Physiologist - Career Advice - Research and Development

Exercise Clinical Physiologist (Exercise Sports Scientist) - on separate page

Skill Level 5

A physiologist is an expert who examines the elements that make a biological system function. Physiology may encompass a range of occupations, each focusing on a species (at On the Job we are only focusing on humans)

They are scientists.

Physiologists carry out their duties by studying how the human body functions. They analyse the body in normal and pathological situations to determine how the body behaves in various contexts. Using a multidisciplinary approach, physiologists investigate how organs, tissues, cells, and biochemical pathways work together to maintain health and respond to external stimuli. Their research findings contribute to advancements in medical understanding, disease prevention, and the development of strategies for optimizing human performance and well-being.

Physiology, like other medical professions, is vast and covers various sectors of activity, such as research, academia and practice. The tasks of a physiologist differ based on their speciality and degree of education. Nonetheless, physiologists aspire to make a difference in their profession, whether via clinical practice, research or educating students about the field.

They work closely with doctors, nurses and other medical specialists that focus on specific body areas. For example, they may collaborate with a doctor whose expertise surrounds the heart. Clinical physiologists typically use specialised equipment to investigate and undertake procedures on patients. These healthcare specialists may assist with diagnosing, monitoring or treating patients. They often record and analyse various parts of the body to help them function normally.

Bachelor of Echocardiography & Cardiac Physiology
(Source: CQU)

ANZSCO: 234512

Alternative names: Clinical Physiologist, Exercise Physiologist, Exercise Specialist, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Clinical Exercise Specialist, Physical Therapy Technician, Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Intern, Sports Medicine Assistant, Physical Therapy Aide, Cardiac Rehabilitation Intern, Group Exercise Manager, Exercise Coordinator, Exercise Physiology Intern, Cardiac Scientist, Clinical Measurement Scientist, Cardiac Technician (although this term is being slowly removed in Australia)

Specialisations: Physiologists may specialize in a particular area of the body, such as neuroscience, cardiology, or respiratory therapies. A physiologist might be a specialist with a restricted or wide emphasis within each field of study:

Human Systems
(Source: Career Explorer)

Exercise Physiologist (Exercise Sports Scientist) - on separate page
Exercise Physiologists: Exercise physiologists specialize in studying the physiological responses and adaptations of the body to exercise and physical activity. They assess individuals' fitness levels, design tailored exercise programs, and provide guidance to enhance overall health and achieve specific fitness goals.
Cardiac physiologist: A cardiac physiologist specialises in problems relating to a patient's heart. They often examine the heart to make a diagnosis. Investigations can involve carrying out tests for heartbeat irregularities and identifying issues with blood flow, among other cardiovascular processes. Cardiac physiologists undertake specific training and sometimes further study to have the particular knowledge to run more advanced tests relating to the heart.
Neurophysiologists: Neurophysiologists specialize in the study of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. They investigate how the nervous system controls and coordinates body functions and how it responds to various stimuli.
Cardiovascular Physiologists: Cardiovascular physiologists study the heart and blood vessels, including how they work to pump blood throughout the body and how they are affected by diseases such as heart disease and hypertension.
Respiratory Physiologists: Respiratory physiologists study the lungs and how they function in breathing and gas exchange. They also investigate the effects of lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Endocrine Physiologists: Endocrine physiologists study the endocrine system, which is responsible for regulating hormones and various physiological processes such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction.
Renal Physiologists: Renal physiologists specialize in the study of the kidneys and how they regulate fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. They also investigate the effects of kidney diseases such as kidney failure and nephritis.
Sleep physiologists: support patients experiencing health problems that relate to poor sleep. They may also assist patients who experience trouble staying awake during the day. Their role can often involve working with patients in several settings, including a patient's home, at a sleep clinic or in a hospital. These professionals study a patient's sleep and record signals relating to body movements, heart function or breathing. Once they have a diagnosis, a sleep physiologist may work closely with the patient to develop a long-term treatment plan to improve sleep quality.
Gastroenterology physiologists: specialise in working with patients who have digestive track conditions. The body areas they understand the most include the oesophagus, liver and pancreas. They may use specific instruments that help to measure the performance of various aspects of the digestive tract.
Reproductive Physiologists: Reproductive physiologists study the male and female reproductive systems and how they function in reproduction and sexual health.
The following three examples highlight the diverse applications of physiological knowledge in clinical, research, and environmental contexts.
Clinical Exercise Physiologist in a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program: A clinical exercise physiologist working in a cardiac rehabilitation program may design and implement exercise programs tailored to individuals recovering from heart-related conditions. They assess patients' cardiovascular fitness, monitor vital signs during exercise sessions, and adjust exercise prescriptions based on individual responses. Through their expertise, they contribute to improving patients' cardiovascular health and overall well-being.
Research Physiologist Investigating Diabetes Metabolism: A research physiologist specializing in metabolism might conduct studies to investigate the physiological mechanisms underlying diabetes. They could explore how insulin resistance develops at the cellular level, design experiments to test the effectiveness of potential interventions, and analyze metabolic pathways contributing to the condition. Through their research findings, they aim to advance our understanding of diabetes and contribute to the development of new treatments or preventive measures.
Environmental Physiologist Studying the Effects of Altitude on Human Physiology: An environmental physiologist may conduct research on the impact of high altitude on human physiology. They could design field studies or laboratory experiments to investigate how the body responds to reduced oxygen levels at higher elevations. This research may have implications for understanding altitude-related illnesses, such as altitude sickness, and could contribute to developing strategies for acclimatization or interventions for individuals living or working at high altitudes, such as mountain climbers or airline crew members.

