As the calendar year comes to an end, the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association wishes to take a moment of reflection to appreciate the progress and achievements of the last year and the moments we have shared together.
Our blog series covers a range of topics, from informative content to impactful stories and conversations. Each blog threads together discussions and perspectives into one conversation on the athletic therapy profession, its versatility, and the collective importance of advocating and inspiring wellness in our communities.
Highlighting The Certified AT Experience
CATA’s ongoing commitment to continuing education is evident in the content we produce. As we entered January 2024, we covered goal setting tactics for Certified Athletic Therapists for personal improvement, referencing scope of practice, ethics and professional conduct as well as networking and educational opportunities.
Later on, we shared the value of building and maintaining relationships through CATA’s mentorship program, inspiring readers to take part in this incredibly rewarding opportunity where Certification Candidates and newly Certified ATs can find matches with experienced Certified ATs to learn, develop skills and navigate the challenges of starting a new career.
Optometrist Dr. Kristine Dalton spoke on the comprehensive level of care that Certified ATs provide and the potential to further this treatment by incorporating eye health examination into patient assessment. Her informative experience and first-hand knowledge was the focal point of the blog, opening readers up to the level of holistic care Certified ATs provide and posing a challenge to expand knowledge.
In June, we rang in Athletic Therapy Month with a blog piece that was all about empowering movement and the AT experience. Celebrating the diverse and multi-faceted skills of Certified ATs, this post recognized the overarching goal of getting clients back to fully functional–whatever that means to them.
The Student Experience
Appreciating the impact of the next generation of Certified ATs, we were proud to produce a student guide to becoming a Certified AT which covered all the bases of studying, the National Certification Exam, becoming a CATA member and a Certification Candidate, graduating and beginning your career.
We also explored the student’s experience from a student's point of view. Following University of Manitoba’s Debbie Fung through the average day in her busy student schedule, she filled us in on the hands-on experience of the degree and the rewarding aspects of her educational journey.
Unique Journeys
While the collective experience of the athletic therapy profession brings us together, we embrace the fact that every Certified AT has a path of their own.
Lisa Swallow and Marie Claire Costaguta were featured in our blog about the role of Certified ATs in professional sports leagues. While working in the CFL for the Edmonton Elks and Ottawa Red Blacks, Lisa and Claire filled us in on their own journeys and experiences treating and collaborating with professional athletes. “We all take our own path,” Lisa said. “It has to be the path that works for you and who you are.”
Certified AT Wellness
While the wellness of patients and clients were a main focus of many of the blog pieces, we found it vital to include some insights surrounding the wellness of Certified ATs themselves.
Certified AT Frances Flint built her career around the concept that mental and physical health hold equal importance in the Athletic Therapy world. In her discussion, she referenced the importance of prioritizing your own mental health after treating a catastrophic injury. Our conversation broadened our perceptions of athletic therapy and allowed us to reflect on what holistic wellness means.
Christy Nichol, a Certified AT based in British Columbia, also spoke about athletic therapist wellness in her blog on burnout. Within this feature, Christy filled us in on the signs and symptoms of burnout as well as methods of preventive treatment Certified ATs can integrate into their own routines.
Athletic Therapy on the World Stage
The presence of Certified ATs is a part of communities throughout our nation and countries around the world. Working at a major games event to showcase the abilities of Canadian athletes is a significant opportunity for some Certified ATs. This year, we had a chance to speak to Khatija Westbrook and Schad Richea on their journeys to a major games event.
Both Schad and Khatija reference the fast-paced, thrilling environment of working at major games, Khatija experiencing her own at the Pan Am American Games as well as several major Games around the world. Schad fulfilled a bucket list experience this past summer at the Paris Olympic Games with Canada’s Men's Volleyball team. “I am very proud of the fact that after the long wait, I was able to accomplish that career goal” he shared.
Finally, we sat down with Certified AT Terril Lobo who spoke about his career spanning nearly 25 years. From working with amateur and Olympic athletes to world-class Cirque-du-Soliel performers in Vegas and appearing in the “I Am: Celine Dion” documentary, his journey is anything but generic. Emphasizing the importance of every step throughout the journey, Terrill’s passion and dedication to his profession has allowed him to have a “job that never feels like work.”
As we wrap up another successful year of stories, journey sharing and celebrating the Certified AT experience, we are so grateful for the many voices and experiences we got to share over the past twelve months. Moving into 2025, we are eager to continue emphasizing the work that is being done throughout the profession and many individuals that make up such an impactful group of people.
We wish you a safe holiday season and a happy New Year!
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