Athletic Trainers and Team Physicians: Keeping Student-Athletes Safe
Sponsor Spotlight | Atrium Health
When parents think about school sports, they often picture coaches, teammates, and game-day excitement. Behind the scenes, however, athletic trainers and team physicians play a critical role in helping keep student-athletes healthy, safe, and performing at their best.
 Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who are often the first to evaluate injuries on the field, court, or track. They are present at their assigned high school every day and provide medical coverage for all home athletic events, supporting student athletes across all sports, not just football. They provide immediate care when injuries occur, help prevent injuries through education and training, and guide athletes through recovery and rehabilitation.  Athletic trainers maintain regular communication with parents, coaches, and physicians to help ensure student-athletes receive the right level of care and timely physician referrals when necessary.
Team physicians work alongside athletic trainers to provide medical oversight and expertise for student-athletes. Â Many team physicians can also be found on the sidelines on Friday nights, working alongside athletic trainers at football games to provide immediate medical assessment and support when needed. From evaluating and treating sports-related injuries and medical concerns to helping determine when an athlete can safely return to play, physicians are key members of the sports medicine team. Together, athletic trainers and physicians create a coordinated approach to care that prioritizes the health, safety, and well-being of every student-athlete.
This partnership allows injuries to be recognized early, treatment plans to begin quickly, and athletes to receive the support they need throughout the recovery process. Most importantly, it helps families feel confident that experienced medical professionals are available to care for their children both on and off the field.
“Our athletic trainers are the center and foundation of our sports medicine team. They are in the schools every day and can treat almost every issue our student-athletes have, and at no cost to the parent or athlete either. The relationships the athletics trainers make with the athletes are incredibly helpful, particularly to make changes that may help avoid injuries and to help with rehab should there unfortunately be an injury. As a team we are so proud and thankful for the work they do and the impact they’re able to make in our communities.”
– Dr. Eric Warren, Sports Medicine Physician
As another school sports season gets underway, we are grateful for the dedication of our athletic trainers and physicians who work every day to help student-athletes stay healthy, recover safely, and continue doing what they love.