To The Bone: Sports Medicine Podcast

Do athletic trainers need an increase in compensation, or could financial illiteracy holding ATs back from financial freedom?

Dr. Eric Fuchs discuss the critical aspects of retirement planning specifically for athletic trainers. We explore the importance of income, budgeting, and the necessity of starting retirement planning early. The discussion covers building an emergency fund, managing debt, and strategies for paying off loans. They also delve into retirement savings plans, the significance of employer contributions, and how to evaluate job offers in terms of total compensation. The conversation emphasizes the need for financial literacy and proactive planning to secure a stable financial future.

We go through the complexities of retirement planning, focusing on the importance of understanding pensions, 401k, and IRA management., emphasizing the need for individuals to take control of their financial futures, especially in a world where job changes are frequent. The discussion also covers strategies for catching up on retirement savings, the significance of defining retirement in terms of financial goals rather than age, and the necessity of investing wisely to combat inflation. Additionally, highlighting the role of financial advisors and the importance of having a solid financial plan.

Trish Bare Grounds, a seasoned athletic trainer with extensive experience in both traditional and non-traditional sports. Trish shares her journey from working in traditional athletic training to becoming a prominent figure in extreme sports and circus performance medicine. She discusses the importance of building trust with athletes, the challenges of working in diverse cultural settings, and the necessity of having comprehensive emergency action plans in high-risk environments.

Trish emphasizes the value of passion in athletic training and the unique experiences that come from working in non-traditional sports. In this conversation, she discusses her extensive experience in performance medicine, focusing on emergency preparedness, the establishment of her own business, and the challenges faced in the athletic training field. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, liability insurance, and the need for better education in athletic training programs.

The dialogue also explores the dynamics of working in non-traditional sports and the significance of personality compatibility among team members. In this conversation, they emphasizing the need for practical experience, diversity in training, and the importance of creativity, independent thinking, and the necessity for better marketing of the profession. The discussion also touches on the autonomy of athletic trainers and the challenges posed by physician oversight, highlighting the need for a clearer definition of the scope of athletic training.

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Could a piece of the crumbling H2F puzzle be the weak messaging in distinguishing an athletic trainers value and worth through ROI?

Tyler Christensen discusses his interpretation of the evolving role of athletic trainers, particularly in light of the recent changes to the H2F program. Tyler shares his insights from his extensive experience in tactical strength and conditioning, emphasizing the importance of athletic trainers in bridging the injury rehabilitation and performance team, the unique reintegration that ATs bring to the table.

We explore the challenges faced by athletic trainers in promoting their value and the need for a clear return on investment (ROI) to secure their positions within athletic programs. The discussion highlights the necessity for ATs to define their unique contributions to the healthcare team and the importance of collaboration with other professionals in the field.

In this conversation we discuss the evolving role of ATs, particularly in military settings while exploring the financial implications when working with government contracts, the need for better integration within healthcare systems, and the importance of defining roles in human performance. The discussion also highlights the necessity of utilizing data to improve athletic training practices and the need for specialization within the profession. Finally, they address the business aspects of athletic training, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating return on investment (ROI) to secure the future of the profession.

Takeaways from Tyler:1) Clarity is being lost. “Human Performance” is becoming an overused buzzword, blurring the lines between wellness, fitness, and tactical readiness. If you want to protect your profession, define it clearly and communicate its unique value.

2) Stories aren’t strategies. Feel-good narratives have a place, but they don’t influence high-level decision-makers. Show your return on investment. Demonstrate outcomes that matter.

3) Leadership needs to own the message. We must clearly differentiate Human Performance from fitness and wellness programs and stop playing nice in the sandbox. Leadership should champion ROI messaging and draw a clear line in the sand that you are human performance and not wellness/fitness programs.

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Neurosynchrony Health discuss the evolution of brain health and the innovative approaches they are taking to optimize it. They delve into the importance of personalized care, the role of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and EEG in treatment, and the misconceptions surrounding brain health. The discussion emphasizes a holistic approach to mental wellness, integrating various treatment modalities and addressing environmental factors that impact brain function.

Neurosynchrony Health talks about the future of sideline concussion evaluation with EEG helmets to help better determine return to play protocols and treatment procedures.

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Shelby and Kevin Robell explore how athletic trainers are increasingly overwhelmed by the sheer volume of data they collect yet remain underinformed due to inefficient and fragmented data use. As the role and purpose of data have evolved, much of what’s gathered in day-to-day clinical practice goes underutilized. Kevin explains how Preventicx aims to unify these disparate data sources, helping athletic trainers derive more meaningful and actionable outcomes.

They also discuss how the data collected in clinical settings is often unstructured, highlighting the need for improved data strategies to better support clinical decision-making and outcomes tracking.

