Who will answer?
As athletic trainers, we have an opportunity like we’ve never had before. Issues in the media regarding concussions, youth safety, and athlete healthcare are prevalent. In my many years as an AT, I cannot remember being mentioned in the media, by other healthcare providers, and by parents as the experts in athlete healthcare as much as we have been lately.
With opportunity comes responsibility, and every AT must meet that challenge. Now, more than ever before, our status relies on our ability to promote our expertise, protect our license, and advocate for ourselves.
By nature, ATs typically are not comfortable with self-promotion. I submit to you that telling the truth about who we are, what we do, and explaining our expertise in athlete care and safety is something we must get comfortable doing. If we don’t, who will?
Too often, we become aware and perhaps look the other way when other non-licensed individuals are performing AT duties. This must stop. We cannot allow others to lessen our license and expertise by condoning such behavior. Protect your livelihood, protect your license, protect our profession. If we don’t, who will?
Be an advocate! ATs are healthcare providers, not support staff. If we act like support staff, we will be treated like support staff. Being a healthcare provider means professional demeanor, behavior, and attire. Demand better salaries, demand better work conditions, more staff, and better hours!!! It’s not always about work ethic– sometimes it’s about improving our quality of life.
It’s up to us–the opportunity is there if we choose to answer the door. We must be our own best advocates. If we don’t, who will?
Kathy Dieringer EdD, ATC, LAT
NATA District VI Director
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