The Path of Athletic Training

    Each of us has a journey. Somewhere, somehow we decided that we wanted to help others be safe, be healthy and heal. We then chose to learn, cultivate and discover methods and skills that would help us do so. Time and time again we use those skills so ingrained in us that they are now like a reflex.  Some of us have been a part of this profession so long it is like breathing.  It is not just what we do, but who we are.  Some of us have just begun our journey and are still getting comfortable as professionals. It is still so new, it's like a dream.  A dream where one day we watched and observed another use their skills and said to ourselves, this will be MY path too.  In the blink of an eye we woke up from that dream to realize it was our time to travel onward and start our journey.

     So passionate are we, that we continue to shape the destiny of those behind us.  We are now the ones being observed and watched.  It is our actions that cause others to see THEIR path right before their eyes. The desire we have inside of us to help others recover and be active is not enough for us. We want others to feel the joy and satisfaction we feel every day.  We mentor those on the path behind us.  We try and give them the foresight and wisdom we have acquired so that they may join us.  We must ALL be guides on the journey for there are many traveling that need our help. 

     It all sounds so simple. Yet, as we all learn, life is never that simple. The paths we travel are never that easy. They have twists and turns requiring us to have fortitude to stay on course. They are bumpy and rough at times requiring us to be strong to stay the course.   The trek is exhausting to the point we must sometimes slow down or delay our journey.  All of our paths are different.  Some of us don't make it very far down the path succumbing to the struggle.  Those of thus that continued remember fondly those we once traveled with arm in arm, helping each other along the way.  We look back on those that are no longer in our profession with lament.  We strive to find a way to not lose more in the future.

     As a profession we now look ahead at the roads in our future. Many of us with different views of what the correct path the profession should take.  All of us passionate about those views.  While we continue to shape and mold those paths ahead, we must remember the most important thing, to do so united.   The road is about to take many twists and turns.  The road is about to get very bumpy.  We are stronger together.  Forge on fellow traveler.  I will see you on the path.

#AT4EVER

Todd

The Bond of Athletic Training

     I am traveling later today up to Amherst, MA for a UMASS Sports Medicine Alumni Golf Outing and Dinner.  Its an event I haven't been able to attend for 7 years for one reason or another.  I am really excited to make it up this year.  I was a Graduate Assistant at UMASS from 1997-1999.  I was newly certified and it was my first real experience as a Certified Athletic Trainer.  Those two years were extremely important to my development as a professional and I look back on them fondly.

     This event along with #NATA2014 coming up got me thinking about one of the most special things about being a Certified Athletic Trainer, the bond.   There is an amazing bond amongst those of us in this profession.   We have all shared similar experiences, struggles and triumphs that outsiders probably can't relate to.  We can swap stories about experiences as an Athletic Training student.  Many of us can discuss what it was like to balance being a Graduate Student and an Athletic Trainer.  There are the perils of job searches.  The quest to find life balance.  The trials and tribulations of coordinating love/family life in a job with unique demands.  Some of these experiences are good, some are not.  Regardless, we can share them together.  

     When things aren't going great, we can reach out to a colleague and they understand.  They understand in ways that other friends and family members will not.  We NEED each other.  Life can throw us many curveballs.  No matter what comes our way, we never have to tackle these obstacles alone.  There is always someone out there who will listen, share, and offer advice that no one else can give. Some of us work in settings where its easy to talk to a colleague.  Some of us work alone where that can be more of a challenge.  We must not let that stand in our way.  Some of us have found new ways to reach out through social media.  We have created a network that understands us and is just a click away.  

 Don't be afraid to seek out that help.   Don't be afraid to share.  Don't be afraid to listen.  

     We must make sure that this is a two way street.  While there are many seeking help, answers and guidance, there are more of us with experience to give it.  It is our duty to be a mentor to our colleagues in need.  We must reach out and offer our wisdom knowing that many are hesitant to ask.   

     This bond that exists between us is our strength as a profession.  Its a resource we should all be using to help us succeed.  In a time where our profession seems to be at a major crossroads, we must come together.  As the discussion of major educational change has the potential to fracture this bond, we must persevere and unite.  As the frustration of colleagues leaving the profession raises so many questions about our future, we must seek out these answers collectively.
 

     Together we find strength.  Together we find solutions.  Together we grow.  


    #AT4EVER


Todd

See you in Indy?

