NATA Now

May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. Throughout the month, the NATA Now blog will highlight some of NATA’s Asian American and Pacific Islander committee members in a series that discusses the importance of service and giving back to the profession.

Far West Athletic Trainers’ Association (FWATA) Hawaii representative, FWATA Service Award recipient, FWATA Most Distinguished Award recipient, NATA Service Award recipient, Hawaii Athletic Trainers’ Association president – the list goes on for this service-driven athletic trainer.

By Michelle Boling, PhD, LAT, ATC, Incoming NATA Convention Program Committee Chair

A new virtual workshop targeted toward athletic trainers who are interested in understanding the health care needs and disparities of LGBTQIA+ patients is available starting April 28 in the NATA Professional Development Center.

What to Look Forward to in May from National Athletic Trainers' Assn on Vimeo.

There is a lot happening at NATA! Stay up to date on what’s to come each month in advocacy, engagement and development in this NATA Now blog series. Check out what else is in store for May, and follow our communication channels throughout the month for more information!

Before the Journal of Athletic Training or the Athletic Training Education Journal publish new research, it is vetted and reviewed by health care providers, including athletic trainers, and other content experts who volunteer their time and expertise as part of the publishing process. 

Note: In August 2022, NATA released an updated statement on gender-affirming care. Please read the most up-to-date version here.

Several states have initiated and/or passed legislation that affects health care for transgender youth in sport. Given that transgender individuals suffer behavioral health issues at a higher rate than their cisgender peers, it is imperative that athletic trainers (ATs) are cognizant of how these laws affect the well-being of their transgender patient population.1-3

Editor’s note: After careful consideration, the Master Preceptor Program was sunsetted by NATA in 2025. Learn more about NATA’s educational offerings.

The NATA Professional Education Committee has created multiple resources for NATA members to assist them in continued learning. For ATs in the education setting, these resources can help them learn a new skill or gain new insight.

UPDATE: Caring for a suspected spine-injured athlete is a team effort – which is why NATA wants to ensure your entire sports medicine team has a chance to gain a deeper understanding of recently published recommendations from the NATA Spine Injury in Sport Group.

As the premier event for athletic training educators, the 2021 Virtual Athletic Training Educators’ Conference will provide attendees the latest insights into athletic training education, live April 29-May 1 and on-demand through May 31.

Each year, the NATA Executive Council for Education recognizes members who exemplify excellence in the field of athletic training education through the Sayers “Bud” Miller Distinguished Educator Award. Named in honor of the first chair of the NATA Professional Education Committee, the award recognizes those who have excelled in promoting athletic training education beyond the local level through service and publishing on athletic training issues.