Missed Networking Opportunity

I recently began traveling with my new team and was highly disappointed when the host athletic trainers did not take time out of their day to introduce themselves to me and notify me of the emergency protocols. I even utilized their athletic training facility to do pre-game treatments.  No one took time to introduce themselves or ask if I needed anything or help, I just got a bunch of blank stares from the individuals. I think what saddens me the most is not only did the host school miss out on an opportunity to network with me and make new connections, but I missed out on a connection too.  I feel like the NATA has placed such an emphases on networking and when a easy opportunity arises and it goes under utilized, we as a profession are doing a disservice to each other.

I feel like this falls in line with respecting yourself and your profession, in another instance, I felt unwelcome in the host athletic training facility and this may make me old, but I was offended by the choice of music and vocabulary being used by student-athletes of the host school. I feel Athletic Trainers are in the circle of non-respect, and we need to realize that everyday is an opportunity to promote our profession in a positive light. As an Athletic trainer we never know who is going to walk in our facility, and what impression that person is going to be left with. I think sometimes we forget that every experience leaves an impression on someone and we want the impression to be good. We fight for the public to recognize us as healthcare providers, yet we do not take the time to operate everyday as a professional. We are doing a disservice to all of our colleagues who do make the effort to work on a professional level all the time.

So next time you are hosting an event, make an effort to stop and visit with the guest athletic trainer, you never know where that connection may lead you.