BOC Blog

An In Depth Look with….Rusty McKune, MS, ATC

In Depth Look with….Rusty McKune, MS, ATC

Describe your setting:

I am the Program Coordinator for the Sports Medicine Program at The Nebraska Medical Center (TNMC).  This is a new program and a new position for the hospital.  The Nebraska Medical Center is a separate entity from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), but the two work closely together. TNMC serves as the teaching hospital for the UNMC medical students.

How long have you worked in this setting? 

I’ve worked in this setting for 12 months now.  Prior to coming here, I was the Head Athletic Trainer (AT) at a Division I institution, and I spent 16 out of 18 years practicing as an AT in the college/university setting. This has been quite a change for me.

Describe your typical day:

As I indicated, this is a new position and thus far, I don’t know that two days have been the same . . . so I’m not sure that I can really identify what a typical day is.  When starting a new program, everything is constantly evolving and growing, making each day a new and dynamic experience.

As opposed to my past positions that have been saturated with patient care and student interaction from the start to the finish of each day, this position (at least for now) is more administrative. My time has been spent developing the program with very little direct patient care.  Fortunately, we do provide medical coverage for various events that come into Omaha, and I am able to provide athletic training services for these patients.

What do you like about your position?

At this point, I really like the fact that each day is different.  There certainly are some constants, but again because of the newness of the position I never quite know what to expect. The breadth and diversity of people that I work with is probably one of the most enjoyable aspects of the job.  When I was at the university, I was completely focused on 350 student athletes.  In this position, I don’t have the finite and captive population to work with (which can be frustrating at times).  However, the work that I am doing, have done and am preparing to do has an impact on a broader population of those who are currently being served – and also those who are traditionally underserved by athletic training services.

When people ask me how the new job is going, I always say that professionally it was a great move and personally it was an outstanding move.  This new position has allowed me to find some semblance of balance in my life.  I absolutely loved the college setting and was in what I would have described as the “dream job” early in my career.  However, as life changes, so do priorities.  I found myself having a very difficult time balancing my role as a Head AT with a Division I University, with my desires and responsibilities as a husband and a father.  This position has allowed me to do things that I hadn’t done in the previous 12 years with my family.  Additionally, it has allowed me to remain and become active in other areas professionally.  I am currently the president of our State Athletic Trainers’ Association and an AT Director-Elect for the Board of Certification. I also have been afforded the opportunity and time to serve on several Sports Medicine Advisory Committees locally and at the state level.  All are ways of being able to give back professionally, outside of and in addition to things that I do for my position at TNMC. 

What do you dislike about your position?

While I wouldn’t use the term dislike, I would say that the biggest thing that I miss in this position is the direct patient care and the interaction that I had with athletic training students on a daily basis.  I’m definitely developing a new and valuable set of skills, but the clinical care and education that I was used to providing in my previous positions were some of the times that I treasured the most.  I’m hoping that as this job evolves, I will be able to write myself back into time actually spent providing athletic training services that is more consistent than what I currently have.  Fortunately, I have been able to stay involved with teaching through the athletic training education program at UNO.  Although I don’t have contact with the students every day in the athletic training facility, I continue to be able to serve them in the classroom.

What advice do you have about your practice setting for a young Athletic Trainer looking at this setting?

There are a number of excellent opportunities that come with a position like this.  It certainly opens your eyes to the diversity not only in patients, but also in providers.  I think that it has helped me to become a more diverse professional.   However, at least in my position, you have to be prepared for the differences between a position that is heavily administrative and one that includes more traditional athletic training.  Every position is going to be different and each will be rewarding in its own unique way, but you have to make sure that you understand the job description and that the position fits your goals and expectations.


Boston Strong: Athletic Trainers on the Scene

Boston University Athletic Trainer, Larry Venis, wearing a red hat ran toward the explosion.