     There have been some very animated discussions on twitter in the past week or so regarding the Athletic Training profession.  It certainly has been interesting to follow and in some cases participate. As productive as these sessions can be in stimulating discussion, they can only take us so far.  These discussions need to be more in depth, involve more people, and be constructive.  They need to be open minded and productive.  If only there was an opportunity for many of us to be in the same place at the same time, face to face.  Imagine how productive we could be.  This would be even better if we were able to get the many leaders and decision makers in the profession to join us.  We could get the most up do date information on the subjects that matter most to us.  We could voice our opinions to them knowing that we have a forum to be heard.
     So yeah....this already exists.  #NATA2014 is coming up in Indianapolis June 25th-28th.  Its an opportunity to learn, network, and grow as a professional.  Its an opportunity to be heard, to listen, to congregate and discuss.  The question is, will you take advantage of it?  Like many of us, I can't attend nearly as often as I would like.  Sometimes my work schedule doesn't cooperate, sometimes my family life doesn't cooperate, sometimes my wallet doesn't cooperate.  This year, I'm in.
   I have a number of goals when I am able to attend.  One goal is I hope to learn a few new things.  I want to come home with some new information.  I also like to review and refresh some things I haven't seen or thought about in a while.  I love to network.  I enjoy catching up with old friends and colleagues that I haven't seen in a while, and look forward to making some new friends and acquaintances I can utilize to help me grow as a professional.
    For those that are attending, what are your goals?  What do you hope to do in Indianapolis?   Do you make the most of this opportunity?  Will you make an effort to learn?  Will you make an effort to network?  Will you use the opportunity to have your voice be heard on subjects that matter to you?  Professional development is the key to the growth of our profession and each of us as professionals.  This meeting is a great chance for us to do so.

    Here are some suggestions for #NATA2014:

• Leave the negativity and anger at home.  Instead bring passion and drive.
• If your a Young Professional utilize the resources, wisdom, and experience of some of the veterans to help guide you.  Reach out to them and don't be afraid to strike up a conversation.
• If your a veteran AT reach out to the Young Professionals in attendance.  Start up a conversation.  You can certainly provide them with some guidance, and they can certainly give you some insight into what its like just getting started in our profession.    
•  Keep an open mind and be open to change.

     For those unable to make it to Indy, perhaps you can keep connected through social media.  Now more than ever you can have a presence without even being there.  Its also never to early to start planning to make the trip next year.
     To those that will be joining us in Indy, I hope you make the most out of the trip, and that our paths cross.  This is an amazing profession full of wonderful people.  Whenever I make it to Convention I always leave refreshed, recharged and excited for the future.  I hope you do too.

#AT4EVER
#AT4ALL

Todd

So how did we get to the end of the Tunnel?

     So in my last post I talked about how I was in a good place at the end of the year this year. I also asked how you were doing at this point. Whether you were feeling good like me or ready to scream out in angst at the top of your lungs.  I also gave you a homework assignment. I asked you to look back and see if you can figure out what lead you to this point.

     First of all, let me get one thing perfectly clear. Me feeling great at this point in the year, is not normal.  Usually I am so mentally fried that I am barely able to finish up the year without snapping. This year is different for some reason. The weird part was nothing job related was really any different.  Still the same stresses and challenges.  Still the same unpredictable and at times long hours.  Still the same hurdles in balancing work and family. 

     This was however a personally far more challenging year.  It started with the diagnosis and then tragic loss of a friend and co-worker to cancer at 25 years old. It got more difficult with my mom battling (and currently kicking the butt of) breast cancer. I had shoulder surgery that I had been putting off for 14 years. Then throw in two other very difficult situations at work dealing with serious illness and it was a whopper of a year. 

     I'm not going to lie, there were an awful lot of tears shed this year.  So how am I in a good place at the end of the year? I think what it came down to is the simple fact that I love my job.  I love what I do and where I do it.  So when things got rough I found comfort in the routine and people at work.  

     When weather caused havoc in the school and athletics schedules, I didn't seem to mind. When an athlete was being a pain in the butt, I shrugged it off. When a coach was a pain, I took a deep breath and kept plugging along.  

     It's about perspective and this year gave me an awful lot of it.  So where does that leave you?  Why am I sharing this?  If you want to be happy, if you want to be in a good place mentally,  you have to have balance and perspective. If I did not love my profession, if I did not love where I work, I am not sure I could have gotten through this past year.  

