Sports, orthopedics, physical therapy, they are all intertwined. So, it only makes sense that an orthopedic practice would have a number of athletic trainers on staff. And that is exactly what OrthoNeuro has.
Athletic trainers are a unique group of healthcare professionals who are recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) and specialize in the prevention, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of acute and chronic athletic injuries and medical conditions.
To become an athletic trainer, students must complete a bachelor’s degree and apply to the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program. To practice as an AT, you must pass a national certification examination and obtain licensure in the state you want to practice.
The practice has 10 athletic trainers working in several different roles within the organization, including four in management positions. March is National Athletic Training Month and we want to recognize all our athletic trainers!
OrthoNeuro Athletic Trainers
Three of our athletic trainers shared with us some of their thoughts.
Melissa French, MS, ATC, CKTP – Staff Athletic Trainer (Pickerington office)
Why did you choose athletic training?
I love sports and I love helping people, so athletic training was a way to combine both worlds.
What does athletic training mean to you?
Athletic trainers get to touch several aspects of people’s lives. We get to see people through the whole process starting with prevention, evaluating the injury and through the rehab process to get them back to play.
How do you utilize your athletic training in your current role?
I currently work in a physical therapy clinic rehabbing patients post injury and/or post-surgery.
Katie Freece, MS, AT – Physician Extender for Dr. Gary Millard
Why did you choose athletic training?
I choose the career of athletic training because I wanted to work with athletes that were motivated to get better once they were injured. It provided me an opportunity to be a part of the team to help in all aspects of their healthcare, particularly in the areas of injury prevention, rehabilitation, education, coordination of care, and emergency care.
What does athletic training mean to you?
Athletic training provides a valuable resource for those interested in sports, leading an active lifestyle, or working in a physically demanding job. As an athletic trainer we help prevent injuries, improve performance, and provide a comprehensive approach to care for those who have suffered an injury or medical condition.
How do you utilize your athletic training in your current role?
As an athletic trainer I provide support to Dr. Gary Millard. I help improve access to healthcare services for patients by triaging his phone calls, scheduling surgeries, therapy and or tests to help in the treatment of their injury. I believe the most important part of my job is to provide education to his patients in what Dr. Millard is treating and answer questions that they may have. I work collaboratively with Dr. Millard and the occupational and physical therapists to provide high quality patient care.
Amanda Conley, AT, CFo – DME Manager
Why did you choose athletic training?
My high school Certified Athletic Trainer, Bill Lowe, played a huge role in my decision to study Athletic Training. I experienced first-hand the positive impact that his expertise, skill, and care provided. He impacted my life by helping me get back on the court after injuries. I wanted to be able to impact people the same way he did.
What does athletic training mean to you?
Athletic Training is a very special profession. We are versatile, skilled and knowledgeable in all areas of orthopedic healthcare.
How do you utilize your athletic training in your current role?
In my current role as DME Manager at OrthoNeuro, every day I utilize the knowledge and skills that I have gained throughout my 20 years of being a board-certified, state licensed Athletic Trainer. While I no longer work in the traditional setting of athletic training, I treat my patients at OrthoNeuro with the same care, compassion and understanding, as I did when I was treating my high school athletes, helping get them back in the game.