Monday, April 15, 2013, was a day the people of Boston and citizens around the United States would prefer not to remember, but will not soon forget. A day usually dedicated to celebrations of the Boston Marathon turned to tragedy because of a terrible act.

This was the 26th year working the Boston Marathon for Larry Venis, MEd, ATC, Head Athletic Trainer (AT) at Boston University.  In previous years, he had provided more typical athletic training services: assisting runners at the finish line and getting patients into the medical tent when needed.  The events of this year’s marathon, however, required Venis to use his emergency response skills in an unexpected way.

Venis was assigned to a section 30-50 yards away from the bombing. His initial thought was that the sound was the subway or a manhole. Then he smelled gun powder, and the second bomb went off. He remembered looking over at the scene, then looking at Ray Castle, ATC, Athletic Trainer at LSU, Jon Dana, ATC, Head Athletic Trainer at the University of New Hampshire and Jack Foley, ATC, Head Athletic Trainer at Lehigh. They ran to where people needed help.

The time was 2:50pm. The elite runners had already crossed the finish line and about 6,000 people were left on the race course.

In the medical tents, ATs, physicians, nurses and EMTs treated runners and bombing victims. Surprisingly, the tents cleared earlier than usual – by 5:00pm.

“This was a huge testament to the quick care of the victims,” Venis said, “The cooperation was unbelievable among the police, emergency medical teams and fire department.”

For ATs, it is the essence of the job to work in the background, so initially the news featured police, firefighters and doctors in the news.

“As an AT, knowing what to do was fundamental. Just being prepared and knowing what we had available was important,” Venis said. “ATs directly helped physicians such as pediatricians and others who were not used to dealing with trauma and emergency care. “

He added, “As an AT understanding acute care, the setting and rehab and counseling experience helped immensely.”

All these elements reflect the five domains of athletic training.

***

Boston Marathon Medical Director Chris Troyanos, ATC, is the Head Athletic Trainer at Lasell College in Newton, Massachusetts. He works with FEMA, MEMA and Massachusetts Medical Society to coordinate all medical staffing and planning needs for the marathon.

The Boston Marathon has expanded the last 4-5 years, bringing volunteer ATs together from Louisiana State University, South Carolina, North Carolina, Southern Nazarene, Indiana Wesleyan University and Marist College. The volunteers are dedicated; they pay for their own travel and accommodations. Some of the athletic training students receive assistance from Boston University for rooming.

In preparation for the Boston Marathon, ATs receive communications from Troyanos, the Boston Athletic Association and Brian FitzGerald, BSN, ATC, with Boston Childrens Hospital one to two months in advance. Emails or articles are shared with volunteers to inform them about weather and what to expect. Volunteers continue their professional development when they get to the Boston event, as Boston University provides an educational conference the day before the race for AT students and AT volunteers.

The typical day for an AT working the Boston Marathon starts at 7:00am and goes until 7:00pm. The public and runners could spot an AT by a white coat and red hat. There was a group of about 15 AT students with wheelchairs at the finish line, a group that went throughout the streets between the medical tents and another group working at the finish line.

At the Boston Marathon, ATs usually work with dehydration, fatigue, blisters and hyponatremia. Casualties are uncommon and, when they have occurred, have been traced to problems like cardiac arrest.

There were three casualties the day of the April 2013 race. Some of the more than 250 who were injured are still receiving treatment and rehabilitation. In the past 26 years Venis worked a race, he could recall only two casualties.

***

A few weeks ago, after the bombing, there was a video conference meeting with the medical director and AT leadership of the Boston Marathon and ATs from various universities.

“The support from the Boston Athletic Association and the Red Cross has been and continues to be phenomenal as far as emotional and physical support,” Venis said.

More experienced ATs were concerned with their students. Based on the trauma students saw, it was a quick triage learning experience. Psychological counseling has been available to help with the tragedy and because one of the victims was a student at Boston University.

The finish line was about 1 ½ miles away from campus – very close to where students and ATs were located. None of the ATs were injured, and Venis was proud that everyone on the medical team was accounted for.

