In this episode, Darryl Conway, Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director / Chief Health & Welfare Officer at the University of Michigan and Co-Owner of Sports Medicine Emergency Management, joins Eli Hallak. Together, they discuss the evolution of the profession, the importance of autonomy, and the critical role of a strong work ethic. They examine how the profession has transformed from a focus on ice and stem treatments to embracing movement-based rehabilitation and innovative modalities that support comprehensive athletic health and performance.

University of Michigan

Sports Medicine Emergency Management

Recognize SCA in Athletes

In this episode, Marshall Knowles of Perry Weather joins Eli Hallak to share his professional background and highlight the critical role of accurate, real-time weather data—covering lightning, humidity, wet-bulb globe temperature, and air quality. Together, they explore the expanding role of weather technology in athletics and how Perry Weather, while often starting as a tool for sports programs, quickly evolves into a comprehensive, campus-wide safety solution with broad applications.

Perry Weather

In this episode, District Directors from the National Athletic Trainers' Association—Vicky Graham, Tanya Dargusch, Rob Marshall, and Valerie Herzog—join Eli Hallak for a candid conversation about the future of the athletic training profession and what's taking place in their Districts. Together, they explore how progress in clinical settings can elevate practice across the board, emphasize the power of volunteering over complaining when it comes to creating change, and challenge the narrative of a workforce shortage. They make it clear: it's not a shortage of athletic trainers, but a shortage of athletic trainers willing to work in environments that overwork, underpay, and undervalue them as medical professionals.

NATA District One

NATA District Two

NATA District Five

NATA District Seven

National Athletic Trainers' Association

This week, Eli Hallak is joined by David Chaffin, West Regional Sales Manager at Medco Sports Medicine. Together, these two seasoned veterans of Athletic Training engage in an insightful deep-dive into the value of relationships, the depth of shared knowledge, and what it takes to transition from practicing sports medicine on the field to providing the tools and supplies that make it possible. They explore why small schools should never be overlooked, how to show appreciation for larger programs, and why the most valuable takeaway from any convention isn’t the swag—it’s the connections you make.

Medco Sports Medicine

This week, David Chaffin, West Regional Sales Manager at Medco Sports Medicine joins Eli Hallak. Together, these to veterans of Athletic Training talk-shop about the relationships, knowledge, and the ability to transition from applying Sports Medicine at athletic events to supplying equipment and supplies. Never ignore the small schools, appreciate the big schools, and remember that the most important thing you can take away from a convention isn't the swag, its the building of a relationship.

Medco Sports Medicine

This week, Bill Ito, Industrial Injury Prevention Specialist and Certified Athletic Trainer, joins Eli Hallak to share his journey through the medical field. Together, they discuss how Athletic Trainers in industrial settings enhance wellness in the workplace, the value of embracing change, and why effective communication is at the heart of the medical profession.

This week, Stephanie Coffey and Carlin Corral, Athletic Trainers at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, take center stage with Eli Hallak. Together, they explore the unique world of Performance and Theatrical Athletes; together they discuss why specialized care is essential, how Pilates has become a go-to method for strength and injury prevention, and what it’s like working at the crossroads of art and entertainment right in the heart of Hollywood.

American Musical and Dramatic Academy: New York

American Musical and Dramatic Academy: Los Angeles

This week, Eli Hallak is joined by Arlene Krause and Doug Krause, co-owners of British Swim School Burbank/Glendale, along with Anthony Faalnik, Director of Aquatics. Together, they dive into the critical topics of swim safety and drowning prevention. The conversation explores the British Swim School’s proven life-saving teaching model, the profound impact of swim lessons for children as young as three months old, and how adaptive swim classes are making a difference in the lives of swimmers with special needs.

British Swim School

British Swim School Burbank/Glendale, CA

This week, Dr. Vicky Graham, NATA District One Director and Associate Professor at American Public University System, meets with Eli Hallak. Together, they discuss the importance of advocating for yourself, why getting to know the other medical professionals you come in contact with can be vital to your future, and the importance of setting professional boundaries to improve work/life balance.

NATA District One

American Public University System

This week, Eli Hallak and Victoria Chavez meet with Dr. Mandi Elder, Athletic Training Program Director at the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs’ Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences, as well as an Athletic Trainer and Research Coordinator for the Justin Sportsmedicine Team. Together, they discuss the benefits of working with someone who’s been there before, the evolution of clinical care in rodeo, ‘Mutton Bustin,’ why you can see more action at a rodeo than in any other sport, and how there’s a lot more to the job than just being 'The Athletic Trainer.'

University of Colorado - Colorado Springs’ Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Justin Sportsmedicine Team