Clinical Neurophysiology Scientist
(Source: University of Sydney)

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Strong analytical skills: Good analytical skills are essential for determining findings from various tests. Analysing the tests can help with diagnosis or treatment options. Physiologists may also take part in research projects, where they can use analytical skills to produce reports and findings.
Good communication skills: Being able to articulate your findings to doctors is important to ensure appropriate action. Communicating treatment plans using simplified terms is essential when caring for patients, so they clearly understand how to look after themselves. Clear written communication can also be helpful for tasks like emailing technical staff to assist with procedures.
Attention to detail: Clinical physiologists often manage multiple patients, doctor requests and treatment plans at once. Therefore, expert attention to detail is essential to ensure you address individual symptoms accurately. It can also help you remember key facts about your colleagues and foster positive working relationships with colleagues.
Empathy: is an important skill to have when working closely with patients. It can help you display genuine care and establish trusting relationships with patients and families. Clinical physiologists can also assist patients with rehabilitation or recovery, which can be a long process. Being empathetic and understanding a patient's situation can help to aid in their recovery.
Teamwork: Clinical physiologists often work with a vast range of medical staff in hospitals and clinics. You may assist multiple patients and doctors, rely on results from technicians and require help from nurses to achieve your goals. Establishing good working relationships with colleagues can help you learn from others.
Work well under pressure: As a clinical physiologist, you may run multiple tests before you diagnose a patient. Patients and families may be eager to receive immediate results following tests that can take some time to process. Working well under pressure allows you to stay calm to complete each stage of a task thoroughly. It can also help you prioritise duties, depending on their urgency.
Ability to be flexible: As a clinical physiologist, you may often work standard business hours, primarily if you operate at a private practice. You may also work nights, weekends or be on call to assist patients and medical staff if you work in a hospital or public clinic. Having a flexible approach and adapting your personal life around your work commitments can help maintain your professionalism.

Did You Know?

Physiological mechanisms of unexplained (functional) gastrointestinal disorders
(Source: The Journal of Physiology)

Duties and Tasks

In healthcare settings, clinical physiologists may work to diagnose and treat medical conditions by conducting physiological assessments and tests. They collaborate with healthcare professionals to interpret physiological data for patient diagnosis and treatment planning.

Some physiologists work with patients or pupils directly, while others work in laboratories, where they do research that might lead to breakthroughs in environmental safeguards or human treatment. Growth, respiration reproduction and nutrition are some of the most common functions that physiologists may study.

Studying the human body: Physiologists study the normal and abnormal functions of the human body, including the organs and systems that make it up. They may also study the physiology of animals or plants.
Data Collection and Analysis: Physiologists collect and analyse physiological data using a variety of tools and techniques, including laboratory equipment, imaging technology, and specialized software. They interpret research findings and draw conclusions based on data analysis.
Diagnosing and treating patients: Physiologists work with other medical professionals to diagnose, monitor, and treat patients. They may use specialized equipment to observe and record the body's functions.
Creating treatment plans: Physiologists create treatment plans to improve a patient's health and fitness. These plans may include physical activity programs, rehabilitation procedures, or lifestyle changes.
Educating patients: Physiologists educate patients, their families, and friends about rehabilitation procedures and lifestyle changes.
Researching: Physiologists may conduct research on the cellular structure of living things, the effects of hazardous natural mechanisms on the body, or the evolution of diseases. Conducting research on the impacts of hazardous natural mechanisms on the body.
Experimenting to determine the effect of various factors on life processes
Observing the body in motion
Monitoring and overseeing activities of body systems in various environments. Physiologists may monitor physiological parameters during medical procedures, such as surgeries or diagnostic tests. They perform tests such as electrocardiograms (ECGs), pulmonary function tests, or metabolic rate measurements.
Comprehending the relationship between glands and bodily functions
Collaboration and Communication: Physiologists collaborate with other scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals to advance interdisciplinary research projects. They communicate research findings through scientific publications, presentations at conferences, or educational materials.
Writing reports: Physiologists may write proposals and research reports for grant or subsidy consideration.
Development of Protocols and Procedures: Physiologists develop protocols and procedures for physiological testing and research studies, ensuring adherence to ethical standards and safety guidelines. They stay informed about advancements in the field and incorporate new methodologies into research practices.
Industry and Applied Physiology: Physiologists work in industries such as pharmaceuticals or biotechnology to contribute to the development and testing of new drugs or medical devices. They apply physiological principles to address specific challenges in occupational health or environmental physiology.
Maintaining medical devices: Physiologists may monitor and maintain medical devices and instruments.
Teaching: Physiologists may educate medical and paramedical students about physiology.
Public Outreach and Education: Physiologists engage in public outreach and education to promote awareness of physiological concepts and their relevance to health and well-being. They contribute to public health initiatives through educational programs or collaborations with community organizations.

