Guest Blog: Sports Medicine Broadcast

The SWATA blog would like to introduce the November guest blogger, Jeremy Jackson. In this month’s guest blog, Pasadena High School athletic trainer Jeremy Jackson introduces SWATA members to his Sports Medicine Broadcast. As we all know, athletic training is a profession unlike any other. We are a family. We work together and learn from each other daily. The Sports Medicine Broadcast is the definition of that, and something everyone should hear about. Thank you for being our guest blogger Jeremy.

I started the Sports Medicine Broadcast as a project for my students. I wanted something new, innovative and a way to bring medical professionals into the classroom.  I’ll be the first to admit that I am not the best at forward thinking or long-term planning; however, this podcast has helped to create great potential for my future as an Athletic Trainer.  If you go back and listen to some of my first episodes like Think Outside The Gym (episode # 4), you will see that the show has greatly improved over time. Listening to the current broadcast you will hopefully notice vast improvements in areas like sound and video quality and interview questions.  

The thing is, though, we all have to start somewhere.  Just like in our work as Athletic Trainers, or as parents, teachers, or whatever we do, we have to START doing it to learn.  I am truly grateful that God has given me courage when faced with risk. I tend to just jump in and figure things out without a fear of failure.  This blog post is another example. I do not write a blog because I am not a great writer, but I am willing to give it a shot in hopes of encouraging others to do the same.

A little more about the podcast:

I have always said we are changing the way Athletic Training education is done. We are currently able to offer CEUs (sponsored by GHATS) for participating in the live broadcast.  We do a show almost every Wednesday during the school year and then sporadically through the summer as I attend conferences.  This summer at SWATA convention I was able to interview Scott Sailor, NATA President.  I was also able to meet several people from around the region who are listeners to the show.  The topics are usually selected based upon something I want to learn or suggestions from you, the listener.  I discussed in episode 186 that I sometimes feel intimidated to ask questions in large groups of ATs in conferences and I don’t want to be that one person holding everyone up.  This podcast is my way of getting everything answered in a way I understand.  If you listen live then you can be actively involved in getting your questions answered, too.  If you are an expert in something contact me and we can discuss you being on the show or start your own podcast or blog.  If it will bring value to the listeners of the Sports Medicine Broadcast then I want to know about it.  Adding value to your practice as an AT is why I have partnered with School Health to give away gift cards each month to podcast listeners.  There is a new password each month so be sure to listen to find out or join the email list.

As technology continues to evolve and provide more options, so does the service I hope to provide all of my listeners.  I am currently working on a way for people to watch the recorded version of the live broadcast and earn CEUs.  This will allow me to continue creating content for ATs to consume on their own time by creating an on-demand learning system specifically tailored for Athletic Trainers.

The best way to keep track of what is happening on the Sports Medicine Broadcast is by joining the email list.  This is the first place I announce topics and registration, giveaways, conferences and schedule changes.  I am also on Twitter often (@PHSSportsMed) which helps to expose me to what is going on in the world of Athletic Training outside of Texas.

I will leave you with comments on the podcast from some athletic trainers you may know:

I had the chance to catch a live broadcast. I have watched several recordings but have never caught a live one. Great job today to all involved. It was a great topic and definitely gave me a lot to think about. I want the SWATA members to know more about your SMB and what a great resource it can be. I thought it was awesome that you can live comment while it is going on. I ended up going back and watching the rest as well. Just wanted to let you know what a great broadcast it was.

·         Catherine Windsor MS, ATC, LAT

The Sports Medicine Broadcast, hosted by Jeremy Jackson at Pasadena High School, has become a fantastic way to discuss relevant situations relating to athletic trainers in a fun and educational way.  The Broadcast discusses topics that are directly applicable to the training room; topics that are not often covered in “traditional” periodicals or journals.  Topics such as “Female AT Struggles”, “Rookie Mistakes” and “Fixing Water Stations” have direct and immediate impact on aspects of our job that are not learned in traditional curriculum settings.  To top it off, you can receive one hour of CEUs for streaming the broadcast live which is made possible by Greater Houston Athletic Trainers Society (GHATS).  If you miss the opportunity to stream the episode live, you are still able to listen to the podcast at a later date.  It has always seemed to me that what we learned in the classroom only accounts for about half of what we do on a daily basis.  The SMB does a great job of discussing all the “other” stuff that we deal with on a day-to-day basis.

