This is the second episode of our special podcast series exploring the Sept/Oct themed issue of the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal on professionalization and advocacy. In this episode, we’ll discuss actionable steps exercise professionals need to take, with Dr. Rachele Pojednic, the co-author for the article in the themed issue entitled "Critical Action Steps to Take as a Certified Exercise Professional in a Rapidly Evolving Healthcare Market."
In an enlightening discussion with Rachele, we learn the vital importance of trust-building with healthcare providers and the general public. Discover why certification and credentialing are more than just formalities—they are the cornerstone for establishing credibility and demonstrating expertise. Dr. Pojednic merges her extensive experience in both academia and industry to reveal how evidence-based practices can be successfully applied in real-world scenarios.
Advocacy and communication are more important than ever as we work to shift the perception of exercise from a luxury to a healthcare necessity. Social media and professional credentials play crucial roles in differentiating credible exercise professionals from "fitfluencers," and we share practical tips for leveraging these platforms to build trust. Rachele shares an engaging anecdote about presenting to endocrinologists, highlighting the existing trust gap and the pressing need for exercise professionals to advocate for their indispensable role in modern healthcare. This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you elevate your career and make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector. Don't miss out—tune in now!
Our Guest: Dr Rachele Pojednic, PhD FACSM
Dr. Pojednic is the CEO and Founder of Strong Process Education and the Director of Scientific Research at Restore Hyperwellness. She holds a faculty appointment at Stanford University and is a research associate at the Institute of Lifestyle Medicine at Harvard Medical School. She received her PhD in nutritional biochemistry from Tufts University and her current research examines nutrition, supplementation and physical activity interventions on muscle physiology, performance and recovery. She has a passion for science communication and has been featured in NPR, NYTimes, Time, Popular Science, Oprah Daily and the Wall Street Journal.
Links from this Episode:
Article: Critical Action Steps to Take as a Certified Exercise Professional in a Rapidly Evolving Healthcare Market (open access)
Alliance Membership Sign-up: www.acsm.org/join (discount code: AllianceSave30)