Working Conditions

The workplace of a physiologist is diverse and can encompass various settings, reflecting the broad applications of physiological knowledge. Many physiologists work in academic and research institutions, such as universities and medical schools. In these environments, they conduct research, teach, and mentor students. Physiologists in academia may have access to well-equipped laboratories, collaborate on interdisciplinary projects, and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge through their research findings.

The workplace of a physiologist often involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, exposure to cutting-edge technologies, and opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.

As a physiologist, you may often work standard business hours, primarily if you operate at a private practice. You may also work nights, weekends or be on call to assist patients and medical staff if you work in a hospital or public clinic. Having a flexible approach and adapting your personal life around your work commitments can help maintain your professionalism.

Tools and Technologies

If you specialise in Cardiac physiology, you would use the following:

ECG - electrocardiography. (12 lead ECG, Exercise stress tests, Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, Holter monitoring, Signal averaged ECG, Tilt table testing etc.)
Cath Lab - Cardiac Catheterisation haemodynamic monitoring (blood pressure monitoring), calculations, and resuscitation support
Echo – Echocardiography/Cardiac Sonography, cardiac ultrasound,
Cardiac Devices - Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device support (implant and follow-up)
EP - Electrophysiology

Education and Training/entrance requirements

Becoming a physiologist typically requires a combination of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications before gaining work experience. Unlike doctors, they don't study medicine in Australia and usually specialise after completing an undergraduate degree.

Here's an overview of how to become a physiologist:

Complete undergraduate study: A typical example of an undergraduate degree for a clinical physiologist is a bachelor of science majoring in physiology. These degrees usually take three years to complete and provide the knowledge and information needed to understand the human body and a range of specific conditions related to particular body parts. There are also some options available to specialise as an undergraduate. For example, a bachelor of clinical exercise Physiology takes four years to complete and incorporates hands-on practical experience with that specialism.
Undertake further study with practical experience: Many clinical physiologists complete a graduate or master program to gain clinical experience and specialise. You may consider a Graduate Diploma in Clinical Physiology or a master degree in medical technology. Many of these programs offer first-hand experience through professional placement programs. They may require a minimum number of practical hours to graduate.
Further work experience: Upon completing your studies, you may obtain employment with the hospital or clinic where you undertook your placement. You can also look for roles in private practice, such as a specialist respiratory clinic. You may also need to undertake ongoing professional training after you graduate, especially if you're specialising in areas where you may use new and innovative technology.
Investigate memberships: Some employers may ask you to be a member of The Australian Council for Clinical Physiology in their job descriptions when searching for work. Membership is one way to provide your employer with proof of your qualifications and training. Your membership recognises you as an Australian accredited clinical physiologist.

For example, to work as a cardiac physiologist, you’ll need an undergraduate degree in science with a strong human physiology component. This might include entry courses such as degree programs of clinical physiology and biomedical science.

Depending on your role, you may also need formal qualifications in cardiac investigations. To get these, you’ll need to undertake further study.

Employment Opportunities

Physiologists can work for a variety of organisations, including:

Non-profit organisations
Health care institutions
Fitness facilities
Medical schools
Biotechnology companies
Universities and educational institutions
Government authorities
Private research facilities
Pharmaceutical firms

Physiologists may also work in industries related to pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or sports science. In the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, physiologists contribute to drug development and testing, ensuring that new medications are safe and effective.

Some physiologists choose careers in government agencies or research organizations, contributing to public health initiatives, environmental studies, or occupational health and safety. For example, they may work in agencies focused on disease prevention, environmental health, or regulatory compliance.

Additionally, physiologists may pursue careers in private research firms, where they contribute their expertise to projects spanning various industries, including nutrition, medical device development, and physiological monitoring technologies.