·         John Harmon, LAT

Jeremy’s devotion to his students and the Athletic Training community in the Houston area, along with his innovative creativity, has given us something we were lacking: an open, non-restricted bridge between the Sports Medicine community and the experts directly affecting our decisions in caring for the members of our community.

·         Daniel Young, ATC, LAT

Jeremy Jackson, LAT

Pasadena High School

Athletic Trainer

Reflect, Recharge, Refocus

This past Friday I was doing treatment and taping athletes prior to our game when one of my football players asked me why I listen to music and don't talk very much on game days.  My initial reply was, "I don't know, it's just what I have always done.  I like to focus on game days" As he nodded and continued on his way I stopped and thought about it, why do I do things the way I do? The answer, it's the way I was brought up.  Not by my parents but by my athletic training mentors.  And this is where it got really intriguing to me, I realized that although I never thought about it or planned it this way, I have adopted a series of my different mentors methods. 

When I was in high school, I had the privilege to work under the instruction of Past President and SWATA Hall of Famer Randy Day.  On Fridays, before we would pile into the old BISD delivery truck and travel over to Hopper Field, Randy would close his office door, turn out the lights and simply refocus in the quiet for a few minutes.  During my time in undergrad at Sam Houston State University I worked under Vance Pickard. On games days you always saw him with his Discman (oh how far we've come) in his back pocket with his headphones on.  It was obvious from my experiences that focus was the mantra.  It was respected.  In fact it was demanded.  

Last Friday, when my student asked me why I get so quiet, why I listen to my music and don't talk much, it made me stop and reflect on the way I am and why.  What I ultimately came up with is that in spite of the high paced, always connected society that we live in today, I still yearn for some of the old school focus that was once revered.  This was ingrained in me by my mentors and it served them well.  Today, I continue this practice on a regular basis.  Each game day between the end of school and before I begin treatments I sit in my office with the lights out, without interruption and refocus.  When I begin treatments or while I'm taping athletes I put my earbuds in and listen to music in an effort to keep my focus.  I focus on the upcoming event, the athlete that I need to pay extra attention to for one reason or another, and how an on field emergency will be handled.  I focus on being the best AT I can be and the AT that my athletes depend on me to be.    

As we quickly approach the Thanksgiving holiday I find myself, now more than ever, extremely thankful for my various mentors.  I would not be who I am without their guidance, leadership and example.  As I continue to reflect on my formative years I think of all those who came before me during the formative years of Athletic Training.  People like Billy Pickard, Paul Zeek, Al Wilson, James Dodson and so many others whose mentorship formed this great profession and have guided us to where we are today, I am thankful.  

The few minutes I spent reflecting on this brought back so many memories and took me on a quick yet amazing journey.  But most importantly, it reminded me just how thankful I am for the experiences I've had and the mentors who guided me along the way.  As you spend time with your family to rest, recharge and refocus this Thanksgiving holiday I encourage each and everyone of you to take a moment to reflect on your formative years.  Look back through your experiences and consider why it is you do the things you do.  I hope that you will find the time to let someone who guided and mentored you know just how thankful you are.  

I am thankful for each of you and what you do for our great profession.  I wish you all the best for a wonderful and restful holiday.

Josh Woodall; M.Ed., ATC, LAT 

SWATA President

Guest Blog: Living for Zachary

As athletic trainers we are very familiar with sudden cardiac arrest and the importance that our profession plays in the chain of survival. We know the importance of having quick access to an AED. The SWATA blog would like to introduce the October guest blogger, Ashlyn Wren. In this month’s guest blog Living for Zachary program assistant, Ashlyn Wren, has introduced us to the organization called Living for Zachary.  This organization had a booth in the Billy Pickard Expo Hall at the 61st annual SWATA Annual Meeting and Clinical Symposium in Houston this past July.

