Improving the Legitimacy of Exercise Science

Last week the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur foundation announced its annual “Genius Grant” recipients. The grant features a 500,000 “no strings attached” check that is dispersed over five years. Among this year’s recipients was Dr. Kevin Guskiewicz, a Sports Medicine researcher at the University of North Carolina. Dr. Guskiewicz has spent the past 18 years studying sport induced concussions including acute diagnosis and long-term effects. Last week’s grant announcement was a monumental milestone in the Exercise Science realm. Exercise Science research is being moved off the back burner, into the public eye and the big research dollars are moving right behind.

 

One would think 500,000 dollars would evoke a bigger smile

Another instance of the improving academic view of Exercise Science is shaping up with the passage of “Obama Care” on Capitol Hill. This combined with Michelle Obama’s self proclaimed fight against childhood obesity will lead to HUGE epidemiological research grant opportunity. Additionally, it brings an increased likelihood of having national licensure exams for clinical physiologist and insurance covered visits. All these things will only grow the legitimacy of the field. For a field of science that is only 40-50 years old, Exercise Science is doing pretty well.  

 

Obama playing against UNC (Ironic ehh?)