NATA Now

The Athletic Training Education Journal invites submissions for a special issue focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice. 

By Brandy Ramaj Jewett, DAT, LAT, ATC

It has been estimated that 63 percent of individuals participating in sports will suffer a spondylolysis and 6 to 8 percent of individuals suffering low back pain (LBP) are diagnosed with a spondylolithesis.1 Additionally, there are few preclinical indications unique to spondylosis.1,2 This leads many authors to believe the condition is often underdiagnosed.1

In June, NATA welcomed two new board members: Scott Galloway, MBA, LAT, ATC, representing District Six, and Donna Wesley, MS, LAT, ATC, representing District Nine. In the July NATA News, Galloway and Wesley discuss their goals as new board members. Below they share insight into their athletic training journeys and the importance of volunteerism.

Scott Galloway, MBA, LAT, ATC 

District Six

Why is volunteerism within the profession important to you?

In honor of Pride Month, throughout June the NATA Now blog will highlight NATA’s LGBTQIA+ resources to assist members in their pursuit of providing compassionate, culturally competent patient care to all.

The NATA Research & Education Foundation Free Communications Program provides a forum for researchers and clinicians to disseminate research and clinical case studies, and is often the first time they’re able to present their research.

Kicking off the 2021 NATA Virtual Clinical Symposia & AT Expo, for the first time in recent convention history, was the General Session and Changing of the Guard ceremony. Before passing the baton to NATA’s 15th president, Kathy Dieringer, EdD, LAT, ATC, for her first association address, NATA Past President Tory Lindley, MA, ATC, reflected on the challenges and successes of the past year.

In honor of Pride Month, throughout June the NATA Now blog will highlight NATA’s LGBTQIA+ resources to assist members in their pursuit of providing compassionate, culturally competent patient care to all.

The NATA LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee has been hard at work to provide educational opportunities to members.

“This committee is always working on something,” said NATA LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee Chair Rebecca Lopez, PhD, ATC, CSCS. “Our members are so passionate and driven, so there are continuously projects going on.”

The 2021 NATA Virtual Clinical Symposia & AT Expo offers a variety of opportunities specific to athletic training students. From testing their athletic training knowledge to a seminar dedicated to the topics that impact them, VNATA 2021 will provide educational opportunities for all athletic training students.

With more than 70 sessions covering an array of topics important to the athletic training profession, the 2021 NATA Virtual Clinical Symposia & AT Expo has something for every interest and skill level. Attendees can earn up to 25 CEUs, with the live educational programming taking place June 22-24 and on-demand through Sept. 30.

As domestic travel begins to resume, and some mask mandates and physical distancing regulations ease due to the availability of vaccinations it is exciting to think about the opportunity of re-engaging in international travel. Even more exciting is the possibility of face-to-face interactions with international colleagues. Despite this last year’s obvious obstacles to international collaboration and thanks to the herculean efforts of virtual meeting technology companies, international collaboration within athletic training continued with little disruption.