October brings a month of awareness to many different things; breast cancer, spina bifida, SIDS and one that is very near and dear to our hearts, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness month. A question that many people often have is “What is sudden cardiac arrest?”

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) claims nearly 350,000 lives each year.1  During sudden cardiac arrest, heart function stops abruptly and without warning. When this happens the heart is no longer able to pump blood to the brain and throughout the body, and the result is death for 95% of the victims.

Living for Zachary was founded in honor of Zachary Schrah, who was only 16 years old when he collapsed during a high school football practice in Plano on April 2, 2009. There was no warning. There were no signs. After Zachary’s death, Living for Zachary, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was established to raise awareness of undiagnosed heart issues in teens.  

Our Mission

Living for Zachary is dedicated to raising awareness of SCA in youth and saving lives through community education and awareness events, promoting youth heart screenings, awarding student scholarships and donating automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to youth-based organizations.

Below are links to two stories on youth students who were saved by an AED and a Living for Zachary Heart Screening.  

http://www.living4zachary.org/category-s/84.htm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSmPczPTWHo

Does your school or youth organization have an AED? Do you know how to apply for an AED through Living for Zachary? To find out more click here.

1. Roger VL, Go AS, Lloyd-Jones DM, et al. Heart disease and stroke statistics – 2012 update: A report from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2012;125(1):e2-220.

Ashlyn Wren
Program Assistant
Living for Zachary

Step Out and Help Out - Grow the Profession Together

As the profession of Athletic Training continues to grow and evolve we all feel the growing pains from time to time, regardless of our individual practice setting.  As an AT in the secondary school setting I struggle regularly these days with the expectation, or at a minimum, desire from parents and coaches that I be not only available but onsite for every practice and event.  Unfortunately this is simply not possible with only two staff athletic trainers responsible for the healthcare of 800+ athletes participating in 15 sports and over 50 teams.  But the word is out, athletic trainers are an important if not vital aspect of athletic participation.  This is great, however despite the knowledge and sentiment, staffing formulas in this practice setting have not caught up with the times, thus we struggle.  

This is true of every practice setting in some form or fashion.  I hear stories from my colleagues in various settings of their struggles.  So the question is, what can or should be done about it? Unfortunately, I don't believe there is one single answer that address every issue out there.  What I do believe, is there are things we can do as individuals that will have a great impact on the profession as a whole and will help everyone.  That said, if we are to accomplish this we must all step out of our comfort zone and think globally.  We must break away from the mindset that if a particular initiative does not apply to my practice setting directly that it is not important for me to participate.

One such initiative is that of every AT getting their National Provider Identifier (NPI).  Many athletic trainers in my practice setting or in other more traditional settings ask the question why.  "Why should I get my NPI? I'm never going to bill for services so there is no need." This is what I mean when I say step out of your comfort zone and look at the global perspective of the initiative.  Seek to understand what is being asked of you.  An NPI number does not mean that you are going to bill for services and there is no requirement that you do anything to maintain your number.  But by getting your NPI number you are identifying yourself as a healthcare provider on a national registry, and this makes a big difference! It makes a big difference when AT's approach elected officials about legislation pertaining to athletic trainers and we promote ourselves as healthcare providers.  Those officials will often ask why so few NATA members have an NPI if we consider ourselves healthcare providers.  This is a hard question to answer.  But how strong of a statement would it make if we walked into that same meeting, introduced AT's as healthcare providers and the data supported that statement unequivocally? To apply for your NPI, follow this link and spend a few short minutes to help our profession.

We are all in this profession together, regardless of practice setting.  Growth is great.  If we aren't growing we are dying.  But growth is not always easy, nor is it a comfortable process.  However, if we all work together it can be vastly rewarding.  I encourage everyone to step out of your comfort zone from time to time.  Look around at this great profession and ask what can I do to promote my colleagues and the profession as a whole? If everyone does a little, we will all benefit a lot.  

