With over a decade of hands‑on CPET experience and tens of thousands of tests performed, Alex explains how CPET is used as a frontline tool for risk stratification, annual medical evaluations, and long‑term health monitoring in fire and police departments.

They discuss why CPET is the most data‑rich physiological assessment available, how year‑over‑year trending improves diagnostic clarity, and why departments with mandated fitness standards consistently see better outcomes than those without them. Alex also shares career advice for aspiring exercise physiologists looking to make a real clinical impact.

Key Topics Covered:

• What makes CPET different from traditional exercise testing
• CPET as an integrative cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic assessment
• Longitudinal CPET data in firefighters and law enforcement
• Mandated fitness standards vs. voluntary programs
• Risk stratification and preventative medicine in tactical populations
• Career advice for exercise physiology students and early professionals

Resources Mentioned:
Clinical Exercise Testing and Interpretation – Karlman Wasserman et al.

Guest Bio:
Alex Jesko, Director of Cardiovascular Testing, has over 15 years of experience using CPET in clinical settings. As the CPET Program Manager at Frontline Mobile Health, he oversees cardiopulmonary testing for fire and police departments, leveraging longitudinal data to improve health outcomes and reduce risk in tactical athletes.

Connect with Frontline Mobile Health:
Frontline Mobile Health offers shadowing opportunities, internships, and career paths for professionals passionate about applied exercise physiology.
Contact information available in the show notes.

LinkedIn: Alex Jesko LinkedIn   

Dr. Musci’s work lives at the intersection of exercise physiology, applied bioscience, and aging research, with a clear and compelling goal: not simply extending lifespan, but improving quality of life as we age. Through both classroom teaching and laboratory research, he focuses on understanding the integrated physiology of the human body and how exercise can be used as a powerful tool for health optimization.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

·       Dr. Musci’s dual role as an educator and researcher at a primarily undergraduate institution

·       How exercise physiology serves as a window into understanding health, disease, and aging

·       An overview of cutting-edge methods for assessing mitochondrial bioenergetic capacity, including high-resolution respirometry

·       How mitochondrial DNA turnover is measured using stable isotope techniques

·       Why translational research matters—and how lab discoveries can meaningfully impact real-world health

·       Dr. Musci’s personal career journey, including lessons learned, pivots along the way, and advice for students and early-career professionals

·       The critical role of mentorship, collaboration, and resilience in building a fulfilling scientific and academic career

Key Takeaways:

·       Exercise is not just training, it’s a scientific lens for understanding the human body

·       Aging research is shifting toward preserving function, independence, and vitality

·       Collaboration across disciplines is one of the most rewarding—and impactful—parts of science

·       Career paths in health and science are rarely linear, and adaptability is a strength

Connect with Dr. Robert Musci:

Dr. Musci is always open to collaboration and dialogue within the scientific and academic community.

Email: robert.musci@lmu.edu
 
 

Brian shares insights from his work teaching undergraduate courses in exercise physiology, psychology, EKG, and professional development, while also overseeing the Exercise Physiology teaching laboratory. The conversation highlights how hands-on learning, internships, and adaptability play a critical role in long-term professional success.

Guest Bio:

Brian M. Williams is a Senior Lecturer in the Exercise Physiology program within the School of Health Sciences at Valdosta State University. He also serves as the Internship Coordinator and Director of the Humor Performance Lab.

Brian teaches coursework in exercise physiology, psychology, exercise testing & prescription, EKG, and professional development, while managing the Exercise Physiology teaching lab used for instructional and research-based experiences.

Key Discussion Topics

·  The role of exercise physiology education in healthcare and performance settings

· How teaching laboratories support applied learning

· Bridging classroom knowledge with real-world internships

· Career pathways in performance, academia, and applied science

· The reality that “Plan A” doesn’t always work—and that’s okay

· Adaptability, evolution, and long-term career development

· Mentorship and helping students align experience with career goals

Experiential learning isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a critical component of true career readiness, giving individuals the practical skills and confidence that classrooms alone can’t provide. Internships often act as fast tracks into the professional world, opening doors through real-world exposure, networking, and demonstrated capability far more quickly than traditional job searches. Along the way, it’s important to recognize that career paths are rarely linear; detours, adjustments, and unexpected opportunities are part of the process. Adaptability and patience matter just as much as credentials, because long-term success depends on the ability to learn, adjust, and grow through change. Success isn’t defined by sticking perfectly to a plan, but by evolving when the plan changes.

Guest Contact Info:

LinkedIn: Brian M. Williams

Email: bmwilliams1@valdosta.edu

Instagram (Program): @vsu_ep