Kathryn Schmitz

Kathryn Schmitz has transformed evidence-based guidelines for exercise in cancer patients through landmark clinical trials challenging historical restrictions on resistance exercise for cancer survivors at risk of lymphedema. Her Physical Activity and Lymphedema (PAL) trial demonstrated that carefully supervised resistance exercise is safe for breast cancer survivors with arm lymphedema and does not worsen limb swelling, overturning decades of precautionary restrictions. She has led the development of the Exercise Is Medicine Oncology initiative and contributed to the American College of Sports Medicine's exercise guidelines for cancer survivors. Her research has directly changed clinical recommendations governing millions of cancer survivors worldwide.