“A good amount of healing is still needed to continue,” Venis said. “All the ATs who were there this year as well as students did say they would continue to go back, which is a huge testament to our profession.”

Written By:
Brittney Ryba
BrittneyR@bocatc.org

 


Happy Mother’s Day!!

Happy Mother’s Day! As advocates for their children’s health and wellbeing, moms can be the biggest advocates of the athletic training profession and for ensuring the safety of their children. Today’s mothers are found cheering in the stands, coaching, working behind the concession counter selling snacks and raffle tickets, working as team administrators or chauffeuring their kids to and from practice and games.

Moms also can be found advocating for better laws. For example, in 2012, one mom in California helped push for legislation that would require Athletic Trainers (ATs) in that state to be licensed, as California is one of two states that do not have laws regulating the athletic training profession. Her efforts helped pave the way for California Assembly Bill 864.  If passed, AB 864 would require California to oversee the licensing of ATs – an important step for ensuring public safety. Read more about the status of Bill 864.

There are mothers who are ATs themselves. Many times, as ATs, they may act as a mother to student athletes or those studying to become an AT. Mothers in the profession provide support and care to both their own children and extended family of patients. Here is a shout out to mothers who are ATs.

To the mothers: All your love, all your caring ways, all your giving are the reasons why the BOC thinks of you on Mother’s Day with a wish for happiness and a world full of love.

Written By:
Brittney Ryba
BrittneyR@bocatc.org


An In Depth Look with… Chad Kinart, MS, ATC

Chad Kinart, MS, ATC

Describe your setting:

Currently, I serve as the Exam Development Coordinator with the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC). In addition, I am the Chairperson for the Nebraska Board of Athletic Training.  Lastly, I perform contract risk management/athletic training services with X Med, Inc., mainly with Red Bull North America, Inc.

How long have you worked in this setting?

For the last 13 years, I have worked with X Med, Inc. in the role of risk management/Athletic Trainer.  During this time, I have provided services at 43 large single or multi-day events.  In addition, I have been employed at the BOC for five years in the role of Exam Development Coordinator.  Lastly, I am in my second term serving on the Nebraska Board of Athletic Training.

Describe your typical day:

The Red Bull Mississippi Grind barge sets sail out of St. Paul. Photo taken by Red Bull.

My work with X Med, Inc. as risk management/Athletic Trainer is on a contracted basis.  Recently, we have been working with Red Bull North America, Inc. in providing risk management, medical and consulting services for selected events.  These opportunities have been extremely valuable to my professional development.  Red Bull is a very innovative company and we never know what they will come up with next.  They have done everything from Flugtag (i.e., German for “day of flight”), cliff diving, freestyle  motocross, Rampage, etc.  Each of these events provides very unique and specific challenges in regard to risk management and medical coverage.

One of the biggest misconceptions about Action Sports events is that the general public does not view the participants as athletes!  Because some of the activities these athletes perform are very different than traditional sports, it is easy to run with the thought that they are purely “crazy.”  This is quite the contrary!  These athletes take calculated risks and have extraordinary skills.  The training methods and focus on health and fitness in the last 5-7 years for those involved in Action Sports are a large reason why we see the amazing performances more often.  With the explosion in popularity of Action Sports has come a tremendous opportunity.  In the past, most of the athletes have been on their own in regard to health care.  As Athletic Trainers (ATs) working these events, we have the ability to do what we do best: build relationships and assist in caring for and preventing injuries.

What do you like about your position?

I love the fact that with all of the professional activities I am involved in, no day could be considered “typical.”  Daily challenges keep me engaged and excited to get out of bed.

Red Bull Crashed Ice Saint Paul. Photo taken by Red Bull.