Josh Woodall; M.Ed., ATC, LAT 

SWATA President

Ambassadors of Athletic Training

What is an ambassador? One common definition is: a person who acts as a representative or promoter of a specified activity.  Every day, each and every one of us is an ambassador of athletic training.  It starts when you step into your workplace and you see your first patient of the day.  I don't know about y'all but often times this is the hardest time of day for me.  I get to work early so that I can turn on my computer, pour a cup of coffee and check my email before the first patient walks in the door.  But wouldn't you know it, there are three people waiting in the athletic training room.  So much for that idea, my day just took a turn and it has barely gotten started.  I am primed and ready to leave these patients with a negative impression of myself and ultimately of athletic training.  This is when I have to step back, take a deep breath, and remember that I'm not only representing myself, I am an ambassador.  Maybe it's lunch time, getting ready to eat and there is an unexpected phone call.  Or maybe it's the end of the day and you're getting ready to walk out the door when the boss comes in. I am always an ambassador and the impression I leave, good or bad, is a representation of athletic training.  

I recently had a conversation with the parent of one of my athletes.  He told me that he had talked to a friend from another area who had a bad experience with the athletic trainer at his child's school.  He said that after speaking with his friend that he felt very fortunate that his children had the AT's that they do.  While this was a compliment to me and the staff I work with, it was also very concerning.  My athlete's parent defended AT's by talking about his experiences with us.  This could have turned out much differently.  What if this parent did not have a friend who had positive experiences with AT's?

You are an ambassador every day and with every patient you see.  How many people do you come in contact with each day? What perception of athletic training do they have when they leave you? Tomorrow when you go to work take a moment and consider this.  You will leave someone with an impression of athletic training as a profession and of athletic trainers throughout your area, your state, the district and across the nation.  What kind of ambassador will you be?

Josh Woodall; M.Ed., ATC, LAT 

SWATA President

AT Advocates

Athletic Trainers are advocates by nature.  Probably the most noteworthy is that of being an advocate for the health and safety of physically active individuals.  But what else do AT’s advocate for? Or, maybe the question is better phrased, what else should AT’s be advocates for? We talk about being properly recognized and identified as healthcare providers, better pay, and better working conditions.  But how do we go about achieving such things?  It starts with being an advocate for each other.  

Athletic Trainers are not used to being in the spotlight. Most of us work behind the scenes and are comfortable that way.  But, if people are going to truly understand who we are, what we are capable of, and what our value truly is, we are going to have to step out from behind the shadows.  Now, I know that most people are not going to go out and sing their own praises, I don’t blame them.  But why wouldn’t we want to sing the praises of our friends and colleagues?   We all know AT’s who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, so let’s recognize them for it!

NATA award nominations are open right now until September 15th.  The first step to being an advocate for each other can be as simple as nominating someone for an award.  This may seem like a small thing but I assure you that celebrating the achievements of our friends and colleagues is certainly not small.  This is realistically just the tip of the iceberg.  Once a colleague wins an award, go a step further and notify their employer and the local news media.  But don’t stop there, notify their state and national legislators!  Before long many people will be asking, what did that AT do to earn such recognition? And now the doors have been opened and the opportunity to truly advocate for each other on a large scale has presented itself.  Now we have a platform to explain to our employers and our community exactly who an AT is, what an AT does, and precisely how important it is to make sure that every physically active individual has access to an AT.  

With NATA award nominations open I urge you, take a few minutes to decide who you will nominate for an award this year.  Everyone knows someone deserving, let’s start being advocates for each other the way we are for our patients.  Use the following link and let’s show our communities, our employers, our states and the nation how many great  AT’s there are in District VI! http://www.nata.org/honors-awards

Josh Woodall; M.Ed., ATC, LAT 

SWATA President

Why should YOU get involved? Tips for NATM efforts and MORE

Why should YOU get involved?

There are a lot of reasons why getting involved advances the AT profession, but below are a few specific reasons as to why YOU should get involved:

•              Build your resume

◦              don't just list your job responsibilities, list the "extra effort" items that we all do as ATs, especially anything that you initiate, build from scratch, and make successful...like NATM efforts.

•              Qualify for scholarships

◦              Students in college and high school programs who are involved in NATM efforts can highlight their participation when applying for scholarships.

