The cATalzying Podcast
Listen Here – In this episode, Ryan Stevens interviews all presenters who took part in the 2021 Athletic Trainers’ Society of New Jersey (ATSNJ) Annual Symposium, discussing the Key Takeaways each #ATSNJ2021 education session.
“ATSNJ: A year in NJ Athletic Training review + 2021 Goals” – Jessica Springstead EdD, ATC, ATSNJ Conference Chair and ATSNJ President Elect @ATSNJ & @speedracerAT
“Do Athletic Training Students Demonstrate Behaviors Associated with Emotional Intelligence Skills?” – Kevin J Silva EdD, MSAT, ATC, Keynote Speaker, Coordinator of Clinical Education, Salem State University @kjsilva_atc & @SSU_MSAT
“Does youth participation increase the risk of CAM development and hip femoroacetabular impingement?” – Patrick S Buckley MD, Sports Medicine Surgeon, University Orthopaedic Associates @UOA_NJ
“Indications for Hip Arthroscopy in the Athlete” – Kenneth Y Chern MD, PA, FAAOS, AANA, Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon Specializing in Sports Medicine, Seaview Orthopaedic and Medical Associates @SeaviewOrtho
“Sexual Harassment: Protect Yourself, Protect You Patients” – Jamie L Mansell PhD, LAT, ATC, Associate Professor of Instruction and Program Director of the CAATE accredited Athletic Training programs, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences @jamiemansellphd
“Pain Management for Sports Surgery- Can we be opioid-free?” – Charles J Gatt Jr, MD, Sports Medicine Surgeon, University Orthopaedic Associates @drgatt & @UOA_NJ
“Current Concepts of Shoulder Instability” – Christopher J Spagnuola MD, PA, FAAOS, Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon Specializing in Sports Medicine, Seaview Orthopaedic and Medical Associates @SeaviewOrtho
“Monitoring Training Load in Collegiate Soccer Athletes” – Erin Pletcher PhD, ATC, CSCS, Assistant Professor, Athletic Training Program, Thomas Jefferson University @ResearchatJeff
“The Use of Tandem Gait and BESS Test for Concussion Management” – Jaclyn Morrissette PhD, ATC, Assistant Professor & Program Director, Athletic Training & Sports Medicine, William Paterson University @JNorberg22
“Achilles Tendon Injury: Conservative vs. Surgical Treatment: An Evidence-Based Approach for Decision Making” – Kenneth G Swan MD, Sports Medicine Surgeon, University Orthopaedic Associates @UOA_NJ
Questions? Hit up catalyzingpodcast@gmail.com or visit www.cATalyzingATs.com/contact. Follow #cATalyzingATs on twitter – @cATalyzingATs
Listen Here – Incorporating Quadrupedal Movement Training into your Rehabs and Injury Reduction Programs with Jeff Buxton, PhD, Assistant Professor – Grove City College. In this episode we will discuss Jeff’s journey from coach to professor, hear about what got him interested in Quadrupedal Movement Training (QMT), and for what reasons he choose to do his PhD dissertation specifically on the effects of a novel ground-based movement training program on Functional Movement, Flexibility, Strength, and Endurance. We will learn about the main findings of his study, and discuss what ATs need to know when incorporating ground-based movements such as animal flow or any other body weight movement system, such as guidelines to determine a starting point, progressions, regressions, or lateralizations. How do we get the benefit of QMT for someone who isn’t comfortable getting on the ground, who has post-surgical CKC restrictions, post-injury tissue integrity limiting the amount of BW through the UE? How do you determine load and repetition volume when it comes to QMT? Jeff shares his tips for ATs who wish to incorporate QMT into their rehab or injury prevention programs! Dr Jeff Buxton can be reached at buxtonjd@gcc.edu. Check out Dr Buxton’s published research here –>
Listen Here – Fall Sports – are you ready to go? This audio comes from an interview Ryan Stevens, MPS, ATC, CSCS did for the 2020 Somerset County School Nurses Association in August, organized by RWJ Somerset Hospital. The audience of this interview was school nurses, however this should serve as a “check in” for athletic trainers to perform a self-audit where you are currently. Much has changed since Athletic Trainers and School Nurses were last in school back in March, especially pertaining to sports participation. Ryan shares his experience in a hospital leadership and operations role over the last five months to serve as a reflection point for all who are in the midst of returning to fall sports or organizational activities now. Ryan discusses the importance of establishing a COVID-19 Response team, who should be on it, and some goals to consider for this team. Additionally, Ryan answers the following questions. What has changed with athletics pre-participation physicals in New Jersey? What are the criteria for student returning to sports after recovering from COVID? What are some environmental, safety, facility, and logistical precautions which should be taken in preparation before the sports season for after school middle school and high school sports, as well as any in-person physical education classes which resume? What is the role that telehealth and telemedicine in the delivery of health care will play moving forward, and how should healthcare professionals be preparing for this? It is likely that student athletes are more at risk for injury now returning to sports vs previous fall seasons. Why is that, and what are some strategies that can reduce the risk of injury and overtraining upon return?
