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Keywords

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Abstract

An increasing number of athletic trainers are transitioning from traditional settings, such as secondary schools, colleges, universities, and professional sports, to physician practice. Although research suggests athletic trainers may be changing settings in search of better working conditions, little is known about their motivations for and satisfaction with the setting transition. The objective of this research was to explore athletic trainers’ motivations for and satisfaction with transition to the physician practice setting. A qualitative design was used to collect and interpret data. Eleven certified athletic trainers (6 women, 5 men; age 1⁄4 38.5 6 10.0 years) who transitioned from a traditional setting (secondary school, collegiate, or professional) to a physician practice setting were recruited through convenience sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom and transcribed for analysis. Data were analyzed by a team of 3 researchers using the consensual qualitative research approach to identify key themes across participants. Qualitative data analysis involved 3 main phases: determining domains, identifying the core concepts of participant responses, and connecting core concepts across the participants. Three key themes emerged from the data: (1) considerations for physician practice, (2) tasks performed and skills gained, and (3) transition experience. Participants emphasized achieving a better work-life balance, having a consistent schedule, and working with a diverse patient population as key motivators for transition to the physician practice set- ting. Athletic trainers also reported acquiring new clinical skills in physician practice, such as assisting in surgery and suture removal, as well as new administrative skills related to workers’ compensation and insurance. Experiences with transition to physician practice varied among participants, with some finding the transition smooth due to supportive collaboration and effective onboarding, and others facing challenges such as limited opportunities for career advancement. The transition to physician practice settings offers athletic trainers a chance to achieve better work-life balance and gain new skills, but it also presents challenges, including limited upward mobility. Understanding these factors is crucial for both athletic trainers considering this transition and the health care systems employing them. The insights provided by this research may help guide future recruitment strategies, inform educational programming, and contribute to ongoing discussions about the evolving roles of athletic trainers within the broader health care environment. Additionally, this transition often requires athletic trainers to adapt to new clinical responsibilities, interdisciplinary collaboration, and expanded patient populations that can differ from traditional athletic training settings. While these changes may enhance professional autonomy and clinical competence, they may also require ongoing professional development. Health care organizations that recognize and support these evolving responsibilities can improve job satisfaction, retention, and patient care outcomes. Ultimately, a clearer understanding of both the benefits and barriers associated with physician practice employment can support more sustainable career pathways for athletic trainers and strengthen their integration into the health care team.

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