In this episode, recorded live at the CATA Annual Symposium in Anaheim, California, Eli Hallak speaks with Matt Quijano about advocacy and leadership within the athletic training profession. Together, they review recent legislative accomplishments supported by the California Athletic Trainers’ Association and discuss the importance of working within existing systems to create meaningful change rather than trying to force it from the outside. Their conversation highlights the responsibility professionals have to advocate for their field, the need to understand the political landscape and the stakeholders who can influence progress, and why answering the call to support the profession matters. Matt also emphasizes the importance of knowing CATA’s history and provides an overview of the association’s active committees and the roles they play in advancing the profession.

In this episode, Eli Hallak sits down with Jay Hammes, President of Safe Sport Zone LLC and a longtime leader in high school athletics. Drawing from decades of experience as a player, coach, teacher, and athletic administrator, Jay shares his perspective on creating safer environments at interscholastic sporting events. Together, they discuss strategies for deescalating conflicts at high school contests, the importance of preparedness and proper training for event personnel, and how positive reinforcement can support the volunteers and staff who help make these events possible.

In this episode, Eli Hallak sits down with Bryan Reich of WorkCare, Inc., for a wide ranging conversation on the evolving role of Athletic Trainers in industrial and occupational health settings. Together, they discuss prevention and ergonomics, the rapid growth and scalability of industrial medical programs, and the importance of documentation in demonstrating value. They also reflect on shared professional experiences, the role of manual therapy, lifelong learning, and the responsibility of being present for your team within a true community of practice.

WorkCare, Inc.