Listen here – Warning: Acting on the prompted self-reflection points and tips in this episode will change your career for the better. Be ready. 🙂 Having the skill set to bridge the gap between one’s knowledge and the application of that knowledge often can be the difference maker in job satisfaction, workplace effectiveness, and professional growth. As athletic trainers in all professional settings, therein lies a responsibility to take ownership of what we can control to grow ourselves professionally while representing our AT profession in a positive and productive manner. The purpose of this episode is to review a topic not discussed enough in our field: communicATion skills. Athletic trainers, you can greatly improve your effectiveness, influence, and relationships by placing a higher focus on self-awareness and verbal and non-verbal communication skills. With the increased importance of interprofessional collaboration, along with the ever changing need to be able to work with diverse populations, ATs must solidify the foundation of communication as it pertains to rapport and relationship building. Ryan unpacks the verbal and non-verbal aspects of communication , and shares how enhanced communication skills play in building positive rapport. Learn ways to implement matching and mirroring strategies as a means to enhance understanding and message delivery. You are guaranteed to leave this conversation with some practical approaches for athletic trainers to enhance your relationships with administrators, athletes/patients/clients, coaches, parents, and co-workers to improve outcomes.
Listen here – Know your worth, show your worth, own your worth. Advocacy is a domino effect which starts with you as an individual, which spreads to impact our entire profession. In this episode, Ryan is joined by Alisha M. Pennington, MS, ATC, and they discuss the importance of self-advocacy for ATs and why we must master this concept. What are the potential outcomes of positive self advocacy? What happens if you go about it leading with your “ego”? In what ways can positive self-advocacy enhance your compensation and your overall outcomes with your job duties? What are some specific strategies to self-advocate, and why must an AT be self-aware of their advocacy to avoid potential pitfalls which build walls instead of bridges. Alisha is the founder and owner of ATvantage, an athletic training service company, which she started in 2012 after she completed her undergraduate education in athletic training at Florida State University and her masters in Kinesiology at California State University – Fullerton. She recognized a need for advocacy and education of athletic trainers to potential clients, especially in California where the profession lacks licensure. While growing the company, Alisha has worked with USA Beach Volleyball & USA Water Polo, traveling domestically and internationally, and is an athletic trainer on the television show Biggest Loser. In her education and advocacy efforts, Alisha saw the need to share information in a public capacity, so she started a podcast in 2015 aimed at educating athletic trainers about the intersection of business and athletic training, and now her podcast is a BOC approved provider for CEs, which she gives away for free. Alisha speaks across the country to students, athletic trainers, and educators about the business aspects of athletic training, including a feature presentation at NATA in 2018 titled “Principles of Per Diem Work: Liabilities & Legalities” which was later published by the NATA as a Best Practices document, with Alisha as a primary author. An active volunteer in the profession since 2013, she serves in various capacities across several committees and is currently the District 7 Chair on the Public Relations Committee and a member of the Private Practice/ Emerging Settings committee within the Council on Practice Advancement. You can contact Alisha at Alisha@theATvantage.com and can find more information about her at www.theATvantage.com
Listen here – Job Seeking and Interview Tips for Athletic Trainers – a conversation with Stephanie Gehman, LAT, ATC, CEAS With changes in our economy, staffing models, and increased healthcare needs stemming from a COVID-19 world, as an athletic trainer there’s a chance you are looking for new or expanded opportunities this summer to advance your career. In this episode, Ryan and Stephanie unpack a number of key points pertaining to the process of applying for and interviewing for a new job, as well as the transition process from your “old” job to your “new”job. We discuss the importance of branding yourself, especially through your resume and cover letter. How are you searching for opportunities? Once you get that opportunities, how do you nail the interview? And let’s say you nail that interview, what should you do next after the interview? If you get offered the job, and accept, how do you make that transition professionally? Stephanie believes we’re in a critical period for the athletic training profession as we work to expand our involvement in the healthcare world, and a