National Athletic Training Month - The Athletic Trainer and Physician Relationship

March is National Athletic Training Month and we are celebrating here at the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute! We spoke to several of our physicians about their relationships with athletic trainers as well as our own Athletic Trainers to find out more about their unique roles. To start, we'll be taking a deeper look at the relationship between the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute physician and the athletic trainer.

Teamwork is at the core of the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute practice; athletic trainers are in constant interaction with physicians either by working side by side in the clinic, on the field of play, or as a referral source when medical treatment is needed. Here are some things a few of our physicians had to say about their relationships with athletic trainers:

“The care of an athlete in any level is a comprehensive undertaking to adequately care for the athlete; it takes good communication between the athlete, Athletic Trainer and Physician”.  Dr. Peter DeLuca

"Relationships with the athletic trainers on all levels (high school, collegiate and professional) are vitally important in providing optimal care for the athlete regardless of age, sport, or level of competition.”  Dr. Michael Ciccotti

 The academic background of athletic trainers allows them a unique perspective on the athletes in that they understand the rigors of sports as well as the physiology of normal athletic activity and pathophysiology of any injuries that occur during play.” Dr. Michael Ciccotti 

“Athletic trainers provide excellent history and physical care but are also able to coordinate that care efficiently. This is very important with the Concussed Athlete”. Dr. Rob Franks

"Athletic trainers are our eyes and ears to the athlete since they are around the athletes more than anyone else. This helps tremendously when taking care of an athlete in all aspects of care, but specifically with a concussed athlete when doing sport coverage.” Dr. Peter DeLuca

Athletic Trainer in the clinic is critical to the everyday function of his practice, and states, “her evaluation skills are outstanding.” “She is able to coordinate care between many different facets in the athletes’ care.” Dr. Rob Franks