Written by Kristen Kelleher Gross, LAT, ATC
Every March, healthcare organizations across the country recognize National Athletic Training Month. The goal is simple: raise awareness about the role athletic trainers play in helping athletes stay healthy and active.
Athletic trainers are often seen on the sidelines during games, but their work extends far beyond that moment. These healthcare professionals are trained to help prevent injuries, recognize problems early, and support recovery when injuries happen.
For athletes, coaches, and families, athletic trainers can be an important part of the healthcare team. Their knowledge of movement, injury risk, and safe return to activity helps support both performance and long-term health.
This month also provides an opportunity to highlight professionals like Kristen Kelleher Gross, whose background as a certified athletic trainer helps strengthen connections between patients, physicians, and the sports community.
What Does an Athletic Trainer Do?
Many people ask, “What is an athletic trainer?”
Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who focus on the prevention, evaluation, and management of musculoskeletal injuries. They often work with athletes and physically active individuals across many settings, including schools, sports teams, and healthcare environments.
Their training allows them to recognize signs of injury, support rehabilitation plans, and communicate with physicians when further evaluation may be needed.
Athletic trainers often contribute to areas such as:
- injury prevention strategies
- injury recognition and evaluation
- communication with physicians and healthcare providers
- guidance during rehabilitation and return to activity
Because they are frequently present during practices and competitions, athletic trainers may be among the first healthcare professionals to notice when an injury occurs.
Education and Training Behind the Profession
Athletic trainers complete specialized education programs focused on sports medicine and injury care.
The pathway into the profession typically includes:
- completing a CAATE-accredited athletic training program
- passing the Board of Certification (BOC) exam
- meeting state licensure requirements when applicable
- continuing education to maintain certification
This education helps prepare athletic trainers to work with athletes and physically active individuals in a wide range of environments.
Why Athletic Training Month Matters
National Athletic Training Month helps bring attention to a profession that often works behind the scenes. Athletic trainers play an important role in supporting athlete safety, injury awareness, and recovery planning.
Their work spans many environments, including schools, sports organizations, healthcare facilities, and community programs.
By recognizing athletic trainers and educating the public about their role, this month encourages a deeper understanding of how sports medicine professionals work together to support athletes at every level.
Spotlight: Kristen Kelleher Gross, LAT, ATC
This Athletic Training Month, AOSMI is also proud to recognize Kristen Kelleher Gross, whose background as a certified athletic trainer continues to influence the way patients and community partners connect with the practice.
Kristen previously worked as an athletic trainer, gaining firsthand experience supporting athletes, coaches, and healthcare providers. That experience shaped her understanding of the challenges athletes face when injuries occur and how important communication can be during the care process.
Today, Kristen serves as Business Development Manager, where she helps connect patients, schools, and community organizations with the physicians and services available at AOSMI.
Her experience as an athletic trainer provides valuable insight when working with athletes and families navigating sports injuries. Because of her background and long-standing relationships within the sports community, many patients appreciate the guidance she can offer when connecting them with appropriate orthopedic care.
While her role today is focused on outreach and relationships, her athletic training experience continues to shape the patient-centered approach and concierge-style experience that many people associate with AOSMI.
Learn More About Sports Injury Care
If you have questions about sports injuries or orthopedic care, you can learn more about available services by visiting the Request and Appointment page or call us at 732-720-2555.