big part of that is influencing others to give you that opportunity. Given this circumstance, our profession needs more and better leaders than ever before. We owe it to ourselves and those who come after us to reject complacency and accelerate growth. Showcase this passion as you seek your next opportunity! Stephanie has been an athletic trainer for over 10 years, with primary experience in the secondary school setting and in athletic training administration. In her current role as Athletic Training Supervisor for Coordinated Health (a part of the Lehigh Valley Health Network), she provides leadership to a large team athletic trainers across numerous secondary school, collegiate, and advanced practice settings. Stephanie graduated with honors from Messiah College with a BA in Athletic Training. Following graduation, she worked for several years in Central Pennsylvania at Cumberland Valley HS, the School District of Lancaster, and Lancaster Mennonite. Stephanie joined Coordinated Health in 2013 to serve Liberty High School before moving into an Athletic Training lead lead, starting her administrative career. Stephanie lives in Quakertown, PA with her husband and three active sons. You can reach Stephanie at Stephanie.Gehman@yahoo.com if you’d like to pick her brain!
Listen here – During times when conflict arises and influence is necessary, the ability to leverage your own personal power can be the difference maker in the outcomes you achieve. As an athletic trainer, it is important to differentiate positional and personal power. Kevin emphasizes the personality traits of civility and compassion and how those traits can be used to develop personal power and leadership qualities in the athletic training profession. KB shares his strategies to effectively communicate and function as an influential contributing member of the athletic department team. He also discusses strategies to promote an environment of civility and compassion in the athletic training clinic. This talk was originally given at the 2019 RWJBarnabas Health “We Matter Too” Athletic Trainer Personal Development Symposium. A 1997 graduate of Gettysburg College, Kevin Briles has been practicing as a licensed athletic trainer in New Jersey for 22 years. Kevin has served as District Athletic Trainer and Assistant to the Athletic Director at the Delsea Regional School District since 2004. Previously, he served as Director of Athletic Training Services for Kessler Memorial Hospital for six years. Along with his duties at Delsea, Briles has served as an athletic trainer for the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association championships in swimming, indoor and outdoor track, and wrestling at the District, Region, and State tournament levels. Furthermore, he has also served as site manager for wrestling weight certification as a master weight assessor and as a member of the NJSIAA’s Sports Medicine Advisory Committee. In addition to his secondary school responsibilities, he has served on athletic training staffs at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and Atlantic Cape Community College, and serves as an adjunct clinical instructor/preceptor at Rowan University. Within the Athletic Trainers’ Society of New Jersey, Briles currently serves as President and sits on the Secondary Schools Committee. In addition to being a member of The New Jersey Scholastic Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Briles, is the recipient of Gettysburg College’s Romeo Capozzi Award, The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s Athletic Training Service Award, and The Gloucester County Police Chiefs Association’s Civilian Service Award. Kevin can be contacted via email at KBriles@atsnj.org or KBriles@delsearegional.us
Listen here – The mistreatment of our black & brown brothers & sisters, both intentionally & untintentionally, is unacceptable. #BlackLivesMatter There is no “inferior” race, nor is there an inferior ethnicity/religion/sexual orientation/gender identity. While many say “all lives do matter”, right now our priority as a world is taking care of those who feel/are treated as though theirs do not. The road to unity & elevATion of those who have been held down starts w/ personal reflection & personal choice. We must make a choice to admit there is injustice, acknowledge the pain, empathetically listen, & compassionately care better. We are ONE team as a human race. The problem is while many people SAY that, too many people do not LIVE that. People struggle w/ unintentional bias that has been cultivated throughout our lifetime because of our upbringing/surroundings/experiences. Because of our emotions, we “react” instead of “respond”. We need to realize that sometime we have to take a breath before we speak. Sadly, our black & brown sisters & brothers in this world “cannot breathe.” We can be something more, something greATer. Change will come through ownership of personal power, utilized in a productive way, NOT a destructive way. We are all capable of building our personal power, and more importantly we are all capable of SUPPORTING/EMPOWERING personal power in our black & brown sisters & brothers. Own your space. Be growth-minded. See yourself from the balcony. Reach out to those who feel they don’t matter. AcT with empathetic purpose. Together we will make an impAcT towards finally changing the world. #BlackLivesMatter #WeAreOneTeam #SpreadLove
