Recognition - Not Expected but Still Appreciated

On October 28th, Xavier Pease was given the game ball from the Billerica Memorial High School's football team.  He was being recognized as one of the important roles on the field.  His dad was also being recognized as a great supporter of the team.  Pease's dad is battling a genetic disorder, called Alpha-1, which causes breathing problems.  His dad went through a double lung transplant on October 9th, and had some complications.  The football team knew that Pease was going through a rough time, and dedicated their game to his dad and him.  The football team view Pease and his dad as members of their team.  Pease has only been there a year, but has had lastly effects as their athletic trainer.

It's nice to hear stories like this as an athletic trainer.  It's nice to know that you are considered part of the team.  But we never expect it.  We are here to do a job, being recognized is not something that we really think of because this is what we chose to do with our career.  Helping people is in our blood.  We don't do this for the recognition.  BUT!  It is nice when we get it.  I'm sure Xavier Pease had no clue he was getting recognized.  And it's the best feeling when you are.

When I worked with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, my first Opening Day I was recognized..  They announced every member of the team on the roster, and that included me!  Also, my first season, the last home game of the year, I got a little trophy, a little recognition, for being the athletic trainer.  It's the little things...  I wasn't expecting to be recognized at the end of the year in front of the whole time and fans, but it made me feel great.  That all my hard work was paying off!

Any of you have a story of recognition or something good that has happened to you at your workplace?  It's always nice to hear good stories!  Especially with all of the negativity going around right now.  I needed a "feel good" day!


http://billerica.wickedlocal.com/news/20161111/billerica-football-team-supports-trainer-during-trying-time

Creating a New ATR

Hey guys!  I know I haven't written in a while...  Lots have things have been going on, some personal and some work related...  Most intertwine the two.  It's been a struggle.  But..  I'm back!   And I need your help!

I am creating a new ATR space.  We have a big space to work with....  about 15'x34' for the new training room, and 15'x20' for the new wet room.  I have been going over everything that I would like, and my assistant has given her input...  But we are stumped with what else we should put in our new ATR!

On our list we have new treatment and taping tables, new whirlpools, new stim units and carts to put them on, new desks,,,  You know...  The essentials.  But what ELSE?  What is your favorite thing you have in your ATR?  What do you wish you had?

We are trying to figure out how to fund getting one of those Grimm Whirpools.  Anyone have one of those?

Also, we need to fundraise for this whole project.  What are some things that you can think of to help fund this probable $100,000 project?

All input is welcome and wanted!!!

STIRKE! STRIKE! STRIKE!

So has anyone else heard about the faculty strikes in Pennsylvania? Faculty at 14 universities owned by the state of Pennsylvania when on strike, and what I did not know was that the athletic trainers also went on strike!  I just read this and it baffled me.  The schools are planning on using the graduate assistants that work at these schools who are certified as replacement ATs while the strike is going on.  At least these schools have that!  I don't think they ALL do, though.  So what are the schools doing?  They must be getting per diem ATs.  But you know what?  I think I'm happy that the ATs decided to join the strike.  Underpaid and overworked?  Yup.  Usually.  I don't know what the strike is actually about, but that would be my guess.  If there is no replacement AT, do all sports have to cease?  How does that work?

So I get the whole strike.  I know why people do it.  They feel like their institution is not treating them fairly.  But now I think of our code of ethics.  How can you strike when in the back of your mind there is an athlete that needs your help?  It's just something I can't wrap my head around.  Like I said, I know why they're doing it.  And I agree with them and would probably join in.  But I would also be sitting there thinking about all the athletes I have left behind to be dealt with by a replacement who knows nothing about them.  Morally, I don't think I would be able to strike.  But we definitely need to do something to make us as professionals treated fairly and be appreciated as a medical field.

Anyone else have an idea of what you would do or how you would handle a strike?  I just don't know what I would do!