A.T. Still University’s (ATSU) Department of Athletic Training hosted its first Winter Institute providing students from the Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) program an interactive educational experience focusing on innovations to advance athletic healthcare.
In total, 35 students attended the week-long institute facilitated by ATSU faculty and which featured presentations by some of the nation’s most respected leaders in athletic training. Students and faculty also served as consultants on innovation project proposals and participated in study section and reflection group activities.
“The institute brought in some of the top thought leaders in our profession,” said guest speaker Scott Sailor, EdD, president, National Athletic Trainers’ Association. “The only place where I know that this level of conversation is taking place is within leaders of athletic training, so the opportunity that these students had to come together and hash out some of the same issues that we’re discussing, really sets them up as leaders of the future.”
Students of the online program traveled from around the country to attend the institute in Gilbert, Arizona.
“The institute’s agenda generated a comfortable environment to have discussions that challenged the status quo and caused students to reflect,” said Boston-based student Brian Vesci, DAT ‘17. “I found it personally and professionally rewarding.”
Students heard from other industry and healthcare leaders including ATSU President Craig Phelps, DO, ’84, and Dave Perrin, PhD, ATC, FNATA, Professor and Dean, University of Utah College of Health.
“Our goal was to create a transformational educational experience for students empowering them to lead innovations in athletic healthcare,” said Eric Sauers, PhD, ATC, ’97, FNATA, professor and chair, interdisciplinary health sciences, ATSU’s Arizona School of Health Sciences. “I think we achieved this goal and the feedback from all of the students and the faculty has been incredibly positive.”
About ATSU’s Doctor of Athletic Training program
ATSU’s DAT program provides post-professional education to students interested in pursuing high-level knowledge in evidence-based practice, clinical outcomes, quality improvement, and clinically focused areas like orthopedic rehabilitation. Additionally, the program offers a flexible model enabling students to pursue a degree based on their own schedule.