Working with X Med and Red Bull has allowed me to continually gain a new perspective on athletic training every time I go to an event, as each one is different.  The new and unique challenges keep me excited about the future of athletic training, especially from the perspective of prevention and risk management. To me, they are one in the same to a degree.  With risk management, we are taking the basic “prevention” concepts we learn as ATs and expand on them with concepts from OSHA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other agencies.

What advice do you have about your practice setting for a young AT looking at this setting(s)?

Look at athletic training and personal development as “crafts.”  There is always something to learn and ways to improve yourself.  Ethics and morals go a long way when paired with a drive of self improvement.  With 42,000+ ATs out there, it is not enough to just be good at what you do; you must be of good moral character as well.  That is what will differentiate you from the masses and sustain yourself professionally and personally for years to come.


BOC Volunteers Shape the Profession

The Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC) appreciates the hundreds of past and current BOC volunteers during National Volunteer Week, which runs April 21st-April 27th. The contribution of volunteers such as BOC exam item writers, committee members, board directors, the blog team  and  home study reviewers, is critical in developing the high professional standards expected of today’s Athletic Trainers (ATs). We are proud to have a board of 9 directors, 5 committees, over 150 home study reviewers, over 100 exam item writers and 10 bloggers who provide their valuable service.

“Volunteers are critical to the BOC achieving our mission to provide exceptional credentialing programs for healthcare professionals to assure protection of the public,” says Denise Fandel, BOC Executive Director. “We are grateful to this group of professionals who help us serve the profession and their patients.”

We recognize BOC volunteers for accomplishing the following in 2012:

  • Delivered over 4,800 certification exams
  • Developed over 600 new exam items for experimental testing
  • Reviewed over 150 home study courses
  • Validated the Global Practice Analysis
  • Were honored with the BOC’s 2012 Dan Libera Service Award, with recipients including Paul DeMartinis, Jose Rivera, Michael Stanwood, Scott Street and Sue Wielgosz

Read more about volunteer accomplishments and volunteer opportunities. The BOC thanks everyone for their service to support the growth and success of the BOC.

National Volunteer Week 2013, Celebrate Service, honors those who dedicate themselves to taking action and bettering their communities. Sponsored by Points of Light Institute and HandsOn Network, National Volunteer Week was established in 1974. Thousands of volunteer projects and special events are scheduled throughout the week.

Written By:

Brittney Ryba
BrittneyR@bocatc.org


Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and the Athletic Trainer

In January of 2000, actress Holly Robinson Peete and her husband, former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete, heard words that would change their life: “Your son has classic autism.” Holly remembered thinking then — desperately seeking a silver lining — is “classic” a good thing? Like a “classic” car or film?

The pediatrician delivering the news provided a list of things they would never see their son RJ, who was 3 years old at the time, do in his lifetime.  Fast forward to 10 years later, when RJ has crossed off items from that “never” list and exceeded many expectations. Read more about the Peetes’ story.

April is National Autism Awareness Month. The prevalence of individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is 1 in 88 people, and it is more common in boys (1 in 54).  ASD comprises a group of neurodevelopmental disorders with onset prior to 36 months that is characterized by impairments in:

  • Social interaction (i.e., eye contact)
  • Verbal communication (i.e., talking)
  • Non-verbal communication (i.e., pointing at objects)
  • Behavior, which may include repetitive gestures such as flapping arms or using toys in ways they are not intended (such as lining up toy cars instead of pushing them around the floor)

There is a tremendous variability in type and severity of symptoms for ASD. Each child is unique with his or her own set of aptitudes, temperamental features, family circumstances and cultural influences. In addition, parents have their own ideas about healthy development and may overlook certain behaviors.

Parents question themselves as to why their child has ASD. Most cases of ASD have both genetic and environmental causes. Biological factors affect the development of the brain.  There also has been a lot of discussion about environmental factors and ASD; however, there is little to no evidence currently that supports these discussions.

