An Anchor for the Next Generation
In honor of National Native American Heritage Month in November, NATA Now is highlighting some of NATA’s Native and Indigenous American members and their impact on the athletic training profession.
Connection, community and compassionate care are the major ingredients in the career development of Abby Davidson, NATA Student Leadership Committee District Eleven representative, a Master of Athletic Training student at Carthage College and an enrolled member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
“Growing up as an athlete, I witnessed injuries both big and small,” she said. “I became fascinated by the human body’s ability to heal and wanted to help others return to the activities they love. Inspired by my Native American culture’s emphasis on community, athletic training became the ideal way to give back while staying connected to sports.”
Davidson’s leadership in the profession, which has stemmed from her passion for students in her community, has mostly been influenced by her clinical rotation preceptor James Frederickson, ATC.
“I hope to be an influence on other students as he has been for me,” she said.
Keep reading as Davidson shares insight into her AT student life, professional aspirations and impact on the next health care generation.
What does a typical day as an AT student look like?
A typical day as an AT student looks very busy. I typically have classes from the morning to early afternoon depending on the day. From classes, I have clinical rotation experiences. Currently, I am at Westosha Central High School in Salem, Wisconsin. Each day at the high school is different depending on the type of event and sport season. As a second year Master of Athletic Training student, I complete more hands-on tasks and have more responsibilities compared to my first-year clinical rotations. Through my clinical rotations, I have developed both professionally and personally as a student and future athletic trainer. These experiences have allowed me to apply my knowledge in real-time settings, extending my learning beyond textbook scenarios. My preceptor has shown confidence in my clinical judgment and skills, which has strengthened my ability to make informed decisions regarding patient care. Although the days can be long and fast-paced, especially during the after-school rush, I value every opportunity and lesson I have gained through this experience.
What setting are you most interested in pursuing and why?
I’m most interested in pursuing the secondary school setting. I have loved my rotations in that setting; they have taught me the importance of being that health care pathway for children who may not have that availability. I would love to be an athletic trainer for a tribal college or Native language immersion high school to give back to my people and assist a community in need of health care access.
Who has been your biggest influence in athletic training so far?
My biggest influence in athletic training has been James Frederickson, ATC, who was my preceptor during my rotation at Horlick High School in Racine, Wisconsin. His mentorship drew my interest to focus on the secondary school setting. He is a dedicated and passionate athletic trainer who shows a love for giving back to a lower-income community through his career. I hope to be an influence on other students as he has been for me.
Why is representation in athletic training important and how does it impact the profession?
Representation in athletic training is so important because it gives youth a chance to see someone like them in positions that they aspire to be in. It helps them see that they too can have a chance to follow their dreams and that they aren’t alone in their pursuits. Representation in health care, and specifically athletic training, is essential for advancing our systems and mission. We must expand our knowledge and have humility to learn more about people who are different from us, to give the best possible care to our patients and their families. With culturally competent care, we can become the best athletic trainers and health care providers for all.
What do you look forward to the most as a future athletic trainer?
I look forward to giving back to my people and patients as a future athletic trainer. I have always been passionate about supporting Native American communities, and I deeply value the role that physical activity plays in our culture. Athletic training will allow me to bring a unique perspective to advancing health care access and improving health outcomes across Indian Country. I also look forward to connecting with other Native American athletic trainers who are already doing incredible work and demonstrating the powerful impact of representation in our profession.
What impact do you hope to have on the profession?
I hope to leave a positive and lasting impact on the athletic training profession by being a compassionate and approachable clinician – someone athletes trust, whether they're dealing with a physical injury or simply need support. I aspire to serve as a bridge, helping athletes access the care they need and deserve. Additionally, I want to inspire Native students to see health care as a viable and meaningful path, encouraging them to give back to their communities just as I strive to do.
