Growing up, I was always the “why” kid, always wanting to know more about why things were being done the way they were. Some would say I challenged things, but I like to think I had a mindset aimed at better understanding them while seeing where change could benefit others.

Thankfully, that never changed as I grew up! I never saw myself pursuing a higher degree beyond my master's, as I felt fairly confident in my clinical skills and teaching abilities. Eventually, I found myself wanting to be better, not only for myself as a clinician but also for the patients I work with, the students I teach, and my own family.

While enrolled in the Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) program at A.T. Still University (ATSU), I found myself absorbing as much information as I could and applying it to my clinical and academic practices. Through these classes, I have significantly revised how we document dry needling treatments and adjusted our concussion policy to better align with the latest research. I am learning to become a better preceptor for future clinicians. I am not just teaching students what I do; I am teaching them how to think like a clinician.

I’ve moved from simply “covering” events to advocating for a medical model of care, ensuring athletic trainers are recognized as the healthcare professionals we truly are, regardless of the settings in which we work. This program taught me a few big things:

1. I did not want to just practice medicine; I wanted to evolve it.

2. My value as an athletic trainer is not measured by the hours that I work but by the advocacy and outcomes I provide. By valuing my expertise over my hours, I am becoming a better clinician for my patients and a more present person for my family.

3. Choose purpose over urgency. Be present in your practice and brave enough to speak up for what you need, but never lose the humility required to learn from the collective wisdom of others.

I have found that people who choose the DAT program at ATSU share my mindset. We are athletic trainers who refuse to settle for the status quo and are becoming positive deviants in the profession. Athletic trainers looking to be the change the profession needs can find it in this program. I will be forever grateful that I took a chance on myself and my education to pursue this program. It was more than I expected, challenged every aspect of my life, and yet provided everything I needed at the same time.