It is difficult for parents to connect ASD deficits to their infant. It is too easy to say, “They will grow out of it.” Many parents come to terms with ASD through a “wildcard.” Children with ASD have been found to perform better than non-ASD children on tasks with embedded figures, visual search, logical consistency, fluid reasoning and resistance to false memory. Additionally, aggression and destruction can occur out of frustration in situations children struggle to navigate, giving them the stigma of a “bad kid.”

Currently there is no cure for ASD. It is treatable based on intensive behavioral strategies that focus on improving language, social communication and play. There are many options, but it is important to look for deficits and treatments that can scientifically quantify outcomes. Early intensive behavioral interventions are key; however, outcomes are highly variable. Strongest predictors of a positive outcome are early language and average cognitive skills. IQ (high function vs. low function) has a positive correlation and is a robust predictor of outcome.

Athletes with ASD can succeed even though they may have a lack of knowledge about social norms, bonding and usual behavior. This is where the Athletic Trainer (AT) can help. Adults must be aware of peer dynamics and empower peers to be defenders against bullying.

Professional surfer Clay Marzo and NHL goalie T. Mac both have Asperger syndrome (a type of ASD). Major League Baseball’s (MLB) Jim Eisenreich, who has Tourette syndrome, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. During his 15-year career in the MLB, Eisenreich played for the Twins, Royals, Philadelphia Phillies, Florida Marlins and Los Angeles Dodgers. He received the Royals Player of the Year award in 1989. He also received the Tony Conigliaro Award in 1990, which annually recognizes one MLB player who has overcome a significant obstacle.

As an AT, what can you do when someone with an ASD walks in for treatment?

  • Support the individual with ASD
  • Support the individual’s parents and siblings
  • Advocate for the ASD family
  • Offer flexibility in environment and processes for patients with ASD
  • Be aware of self-injurious behavior (SIB)
  • Be aware of aggressive and destructive behavior
  • Be aware of noncompliant and oppositional behavior
  • Help create environments for positive peer interactions
  • Understand social skills will be different from peers who do not have ASD
  • Be aware that children with ASD can have an altered sense of pain and fear

With all this in mind, ATs, parents and caregivers can encourage children with ASD to try out the world of sports and tear up the “never” list.

Resources:

Association for Science in Autism Treatment (www.asatonline.org)

Autism and PDD Support Network (www.autism-pdd.net)

Autism National Committee (www.autocom.org)

Autism Research Institute (www.autism.com)

Autism Science Foundation (www.autismsciencefoundation.org)

Autism Society of America (www.autism-society.org)

Autism Speaks (www.autismspeaks.org)

CDC- Autism (www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html)

Families for Early Autism Treatment (www.feat.org)

First Signs (www.firstsigns.org)

National Autism Association (www.nationalautismassociation.org)

Written By:

Brittney Ryba
BrittneyR@bocatc.org


Lightning Delay

During my first few years as a high school Athletic Trainer (AT), one of my challenges was not being intimidated by the football coaches, especially the head coach.  I was all of 5’ 2” and 130 pounds so compared to his stature, it was easy to back down and then wish later I would have stood my ground on an issue.

One day during two-a-days, I called off practice #2 due to lightning.  The coach pushed it as long as he could. I was contemplating going to get the AD, when the coach finally blew his whistle.  The lightning was huge and it was close!  After cleaning up, I was walking out of the building with one of our assistant coaches and he asked me what I had said to the KOLN/KGIN reporter who had interviewed me earlier that day for a TV news report.  I told him I had actually complimented our coaching staff by saying they were good about taking frequent water breaks and adjusting practice activity accordingly.  He jokingly said God would strike me with lightning for lying like that and we shared a good laugh.  This is what I believe literature teachers call foreshadowing (or maybe irony after you hear the rest of the story).

I lived in a small town about 30 minutes from where my school was located. On my way home, just off the Mahoney State Park exit on the interstate, a huge light flashed and my car died.  I pulled over realizing I had been struck by lightning!  The only brand new car I had ever owned, an orange Saturn Vue, was now pouring smoke out the steering column, and the radio station was cycling through channels.  After this incident, I had no trouble calling off practices or games due to lightning for many years afterwards.

