Exercise Physiologist | Oncology Specialist

Exercise Oncology Specialist (Exercise Physiologist)

Join UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and be part of something truly innovative. We are seeking an experienced Exercise Physiologist to serve as an Exercise Oncology Specialist supporting our Moving Through Cancer Program. This unique role represents the first Health Plan-funded Exercise Oncology position in the United States and offers an opportunity to help shape the future of cancer survivorship care. We're looking for a highly motivated exercise professional who is passionate about improving the lives of cancer patients through movement, education, and personalized wellness interventions.

What You'll Do:

• Develop and deliver personalized exercise and lifestyle interventions based on patients' assessed fitness levels, functional abilities, and goals.
• Provide one-on-one patient education, coaching, and support to promote long-term health and wellness.
• Assess cancer patients and create individualized exercise prescriptions through the Moving Through Cancer Program.
• Identify patients who may benefit from exercise services and coordinate appropriate referrals, including rehabilitation and supportive care resources.
• Facilitate exercise training sessions and evidence-based physical activity interventions for patients throughout their cancer journey.
• Serve as a patient navigator, helping individuals access resources and overcome barriers to participation.
• Collect and manage program data while supporting regulatory, quality, and outcomes initiatives.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary care teams to ensure patients receive the most appropriate level of care and support.
• Assist with program development, process improvement, and the implementation of innovative exercise oncology initiatives.
• Apply critical thinking, problem-solving, and clinical decision-making skills to enhance patient outcomes and program success.

This opportunity is ideal for someone with a strong sense of initiative and hustle who thrives in a dynamic environment and enjoys building programs, solving problems, and connecting with patients. Candidates should hold a nationally recognized exercise certification from a USREPS-accredited organization, with additional Exercise Oncology credentials preferred.

This position offers a blend of onsite and telehealth patient care, with some flexibility to conduct virtual sessions from home. Travel to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center locations in Pittsburgh's surrounding communities is expected (approximately 25%). The role typically follows daylight hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) with flexibility for occasional evenings and weekends to accommodate patient schedules. No holidays or rotating schedules are required.

Responsibilities:

• Completes evaluation and assessment of patients with accurate and adequate documentation
• Develops and documents individualized patient treatment plan, accurate with respect to patient's age and medical history, its implementation and monitoring of progress and modifications as indicated. Prepares for and responds to emergencies in a manner consistent with department guidelines
• Demonstrates annual competencies as required by department
• Utilization of clinical support staff (training, supervision and delegation) in a manner that both verbally and non-verbally promotes respect, confidence and a team atmosphere.
• Promotes effective communication and demonstrates cooperation and teamwork within the department, the hospital and to other health care professionals. Conducts, organizes and participates in meetings, in services and continuing education.
• Plays an active role in developing, implementing and gathering outcome data for the annual quality improvement initiative.
• Upon request by Manager, assists with staff development, orientation of new staff, special projects and community programs.
• Assesses patient fitness levels; triages patients and administers specific lifestyle interventions involving physical activity, fitness, and exercise treatment plans for optimal health. Instructs and coaches patients on performing exercises safely and effectively; informs patients of injuries, health conditions, and intervention plans.
• Implements individualized physical activity intervention protocols, including exercise prescription and progress monitoring, and implements protocol-appropriate behavior assessment training sessions. Recognizes inappropriate exercise responses and takes appropriate action. Follows up with study participants by telephone and/or onsite. Completes accurate and timely data collection and entry. Coordinates and facilitates transfer of data to other study sites.
• Trains intervention staff and students on measures of functional testing. Participates in research as directed.
• Supervise telehealth exercise sessions.
• Refer patients to ancillary services as needed.
• Evaluate and update the patient's treatment plan according to individual needs and physiological responses.
• Maintain documentation of patient status and services provided according to departmental procedure.
• Maintain departmental standards of care and participate in continuous quality improvement.
• Respond to emergency situations utilizing ACLS protocol.
• Maintain patient confidentiality.
• Assist with community initiatives as required.

Master in Exercise Science/Physiology or a related field (such as Physical Therapy) and a minimum of 3 years of clinical experience OR Bachelors in Exercise Science/Physiology or a related field (such as Physical Therapy) and a minimum of 5 years of clinical experience.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Basic computer skills (MS Office or equivalent.)
• Exercise Oncology credentials preferred.
• Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
• ACSM certification(s) or Physical Therapy degree preferred.
• CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) OR Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran