Women’s History Month is an opportunity to highlight the contributions of women who have paved the way for future generations in their respective fields. In exercise science and sports medicine, few have had as profound an impact as Dr. Linda Pescatello. Her groundbreaking research, dedication to mentorship, and leadership within the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) have shaped the field and influenced the careers of countless professionals, including my own.
Reflecting on my journey in exercise science, I can say with certainty that Dr. Pescatello has been the single most influential figure in my academic and professional life. Our relationship, which now spans two decades, began when I entered the University of Connecticut (UConn) in 2005 as a master’s student under her guidance. Her mentorship continued through my doctoral training, and to this day we remain active collaborators in research and professional service. The impact she has had on my career is a testament to the power of mentorship, the importance of strong female role models, and the legacy that exceptional leadership can leave behind.
From Clinical Practice to Academic Leadership
Dr. Pescatello’s career began at New Britain General Hospital where she served as a director of the Department of Health Promotion and cardiac rehabilitation program for over a decade. This hands-on clinical experience laid the foundation for her patient-centered research approach, emphasizing the real-world application of exercise science in healthcare settings.
At UConn she has risen to the rank of Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor in the Department of Kinesiology. She also holds joint appointments in the Departments of Allied Health Sciences, Physiology and Neurobiology, and Nutritional Sciences, the Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy (InCHIP). Recognizing the growing demand for workforce training for exercise prescription, she developed, implemented, and launched a homegrown Exercise Prescription Online Graduate Certification Program, which remains a thriving program today.
A Pioneering Force in Exercise Science Research
Dr. Pescatello is well-regarded as an international expert in exercise science, hypertension, and personalized exercise prescription. With a career spanning both clinical practice and academic research, she has made significant contributions to the understanding of how exercise can be optimized to improve health outcomes, particularly for individuals with hypertension and other cardiometabolic conditions. This research has helped shape national and international exercise guidelines, including her role on the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee and the European Association of Preventive Cardiology and the Council of Hypertension of the European Society of Cardiology on exercise and hypertension. With over 180 peer-reviewed manuscripts, four books, and 16 book chapters, her work has been widely cited and applied in clinical, academic, and public health settings.
Impact on ACSM and the Broader Scientific Community
Dr. Pescatello’s influence extends well beyond her research. She has been a dedicated leader within ACSM, serving in multiple key leadership roles, committees, and scientific initiatives, including:
- ACSM Board of Trustees member, ultimately serving in both First and Second Vice President roles
- Chair of the ACSM Pronouncements Committee
- Past President of the New England Chapter of ACSM
- Member of Program Committee and Evidence Based Practice Committee
Her editorial contributions have further solidified her influence, including:
- Associate Editor of ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription,8th edition
- Senior Editor of ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 9th edition
- Expert panel and writing team member on ACSM’s updated exercise preparticipation health screening recommendations.
For her outstanding contributions, Dr. Pescatello was awarded the ACSM Citation Award in 2011, one of the highest honors in the field.
Mentorship: The Heart of Her Legacy
Beyond her scientific achievements, what truly sets Dr. Pescatello apart is not only her scientific achievements but her unwavering commitment to mentorship. She has trained and inspired countless students, researchers, international fellows, and early-career professionals; many of whom have gone on to become leaders in the field.
I am incredibly fortunate to be one of those individuals. When I first joined her lab as a graduate student, I was eager but unaware of my potential. Under her mentorship, I developed the critical thinking skills, research expertise, and confidence needed to contribute meaningfully to the field. Her guidance did not end with graduation. She has remained an active mentor, colleague, and advocate for my success.
Our collaboration has resulted in over 30 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, including multiple contributions to ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. Most recently, we co-authored a chapter in the 12th edition of this essential text, which remains a cornerstone resource for professionals worldwide. This ongoing partnership is a testament to the lasting influence of her mentorship. She fosters relationships that extend far beyond the classroom or laboratory, ensuring that her mentees continue to thrive long after their formal training has ended.
Her commitment to supporting women in science has been especially impactful. She understands the challenges that female researchers and clinicians face in academic and professional settings, and she actively works to create opportunities for women in the field. She leads by example, demonstrating what it means to be a strong, capable, and influential leader in exercise science.
Linda-isms: Lessons That Transcend Science
On a more personal note, I want to share a few “Linda-isms” – words of wisdom that extend far beyond the lab and have shaped my approach to science, mentorship, and life.
We stand on the shoulders of giants
Dr. Pescatello makes sure that that we know our academic “family tree”; the mentors, scholars, and pioneers who have paved the way for our work. She instills in her students a deep appreciation for the lineage of knowledge, ensuring that we understand our roots. She is quick to acknowledge the many individuals who shaped her career, emphasizing that progress is built upon the foundation laid by those before us.
The proof is in the pudding
In a world where distractions are endless and external pressures can be overwhelming, Dr. Pescatello models the importance of cutting through the noise and focusing on the work. She never gets caught up in politics or self-promotion. Her approach is simple: Do good science, stay diligent, and let the results speak for themselves. This lesson has been invaluable in shaping my approach to research, service, and career growth.
Patience is a virtue
Rejections, setbacks, and failures are inevitable in research and academia. But Dr. Pescatello has never allowed obstacles to define our progress. She reminds us that resilience is just as important as the work itself and that setbacks are merely part of the process. She teaches us to stay the course, keep pushing forward, and trust in the work ‒ a lesson that has helped me navigate the ups and downs of academia and beyond.
A Lasting Impact on the Future of Exercise Science
As we celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, it is essential to recognize the women who have shaped our professional landscapes. Dr. Linda Pescatello is one of those women ‒ a leader, mentor, and scientist whose contributions will continue to influence the field for generations to come.
Linda, your dedication, passion, and leadership have left a lasting mark on my career and the careers of so many others. Thank you for believing in me, for challenging me, and for showing me what it means to be a best-in-class scientist, mentor, leader, athlete, mother, wife, animal lover, and friend. Your impact extends far beyond research papers and academic achievements.
For those inspired by her work, I encourage you to get involved in mentorship, professional service, and advocacy within ACSM. Supporting and uplifting the next generation is one of the most powerful ways to honor the giants on whose shoulders we stand – ensuring that their legacy continues to shape the future of exercise science to come.
You can learn more about Dr. Pescatello in her interview in ACSM’s Distinguished Leaders series.
About the Author:
Amanda Zaleski, PhD, is a Senior Scientist, Department of Preventive Cardiology at Hartford Hospital and Lead Director, Clinical Evidence Development, Aetna Medical Affairs, CVS Health.