Danielle Kleber, ATC
dkleber@athletestrainingcenter.com

Editor’s Note about Lightning

Lightning is dangerous and according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in the United States, an average of 54 people are killed each year by lightning.

Florida is America’s lightning capital, as it leads the nation in lightning deaths. Sadly, in October 2012 Jesse Watlington, an 11-year-old boy at South Florida Christian Academy, was struck by lightning as he was running onto the football field for practice. He later died after his family decided to take him off life support.

Cardiac arrest is one way that lightning kills, according to the NOAA. In 2012, there were 28 lightning fatalities. Fortunately, there have not been any fatalities in 2013.

Read more about being smart during lightning season with the NATA’s Safety Guidelines endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The NOAA lightning safety motto appears to be having some effect, so remember: “When thunder roars, go indoors!” Stayed tuned to more information this summer, as Lightning Safety Awareness Week is June 23-29, 2013.


2013 National Athletic Training Month Successes

Local Athletic Trainers with Omaha Mayor

 

March was an exciting month to promote and celebrate the athletic training profession. The Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC) held a National Athletic Training Month (NATM) proclamation luncheon with local Athletic Trainers (ATs). We were honored to have Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle attend and give the proclamation, along with speeches from BOC Executive Director Denise Fandel and Athletic Trainer Director Rusty McKune.  View the proclamation event on the BOC’s YouTube channel.

Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle Gives NATM Proclamation

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has enrolled 382 licensed ATs and the BOC is proud to have certified over 42,000 certified Athletic Trainers nation-wide.

Athletic training students and professionals participated in a variety of activities during NATM to promote the profession and make a positive influence within their communities. Gustavus Adolphus College athletic training students held a week long food drive to collect items for the local food pantry. BOC blogger, Paul LaDuke, was part of the group of Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society (PATS) members who went to the state capitol for their annual Hike to Harrisburg. Chris Lenker, Head Athletic Trainer at Tusculum College, managed podcast interviews of ATs in support of 2013 NATM.

BOC Staff with Omaha Mayor

March may be over, but don’t let that prevent yourself from promoting your athletic training credential the profession year-round. You can also share the importance of ATs with April being National Youth Sports Safety Month.

Written By:

Brittney Ryba
BrittneyR@bocatc.org


Young Professional Brief

These question(s) identify and address the interests, needs and concerns of young athletic training professionals. Young professional Mike Hopper, ATC, has teamed up with the experience of Danielle Kleber, ATC, to highlight some of the issues young professionals find themselves dealing with early in their careers.

Many people in this new generation of employees are more apt to text or email rather than call. What are your thoughts on the various forms of communication?

I love texting and emailing!  For me, it is for the personal reason that I don’t enjoy spending time on the phone and it allows me to circumvent that quite a bit.  I also have a terrible memory and subscribe to a service at www.followup.cc which allows me to set reminders when replying or forwarding emails.  In addition to helping me remember things, I am able to process through messages and keep my inbox clean with this service so things don’t pile up.

Taking some time to set up your email and text group lists is helpful too.  Making efficient use of your time is important in this profession, so being able to quickly message a group of people without too much time spent is a great tool.

I could go on and on about the benefits of texting and email, but I think the newer generation of employees already understands these.

So, my next bit of advice is to be cautious with these forms of communication.  When you are communicating with someone, it is important to be mindful of their preferred mean of communication.  If your team physician calls you every time, they probably prefer to speak with you rather than sending a flurry of text messages.  If an Athletic Director comes to personally see you with information, they would probably appreciate personal conversations rather than an impersonal email.  For now you should mimic other’s preferred format.  Once you’ve established yourself, you can begin to “train” others to mimic your preferred format.