     Hopefully people can find this perspective and balance without having to deal with difficult situations. So perhaps now is a good time for you to sit back and evaluate things and see what you need to do professionally to be happy. Whether that is maintaining the status quo because things are good, or making some changes because they are not. Now is a great time of year to take stock, recharge the batteries and make a plan. 
   

Oh, it also helps to have an awesome spouse and two great kids.  That helps too. 

#AT4EVER

Todd 

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

     It is that time of year.  Things are winding down and wrapping up for many Athletic Trainers at all different settings.  The proverbial "light at the end of the tunnel" is approaching us.  So the question is, where is your head at? Mine is going in 20 million different directions.  I am winding down the school year with my teams and preparing for the post season.  I am starting my list of end of the year things to do.  I am trying to get a grip on all the things I have coming up with my own kids.  It is quite overwhelming.
      Even though my head is spinning,  I'm ok.  Actually, I am more than ok.  In fact, I'm great.  I am a few weeks away from year 17 as an AT being totally in the books.  I'm finalizing the last of the summer plans for the family. I'm getting ready for NATA in Indy (blog post coming on that topic).  I'm already starting to think about pre-season in August.  Here is the kicker, I feel great.  I'm not fried, bitter, cranky, angry or miserable. 
    I used to be ready to drop at this point of the year just waiting to be done.  This year is different.  My job is still the same.  Still have a wife and two kids to balance in the mix.  Still the same stresses to deal with as always. Don't get me wrong, I am certainly ready for the year to be over.  The difference is instead of crawling across the finish line, I am cruising across at a good pace.  Perhaps I am little older, a little wiser, a little more seasoned.  I still can't quite put my finger on it. 
     So where are you?  Do you feel as good as I do?  Are you spitting at this post on your screen because you want to run to a rooftop and scream at this point in the year?  I think we all have an mission here.  We all need to sit down and figure out where we are, and how we got here.  If you are feeling as good as I am, lets figure out why and make sure we do that all over again next year!  If you are in a bad place, then you need to figure out why and make sure you change that for next year. 
     Lets make this a homework assignment.  Lets all sit down for a few minutes and write down (or more likely type into your phone while watching a game) what our state of mind is now and see if we can fish out the reasons why.  My next post I will share mine.  Lets see if we can either keep things going the right way, or turn things around if they are not.
    It feels great to cruise along the finish line.  You know what is better?  Sprinting across it. 

#AT4EVER

You Mad Bro?

     Rage Against the Machine once told us that "Anger is a gift".  However, I am here to tell you otherwise.  We are at a crucial point in time for the course of our profession, and I wanted to expound upon a topic I spoke of in an earlier post.  Whether its discussing the idea of an Entry Level Masters, work settings for a Certified Athletic Trainer, current compensation in the profession, or ANY hot button topic currently out there, we need to keep a few things in mind.
    First and foremost, we have to get rid of our anger.  Anger breeds negativity and that is of no use to us right now.  We see colleagues angry at the NATA.  We see colleagues angry at the rest of the medical community.  We see colleagues angry at each other.  Anger clouds judgement.  I am not trying to discount any one's opinion on any of these matters.  In fact I welcome ALL opinions.  The issue is what we do with those opinions.
     Do you have issues with the NATA?  Have you allowed that to turn to anger and disassociate yourself from the organization?  Is that going to help make positive strides in the profession?  I am certainly NOT telling you to agree with everything the NATA says or does.  In fact, its quite the opposite.  I want you to voice your concerns as PART of that organization instead of taking your ball from the playground and going home.  Anytime we lose those people with thoughts and ideas that are against the status quo, or from a different perspective, we diminish our ability to advance as an organization.
     Are you not happy with the perception of our profession in the eyes of other medical professionals?  I'm certainly not.  However, we can't get angry at every person who does not yet understand or appreciate what it is we do.  We need to continue to try and educate those people.  We must gain their respect one by one, while at the same time thanking those who already do.   We need to ACT as professionals if we want to be respected, even when others are not.
    Have you found yourself angry at another AT?  Of course you have.  I sure have.  Perhaps you see someone not dressed as professional as you feel they should be.  Maybe you see them acting in a manner that is not up to your standards of professionalism.  Have you seen someone has take a job for an embarrassingly low amount of money, and you see that as a slap in the face?  Have you worked hard to stand up for yourself and the profession on certain issues only to have a colleague give in and demean or erase your efforts?

  

I GET IT!!!!