Listen here – Obstacles create opportunities. Everybody faces battles, curve balls, unexpected twists during their life and career journey. It is how you respond and persevere through these obstacles which matters in dictating your long-term outcomes. In this episode, Dr. Abrutyn and Ryan discuss Dr Abrutyn’s story of perseverance and passion and discuss how adversity influences growth. How does mindset play a role in response to adversity, and based on chosen mindset what are the possible outcomes of someone facing adversity? What is the importance of demonstrating passion in healthcare, and how does demonstration of passion by a healthcare professional impact patient care and career growth? What are some things that can sidetrack “passion” along the way? Lastly, what are some tips for athletic trainers to maximize their relationships with physicians? David Abrutyn, MD is an orthopedic surgeon for Summit Medical Group who is fellowship trained and board certified in Sports Medicine. His specialty is the nonoperative and operative treatment of shoulder and knee injuries. David’s passion and focus are on tissue preservation, anatomic restoration and healing, and minimally invasive surgery, with a surgical practice focus on the treatment of the shoulder and knee with a primary emphasis on advanced arthroscopic and reconstructive procedures. David is currently the medical director of the Athletic Training service line at RWJ Somerset Hospital and team orthopedic surgeon for the Somerset Patriots Baseball Club and Immaculata High School Athletics in Somerville, NJ. He is also actively involved in the treatment of athletes from many Skyland High School Athletic Conference, and is the former team physician for Sky Blue Football Club (FC), New Jersey’s women’s professional soccer team and the Long Beach Ice Dogs, a minor league hockey team based in Long Beach, CA. Dr. Abrutyn championed and implemented the Joint Surgery Center at RWJ Somerset Hospital in Somerville, NJ, a comprehensive, patient-centric total joint replacement program that is nationally recognized the the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval. Dr. Abrutyn is passionate about athletics, fitness, and prevention, and his goal is to try to establish realistic expectations, educating his patients about their conditions and treatment options, which allows them to partner with him to achieve the best possible outcomes. Dr. Abrutyn sees patients in Bridgewater and Warren, NJ. For more information call 908-685-8500 of visit www.smgortho.com; David can be reached at dabrutyn@summithealth.org
Listen here – Working in “helping fields” can have significant stress and emotional effects on the providers themselves, inherently interfering with the efficiency, health and well-being, and overall functioning of these providers. It is incumbent upon providers to be selfish, putting themselves first, to sustain a fulfilling and rewarding life while remaining passionate about their work. It is important for athletic trainers to understand the benefits of practicing mindfulness. This talk will address issues related to the practice of athletic training and include the introduction of compassion fatigue, the negative effects of burnout, provide tools for healthy coping, and includes practical examples and practices that athletic trainers can integrate into their busy schedules. In this episode, Dr Pete Economou sheds some light on this topic with audio from a symposium presentation he delivered at the 2019 RWJBarnabas Health Summer Athletic Training Personal Development Symposium. Pete J. Economou Ph.D., ABPP was trained in counseling psychology and is an Associate Professor at Rutgers University in the graduate school of applied and professional psychology (GSAPP), also serving as the associate chair for the Applied Department. Dr. Pete is the founder of a clinical practice specializing in Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy (CBT), he is licensed by NJ and NY to practice psychology, and he is board certified in CBT. Dr. Pete has conducted research in several areas including: multicultural psychology, evidence-based treatments (mainly third wave CBT), Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues, and learning challenges related to executive functioning. He is an active member of state and national psychology associations, has been on the editorial board of the Journal of Clinical Sports Psychology since 2014, and is a contributor to media outlets and social media. Lastly, as a student of Zen Buddhism, Dr. Pete has been studying at the Morning Star Zendo with Robert Kennedy, Roshi for several years, which has translated into his mindfulness practices offered through the third wave CBT theories. Follow and connect with Dr. Pete on Twitter and Instagram at @OfficialDrPete.