It is probably also a smart idea to be mindful of your grammar and spelling when texting and emailing.  Yes, they are less formal means of communication than a formally written letter but that doesn’t mean people won’t judge you.  If you are a new professional and trying to establish yourself within a school or company, don’t give people easy reasons to discount you.  It is one thing to text your friend and a very different thing to text your boss.

 

Michael Hopper, ATC, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Health Management: Athletic Training Concentration from Southeast Missouri State University in 2010. He is a current graduate student through the University of South Florida working towards a Master’s Degree in Medical Sciences with a concentration in Athletic Training. Hopper has worked with athletes of all ages from youth sports all the way up to professional baseball and currently works for Monroe Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine in Waterloo, IL.

 

 

 

Danielle Kleber, ATC, attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Fitness and Leisure Management with emphasis in Athletic Training and went on to complete her master’s coursework at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) in Fitness and Wellness Promotion.  Her professional experience includes collegiate and high school experience and she has worked with athletes at all levels of competition. Currently she works at the Director of Operations at Athletes’ Training Center, a sports performance and physical therapy facility in Omaha, NE.


An In Depth Look with….Mike McKenney, LAT, ATC, NASM-CES

In Depth Look with….Mike McKenney, LAT, ATC, NASM-CES

Describe your setting: I am a graduate assistant athletic trainer at North Dakota State University (NDSU) in Fargo, North Dakota.  My main position is with baseball, but I provide AT services as needed for other sports as well.  We play home games at Newman Outdoor Field and compete in the Summit League (NCAA D-I).  Also, as a graduate student, I recently completed a study in our athletic training research laboratory.  In our lab, I have the ability to collect and analyze human blood samples for hematocrit, hemoglobin, electrolyte content and other plasma variables.  Adjacent to our lab, I also have the use of an environmental chamber that can reach temperatures of up to 38°C.

How long have you worked at this setting? I am in my 5th year as an Athletic Trainer (AT), and this is my 2nd year at NDSU.  Prior to NDSU, I worked for an orthopedic group for three years as a physician extender.  I provided services in the clinic and outreach for multiple organizations.  I was also an assistant AT at a local high school during that time.

Describe your Typical Day:  During the day I have data collection, my day could begin anywhere from 6:00am to 10:00am, depending on when my subject was scheduled to arrive.  Normally, I would arrive an hour before my subject so I could turn on the environmental chamber.  I am trained in venipuncture, so I collected and analyzed all blood samples for my study.  A typical testing day took a little over four hours, which included an hour after my subject finished to analyze their blood for electrolyte content, hematocrit, hemoglobin, osmolality and changes in plasma volume.  Depending on the day, I would either run off to class or our athletic complex for practice.

As a northern baseball program, we are always fighting the weather.  Practicing outdoors becomes impossible when there is more than a foot of snow on our field or the temperatures with wind-chill are approaching -40°F.  Early in the season, we often have practice indoors, which means we usually practice at night due to availability of the facility.  Due to the weather, we play a lot of away games early in the season.  We primarily travel by bus unless we are going to locations that are farther away, like Florida or Arizona.  We arrive on Thursday afternoons and have practice that evening.  We will play anywhere from three to four games in a weekend and leave on Sundays.  We usually check out of the hotel before our game on Sunday, and then drive home immediately after the game.  We also have occasional mid-week games.

What do you like about your position: I really enjoy being a part of the NDSU sports medicine team.  It is a fantastic group of health care professionals to work with.  I am also very fortunate to have the ability to perform research, as it has allowed me to learn new skills, such as venipuncture and analyzing human blood.

What do you dislike about your position: Unless we are playing in the Metrodome in Minneapolis, our daily schedule is dictated by the weather.   Early in the season, this can make things a little hectic.

What advice do you have about your practice setting for a young athletic trainer looking at this setting? Don’t be afraid of research! Learning how to perform research with human subjects is a time-consuming but immensely rewarding experience.  Also, applying yourself and staying organized are necessary to succeed in graduate school.


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