   I really do.  I get angry at those same things and more all the time.  Where has that anger gotten us? Anger hurts the prospects of constructive discussion, and limits our ability to create change.   We need to all be able to get our thoughts and concerns out there on the table.  Not just to vent and see who else is as upset as we are, but instead to effectively work on solutions. 
    How can we be constructive?  We must do our homework.  Is there an issue you have a strong opinion on?  Get all the information you can so that you can make sure your opinion is based upon proper information.  Not sure how? Find people directly involved in that issue and ask them.  Look at the NATA leadership directory, find someone who works on a committee related to that issue, and reach out to them.  Find someone in your state organization who might be involved.  There are plenty of resources out there for you to get the information you need.
    Done your homework?  Now speak your mind.  Let those same people involved in leadership positions know how you feel.  Maybe even get involved.  I have said it before and I will say it again.  Be a part of the solution.  If you don't feel you have the time to get involved that is fine, just don't let that keep you from at least being heard.  Maybe down the road you will find the time or feel strongly enough to get involved.
     We can allow these issues to divide us or use them to bring us together.  Which do you think is more productive? Which do you think will help us grow and advance the profession?  Instead of getting angry, GET MOTIVATED.  This is a crucial time.  This is an exciting time.

#AT4ALL
#AT4EVER


Todd


****A while back I got bored on twitter and started #ATBandnames. Maybe time to bring it back?  I give you "Rage Against The Stim Machine" ****

Time for an ATtitude Adjustment

     There has been some great AT discussion lately.  First Mike Hopper had a great entry regarding professional attire. Josh Stone had a great entry discussing AT Salaries.  These two posts (and a few others that have been circulating) have gotten a lot of people talking and thinking, including me. There are so many issues surrounding our profession right now and we are going in so many different directions.  How can address all these things?  How can we move forward in a positive direction? We need to adjust our attitude.
     I've had a number of my students go on to pursue Athletic Training in college.  Many of whom are now colleagues, and many more who are well on their way.  Before they leave for school I give them the same speech.  I tell them you need to be #1.  You need to work harder than any other student in your program.  You need to go above and beyond what is asked of you.  Separate yourself from the pack.  Ensure that when they are discussing the best students in the program, your name is mentioned in a heartbeat.  I tell them to keep their eyes and ears open and soak in all the knowledge they can like a sponge.  I tell them to be leaders.  I tell them the more they put into it, the more they will get out of it.  That is how I was taught.  That is how I achieved any and every bit of success in my career.  I worked for it.
   That attitude should not stop at graduation.  That attitude should not stop once you become certified.  That attitude should not stop when you get that first job.  That attitude needs to continue for the length of your career.  That attitude gets results.  That attitude earns respect.  That attitude makes you indispensable.  Its not about making your athletes, parents, coaches and administrators respect the profession as a whole.  Its about those people respecting YOU the professional.  Leave them no choice but to compensate you appropriately.  Leave them no choice but to make sure you are able to have balance in your life.  Ensure that the thought of losing you and having to hire another Athletic Trainer would be horrendous, because that new person could not possibly do the amazing job you did. 
    This is not a sprint.  It is a marathon. It takes time.  It takes patience.  It takes sacrifice.  To get what you want, you must first give.  You must not expect to be "given" anything, but rather be willing to "earn" it.  Is this attitude and this mindset going to get you what you want each and every time?  Nope.  Do not accept defeat. At some point if things are not changing for the better where you are, it will be a time to move on to the next opportunity and do it all over again.  If you continue with the right attitude, you will find that opportunity where they respect you.  Where they want you to stay and are willing to work with you do make sure they don't lose you.
    No one says its going to be easy. The more of us that get this attitude, that are willing to fight for what we want, the stronger we get as a profession.  Make a decision. Do you want Athletic Training to be your JOB or your CAREER?  While we certainly need to focus on the global issues of your profession, we must first focus on us as individuals.

#AT4EVER
#AT4ALL

Todd
    
   

To ELM, or not to ELM, that is the question....