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In this episode, Shelby interviews Carlos Roel, an athletic trainer and physical therapist with extensive experience in fencing and other sports. We discuss the intricacies of fencing, including the different types of weapons, scoring systems, and common injuries. Carlos shares insights into the culture of fencing, the dynamics of international competitions, and the medical support provided to athletes. Carlos shares his experiences working with athletes with disabilities, particularly in the context of Paralympic sports. He discusses the challenges of balancing day-to-day impairments with athletic performance, the importance of managing pain and strength conditioning, and the unique journey of being an independent contractor in sports medicine. Carlos also provides valuable travel tips for athletic trainers and shares some humorous and challenging stories from his international trips with athletes.

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How do we make research sexier?

In this conversation, Shelby Daly and Adam Annaccone discuss the evolving landscape of performance healthcare in athletic training. They explore the integration of technology, the importance of collaboration among healthcare providers, and the leadership skills necessary for athletic trainers to succeed. The dialogue emphasizes the need for breaking down silos, enhancing educational pathways, and developing both soft and hard skills to improve outcomes in athletic training.

We discuss the evolving landscape of athletic training, emphasizing the importance of continuing education, research literacy, and the integration of technology in healthcare. While exploring the challenges of presenting research in engaging ways at conferences and the need for athletic trainers to be critical consumers of information, especially in the age of social media. The discussion highlights the potential of AI to bridge gaps in research and clinical practice, advocating for innovative approaches to learning and information dissemination in the field.www.rapidreboot.com

Discount Code: ToTheBone15

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In this episode, the BOC team discusses the continuing education requirements for athletic trainers, focusing on the different categories of CEUs, the history and importance of these units, and the process of becoming a BOC approved provider. They also explore the future of continuing education and how it is evolving to meet the needs of athletic trainers.

Takeaways

• Continuing education is required for maintaining certification since 1982.
• Athletic trainers need 50 CEUs, with specific requirements for categories.
• Category A CEUs are from BOC approved providers, ensuring quality education.
• Category B includes professional activities like speaking at conferences.
• Category C is limited to college coursework related to athletic training.
• Category D allows for creative learning opportunities within athletic training.
• Documentation is crucial for CEU verification during audits.

• The BOC is evolving its approach to continuing education for relevance and efficiency.
• Becoming a BOC approved provider involves an application process and annual fees.

Are athletic trainers the best to be promoted to directors of an organization? Or are we just applying to Peter Principle? Does time solve everything?

In this conversation, Shelby Daly and Derek Lawrance discuss the evolving role of athletic trainers and performance directors in sports. They explore the necessary skills, leadership qualities, and the importance of communication and relationships in navigating the complexities of professional sports environments. Derek shares his journey from athletic training to establishing his own company and working with the US Men's National Team, emphasizing the need for athletic trainers to embrace their potential as performance directors. The discussion also touches on the challenges of balancing allegiance to athletes and organizations, and the significance of building trust within teams. In this conversation, Shelby Daly and Derek Lawrance discuss the challenges and opportunities within athletic training, focusing on the importance of communication, relationship building, and the need for experience in leadership roles. They explore the misconceptions surrounding leadership titles, the complexities of salary negotiations, and the high turnover rates in performance director positions. The discussion emphasizes the necessity for athletic trainers to broaden their skill sets and gain diverse experiences to enhance their professional development and job satisfaction.

Stephanie Lowther just embarked on one of the most difficult entrepreneurial endeavors, acquiring an established business. Randy and Shelby interview Stephanie about the process of transitioning from an employee to an owner and the caveats that accompany change. We discuss the process of aquation monetarily, strategic, operationally, and most importantly the transfer of leadership.

How can someone smoothly take over a leadership operation without rocking the boat?

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We discuss the challenges and processes involved in business acquisition, the importance of leadership in athletic therapy, and the relationships built during this journey. In this conversation, Stephanie Lowther discusses her journey in establishing a stable athletic therapy practice, emphasizing the importance of a solid marketing strategy and community engagement. She shares insights on the growth of Carleton Place, her experiences in unusual sporting events, and her aspirations for the future of her practice. Stephanie highlights her leadership style, focusing on open communication and trust-building with her team, and explains her personalized approach to treatment. Additionally, she addresses the referral processes in athletic therapy and the evolving landscape of healthcare in Canada.

Takeaways

• Acquiring an existing business can provide a solid foundation for growth.
• Strong relationships are crucial in business transitions.
• Understanding financials is key in any business acquisition.
• The importance of having a supportive team during transitions.
• Navigating legal and accounting aspects is essential in acquisitions.
• Maintaining the original mission and values of a business is important.
• Entrepreneurship can be a fulfilling path for athletic trainers and therapists
• Marketing plans are essential for business growth.
• Community engagement is key to client retention.
• Experiences in diverse sporting events enrich professional growth.
• Future aspirations include expanding the practice and community partnerships.
• Open communication fosters trust within a team.
• Building relationships with established clinicians is crucial during transitions.