•              Develop relationships with stakeholders

◦              Whether you are hosting an open house or adding a tagline to your email, you can use your efforts to connect with stakeholders.  Administrators, co-workers, taxpayers, and patients can gain a better understanding about you and the profession.  These opportunities open the doors of communication.  

•              Increase awareness

◦              When looking into resources that are available to help you be successful in your involvement, you may become aware of athletic training governmental affairs issues and other information that you previously did not know about. For example, this year you might find information about the SAFEPLAY Act, or on the Open Comment Period for CAATE Code of Professional Conduct for Program Personnel.

•              Show off

◦              Utilize your skills and talents that you may not be using in your current job.  It may be that your secret talent of drawing, public speaking, organizing events, cooking/grilling, etc. can be used to promote the profession in a unique way.

What Results Should You Expect?

•              Some benefits will be immediate while other efforts may produce benefits much later in time, especially if efforts are consistent and go beyond the time frame of NATM. If you work hard and plan well, the results of your efforts may be immediate and have lasting effects.

•              Regardless, your efforts will highlight the AT profession and will have the potential to educate others about the need for appropriate healthcare for the active person.  

NATA Involvement

•              Look through the NATA PR Resource and Stylebook* to find new ideas for NATM.

•              Social media campaign and contest are a great way to spread the word.  Since we are all very busy, you can schedule tweets to capitalize on your efforts.

SWATA Involvement

•              Look through the SWATA PR Ideabook for NATM ideas that are more specific to District 6.

•              Utilize the SWATA Letter to Stakeholders and request that a letter be sent on your behalf from SWATA announcing to your stakeholders that they can participate in NATM as well!

•              Don’t forget to participate in the SWATA PR NATM Contest for a chance to win a free registration to the Annual Meeting in July.  

It is never too late to start

•              The resources supplied by NATA and SWATA provide you with ideas and suggestions that take no time at all to accomplish.  

•              Of course, March is set aside as a designated time to highlight the AT profession but NATM is not the only time to reach out and promote the profession.  This can be done at any time throughout your day, regardless of what month it is.

Don't let the end of March stop you!

•              Carry on your efforts beyond March and promote yourself and the profession all year long with using proper terminology, highlighting your co-worker's accomplishments, and always representing the profession with the utmost care and skill.

*Look for an excerpt of the NATA PR Resource and Stylebook in the March issue of the NATA News and the complete version on NATA.org as we approach NATM.   

Jamie K. Woodall LAT, ATC

NATA PR Chair - Elect

Cultural Competency: Why it is Important for ALL Athletic Trainers

My name is Natalie Trotter.  I am the Athletic Trainer for Women's Basketball and Golf at the University of Arkansas.  I am also District VI representative for the NATA Ethnic Diversity Advisory Council (SWATA Chairperson), as well as the chair of AATA's Diversity Committee.  I am blogging in hopes of defying myths on what the Ethnic Diversity Council is, who it benefits as well as defining what cultural competency is and why it is vital in any role in the healthcare professional.

The mission of the EDAC is to serve in an advisory capacity to the SWATA Executive Board. The Committee identifies and addresses issues relevant to ethnic minority members and health care concerns affecting physically active ethnic minority individuals. The committee advocates sensitivity towards cultural diversity throughout the profession and the association. Acknowledging the culturally diverse issues impacting our association, the objectives and strategies are presented to strengthen and unify the association.

EDAC is not just about us as athletic trainers, it is important to remember it is also about our patients.

Cultural competence is defined as the ability to interact effectively with people of different cultures and socio-economic backgrounds.  In Sports Medicine it is a must resource in order to be a "sound" health care professional. As Athletic Trainers often we work with persons from different cultural/ethnic backgrounds, whether coworkers, superiors, patients and or athletes.  Cultural competence per definition comprises four components: (a) Awareness of one's own cultural worldview, (b) Attitude towards cultural differences, (c) Knowledge of different cultural practices and worldviews, and (d) Cross-cultural skills. As health care providers it is vital to develop cultural competency. Once cultural competency is attained, it results in an ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures.  No two injuries are the same, just as no two people are the same. To be successful as a health care professional it is important to have a sensitivity to patients/athlete's needs, which in turn provides a positive experience for both the provider and patient.