     Anybody read any good White Papers lately? If you haven't seen the Executive Committee for Education's report given to the NATA BOD regarding the Examination of the Professional Level Degree you can find it here: (ECE White Paper).  Let me be frank, this post will have NOTHING to do with my opinion on the topic.  I'm not even sure that I will at any time post my thoughts on it. The fact of the matter is, I think this train as left the station, is picking up speed, and there is nothing we can do to stop it.
     What I will implore you to do is the following:

• Read the report
• Formulate an opinion
• Speak your mind
• Get involved

    I really do not feel that there is anything we can do to stop this next major transformation in the educational process of Certified Athletic Trainers.  I do however feel that we can help guide its path.  There have been so many opinions thrown around on this topic.  Some in support, some against, most very passionate.  Regardless of how you feel it is important that you get informed and speak your mind.  Do I think that our voices can make a difference?  I really don't know.  I would like to think that if enough people create constructive and intelligent discussion on the topic, that our words will be taken into consideration.  The NATA and CAATE are having presentations at all district meetings now through July and at  the NATA Convention in Indianapolis as well.  This is a great opportunity to get information and offer your thoughts to the powers that be.

Let me take just a moment to address anyone currently grumbling under their breath or out loud about how terrible the NATA is, or how no one cares what we think, or (insert angry negative comment here).  

It is your right to have that negative opinion/attitude. However, it is not going to help you or the profession. So take a step back and decide if you want to be a part of the solution, or a part of the problem.

    We are at a major crossroads in the future of our profession.  We can either let this issue divide us, or use it to unite us.  We need to see this as an opportunity to plot the course of our profession.  I urge each and everyone of you stand up and be heard. 

#AT4ALL
#AT4EVER

Todd

    

Who wants "free stuff"? I Do!

     So this post is inspired by Chris Lenker over at AT Podcast. (if you haven't already checked them out...you need to! atpodcast.net )In a recent episode he made a quick comment about AT's getting free gear and it immediately got me thinking.  I've been a Certified Athletic Trainer for 17 years, so for almost 20 years I have gotten quite a bit of "free stuff".  

Thinking back to my first days as an athletic training student, I remember how awesome it was when you got that first free item.  Maybe it was that first t-shirt of the team you were working with, maybe a pullover, hoody or any random item.  It was such a great feeling to sport that item amongst the general student population.  "Hey, cool shirt, where did you get it?" a friend might say.  Then, of course, you would reply, "Oh this?  The team gave it to me." You would try and play it cool like it was no big deal, but inside you were bursting with excitement. 

Now as a college student, heck you will take ANYTHING for free.  So that feeling for most wouldn't seem like a big deal. However, for the Athletic Training Student it is anything but a simple free item.  It is a badge of honor.  A sign that you are a part of something. Most students dream of the chance to be a college athlete.  In fact, you probably did too. Maybe for a time you actually were.  That free item is your proof that you are in fact, part of the program.  Something the general student population can only dream of.

So lets fast forward a bit now.  I am 38 years old, 17 years as an AT, I have two children of my own.  Guess what. I STILL LOVE FREE STUFF! The reason however is very different.  Let's be honest, I need another t-shirt like I need another hole in my head.  So why when of my coaches or teams comes into my office with a shirt, or hoody, or jacket why do I have a huge grin?

It's not because I want everyone to know I work with the team.  Its simple.  That shirt is a tangible item that every time you put it on, or just see it in the closet reminds you that the coach or team that gave it to you, thought of you.  They know what you do for them, they appreciate it, and wanted to say "thank you". 

For all the late nights, early mornings, holidays worked, things in our personal lives that we showed up late for, left early from, or missed entirely, those two simple words are like gold.  Someone appreciates those sacrifices and all the time and hard work you put in and wanted to show that appreciation. 

Obviously the satisfaction of using our knowledge and skills to help our athletes deal and recover from injuries are the prime motivation for us as professionals. However, its those little gestures that help us keep going in this profession. Whether its the coach, athlete, parent or administrator saying them, the simple words "thank you", help make it all worth while.  

Now those simple words uttered from someone don't pay the bills, neither to the free t-shirts, hoodies, jackets or hats that might have been used to symbolize those words. What do they do for me? They make me work harder to promote my profession.  A wonderful profession centered around helping others.  They make me determined to spread the gospel that every athlete deserves access to a Certified Athletic Trainer.  They make me proud of all the other professionals out there working just as hard as I am to promote the profession. They make me angry at those other professionals out there who do nothing to help promote the profession.  Those simple words fuel me to give the best care I can to my athletes.  They give me hope that someday my kids will say those words to the Certified Athletic Trainer helping them.  

Lets spread the love.  Next time you get a "thank you"  share it with your colleagues.  Tweet out a picture with the hashtag #ATthanks. For all the times we as a profession complain that we are not appreciated, underpaid, or not respected, lets show how many times we are appreciated.

I can't wait to see your "free stuff"

Todd

#AT4ALL

#AT4EVER