EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST

EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST (1607)

Research under the direction of William Todd Cade, PhD. in the Doctorate of Physical Therapy Division

Orthopaedic Surgery

Occupational Summary

Coordinate and supervise personnel and activities engaged in primarily exercise research studies for research participants within a specialized area at Duke University Medical Center; coordinate research and contracted activities.

Work Performed

• Supervise, plan, evaluate, and implement exercise studies for research participants within a specialized area through the utilization of procedures including maximal and submaximal exercise testing on a treadmill/cycle ergometer using a metabolic cart, strength testing (Universal and isokinetic dynamometry (Biodex)), cardiac and vascular ultrasound studies, body composition measurements, administration of metabolic studies (e.g. oral glucose tolerance testing, stable isotope infusion), resting indirect calorimetry, and other related activities.
• Take patient histories; conduct physical examinations; administer selected tests to include exercise stress, body density, electrocardiogram and blood tests to determine appropriate program which includes an individualized program of aerobic/resistance exercise, diet planning and instruction concerning modification of behavioral patterns to include smoking, eating and adherence to medication.
• Monitor the progress of individual research participants in the performance of prescribed exercise regimens to include personal motivation as well as assessment of participants tolerance of exercise program.
• Develop monitoring techniques and specialized types of exercise equipment to satisfy needs of the program; supervise maintenance of exercise testing equipment.
• Maintain records reflecting up to date participant progress, programs and related statistical data as required by departmental policies; evaluate collected data and provide reports to principal investigator.
• Explain plan and procedures to participants to allay fears and to elicit cooperation in gaining the maximum benefit from the program; plan post program follow-up to assist in carrying out maintenance program.
• Conduct physical, chemical or biological tests, experiments and determinations to obtain data in support of research oriented activities; compile and document procedures and results.
• Provide staff development and training in exercise testing technology and physiology; develop and implement quality assurance standards.
• Coordinate the collection, analysis, interpretation and documentation of all data generated by the research laboratory research projects. Compile and maintain records, reports and documentation of data and procedures.
• Assist PIs and Grant Managers in the development and submission of accurate proposal budgets and compliant proposal materials by interpreting sponsor guidelines, University policies and Federal regulations.
• Coordinate research participant recruitment and scheduling for research study procedures and exercise interventions.
• Assist PIs in grant and scientific paper writing and review of the literature.
• Screen participants for complex studies (e.g., procedural and interventional studies). Develops or helps develop SOPs.
• Is responsible for all aspects of managing and documenting Investigational Product (IP); including arrival, storage, tracking, and provision to research participants. Serves as the primary liaison with sponsors, IDS, and other parties as necessary.
• Prepares for and provides support for study monitoring and audit visits, including support for the reviewer. Addresses and corrects findings.
• Collects, prepares, processes, ships, and maintains the inventory of research specimens.
• Develops consent plans and documents for participants in a variety of studies. Develops and submits documentation and information for Institutional Review Board (IRB) review. Communicates with the IRB staff and reviewers and handle issues appropriately. Identifies all adverse events (AEs), and determines whether or not they are reportable. Collaborates with the PI to determine AE attributes, including relatedness to study. Prepares and submits documents needed for regulatory and safety reporting to sponsors and other agencies.
• For studies with complex supplies or equipment, ensures that there are ample supplies and that equipment is in good working order. Uses systems and system reports to manage research participants activities and charge routing. Prepares studies for closeout and document storage.

Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education/Training:

Work requires a Master's degree in Exercise Physiology, Physical Education or related field. CPFT or RPFT preferred or achieved within 6 months of hire. ACSM Exercise Specialist or Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist preferred. Maintain BLS certification annually,

Maintain ACLS certification annually. Valid driver's license required.

Experience:

One year clinical or related experience. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Skills:

Exercise Testing Properly explain and conduct cardiopulmonary exercise tests, clinical and research on moderate to high risk patients (e.g. CHF). Understand CPX interpretation. Responsible for troubleshooting problems related to metabolic cart. Screen all patients for absolute and relative contraindications, involving medical staff as needed. Know test indications, contraindications and reasons for termination as established by the ACC/ACSM guidelines. Help to perform validation and reliability testing on CPX, strength testing, metabolic, and cardiac/vascular imaging equipment. Monitors patient's hemodynamic response to exercise stimulation. Demonstrates knowledge of ECG interpretation and arrhythmia identification Identifies signs and symptoms indicative of abnormal response to exercise and intervenes appropriately. Strength testing and training using isokinetic dynamometry (Biodex) and Universal type equipment. Administers body composition testing (e.g. DXA, Bod Pod, skin fold calipers). Administers vascular function testing (will provide training). Assists nursing staff in administering metabolic studies.

Strength testing and training using isokinetic dynamometry (Biodex) and Universal type equipment. Other Organizes research laboratory schedule; recruits, schedules and tests research participants. Work with other clinical research coordinators to schedule participants. Data entry of research data obtained from studies. Assists PIs in grant and scientific paper writing. Participate in weekly lab meetings.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.