent (21%). Even following the lifestyle medicine program, most PA students identified that they did not feel fully competent in exercise prescription in patients with chronic disease and conditions. CONCLUSION: A lifestyle medicine certificate program was effective in improving future clinician’s understanding of the importance of physical activity and their confidence in discussing it with their patients. Additionally, PA students gained a better understanding of their limitations in exercise prescription and developed an awareness and appreciation for the various professions including CEPs, and programs like cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, that are available to assist in patient care.

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