Can you imagine...

2nd in the Annie Stoecklein series

Can you even imagine a world with out athletic trainers? Do you even believe it to be possible that our beloved profession would cease to exist? Could athletic trainers go the way of the dinosaurs, extinct?

I, unfortunately, do believe this to be possible. While I believe we are irreplaceable and perform a very valuable service and fill a niche in this wild and crazy health care world...I don't think everyone else believes this way. Some people STILL don't even know what the heck it is we do.

THAT SCARES ME.

This is why we fight for our profession. This is why there are so many people that volunteer for what is often a completely thankless and tireless Executive Board position or committee position. Are we all participating in the manner and amount that we should? Do you think you are doing all you can for the athletic training profession?

Consider the following example...

You are employed at a clinic, college, insert setting here, and you have a new administrator. This administrator is charged with "cutting the fat" from your department. He's never heard of an athletic trainer, and calls you to the carpet to justify your position. Could you do it?

What if he says, "I can hire someone with less education and experience for half the salary that can do the same thing you do?"

What if he says, "You can't bill for your services, and aren't recognized by medicare as a health care professional, how are you making money for this department?"

Do you believe this to be an unreal situation? In this economy?

IT'S NOT!

Make sure you use this month and every other opportunity you are given to really spread the word about your profession. We are gaining respect, but we are nowhere near finished. We have just begun what is a long war against ignorance and the uneducated.

I believe we WILL win this war, but I know it is going to take an army.

Good thing we have one in SWATA and NATA.

Your challenge for today is to visit the NATA legislative action center and contact your state Representative regarding our legislation HR 1137: ATEAM

Follow this link:

SUPPORT ATHLETIC TRAINING LEGISLATION