Mentor
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ACSM’s Leadership Development Training Program

ACSM’s Leadership Development Training Program (LDTP) exists to mentor members with the ultimate goal of obtaining ACSM Fellowship. Applicants must demonstrate that their backgrounds, lived experiences, and/or professional perspectives reflect the communities ACSM serves, and must show a commitment to advancing health equity and a sense of belonging within the fields of sports medicine and exercise science.

Application Deadline: Jan. 31, 2026

Those accepted into the program will receive: 

  • One year free ACSM membership 
  • Registration and travel expenses (airfare up to $600, 4 nights hotel, and $300 stipend) to attend the 2026 ACSM Annual Meeting. Attendance for the full duration of the meeting is a requirement of the program. 
  • A reception at the 2026 ACSM Annual Meeting to meet and network with others in the program and leaders of the college 
  • Matched with a professional ACSM member as a mentor who will provide insights and guidance 
  • Additional networking and leadership development opportunities 

To be eligible, applicants must meet one of the following program-level requirements:

  • Level 1: Enrolled in a master’s-level program in sports medicine, exercise science, physical activity epidemiology, or a related field.
  • Level 2: Enrolled in Doctoral program in a sports medicine (e.g., Athletic training, occupational therapy, or physical therapy), exercise science, physical activity epidemiology, or a related field.
  • Level 3: Hold a terminal degree (Ph.D., M.D., D.O., or equivalent) in sports medicine, exercise science, physical activity epidemiology, or a related field.  

 

The application requires the following components: 

  1. A basic informational form 
  2. Two references; Each reference must include a completed brief evaluation form and a letter of recommendation. Academic advisors, other professors, department chairs, academic deans, or individuals familiar with your capabilities and work ethic are ideal.  At least one reference must be a current ACSM Fellow. 
  3. Answering a series of questions related to program participation and how you intend to exhibit your dedication to the goals and long-range activities of ACSM. 
  4. A current Curriculum Vitae. Please specifically note professional development activities, especially any related to service to ACSM. 
  5. Level 2 and Level 3 only – Complete a form indicating current progress toward ACSM Fellowship. 

GSSI Pre-Conference

The Physiology of Hydration: More Than Water Alone

This session explores the physiology of hydration through an integrated lens—examining how carbohydrate, sodium, flavor, and fluid interact to influence intake, absorption, retention, and performance. We’ll review current research on fluid balance, osmotic drivers, and palatability, highlighting mechanisms that underpin voluntary intake and thermoregulation. Attendees will gain insight into individualized strategies, including sweat profiling and timing approaches, to optimize euhydration and mitigate performance decrements associated with >2% body-mass loss. Practical applications will be linked to laboratory- and field-based research, ensuring translation from bench to field. This pre-conference equips you with evidence-based tools to support athlete hydration across diverse environments and sporting contexts. 

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  • Session 1: Sweating the detail: New insights on hydration considerations for athlete performance
    • Lewis James, PhD, Associate Professor in Human Nutrition in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University
  • Session 2: Functional ingredients in fluid replacement beverages for athletes
    • Lindsay Baker, PhD, Director at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute
  • Session 3: The hydration toolkit: Practical approaches to athlete support
    • Floris Wardenaar, PhD, Associate Professor at the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University