Listen here – An Athletic Trainer’s chosen mindset is crucial during these different and, in many ways, difficult times. Athletic Trainers have always had to demonstrate calmness and composure during the emergency situations we deal with in our professional settings. Are we still demonstrating that calmness and composure during these times? In this cATalyzing Podcast for ATs episode, Chris Flores, ATC joins Ryan Stevens to discuss how athletic trainers are “built for this”. Also discussed are some coping strategies to keep calm during difficult times and effective daily planning and productivity strategies. In having to be adaptable, what are some other ways athletic trainers can use the skill sets we already possess in a different way to be productive and showcase value in the ever-changing work post-COVID? Chris and Ryan get into this. Chris Flores, ATC is the owner of FLO Fitness, Co-creator of the Rooted Rehab Certification, Adjunct Professor at Kean University and the former Head Athletic Trainer for Westfield High School. During his 8 years there he discovered many of the same issue that most athletic trainers face trying to manage long hours, family life and personal success. This lead him to creating the FLO-OSOPHY Mindset Program. Chris believes you can have it all in life as long as you define what that means to you. If you want to reach out to Chris for more information, he can be reached out at FloFitness@gmail.com and online at www.flofitnessbh.com.
Listen here – During these difficult times, many athletic trainers are finding themselves struggling financially or in situation where their financial situation may change quickly in the next few months. Maybe you’ve lost your job. Maybe your hours have been cut. Maybe you are concerned about your own health or your family member’s health. We need to make some difficult yet purposeful decisions centered around money management and planning. The cATalyzing Podcat is bringing you audio in this episode from a talk that Matthew Shade, M.Ed, LAT, ATC gave last summer centered around identifying your financial planning personality and behaviors, how to build a budget, and how to plan for short-, mid-, and long-term goals to avoid pitfalls. Matt showcases his emotions during this talk, as he hopes that his story inspires you to have hope for your future in the event that things are unexpectedly tough for you right now. Matt Shade, M.Ed, LAT, ATC graduated from West Chester University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training, then served as a graduate assistant athletic trainer while completing his Master Degree of Education at The College of New Jersey in 2006. Matt’s career has consisted of working in the interscholastic setting as a Certified Athletic Trainer at New Hope Solebury High School, Delaware County Christian School and Gwynedd Mercy College. He also worked in the office setting as a physician extender before advancing into administrative roles as a sports medicine supervisor with ATI Physical Therapy and athletic director at Girard College and William Tennent High School. Throughout his career path, Matt developed a passion for educating and mentoring athletic trainers. This passion lead to him pursuing a career path as Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual in 2018. Since this audio was recorded in 2019, Matt has expanded his financial planning practice and now operates his business through Independence Planning Group. With the support of his wife, Staci, Matt enjoys spending his free time watching and coaching his sons, Jacob and Jonathan, in their sports. Want to reach Matt? matthew.shade@ipgroup.info *The audio from Matt’s presentation re-purposed for this podcast is property of RWJBarnabas Health*