Meet the Learners of CAATE Accredited Residency Programs

The CAATE is excited to highlight the talented individuals advancing through our residency & fellowship programs. This initiative is designed to showcase their achievements, aspirations, and contributions to the field. Each spotlight will give you an inside look at their personal journeys—where they started, what motivated them to seek residency training, and how they are shaping the future of athletic training. You’ll hear their stories, see their accomplishments, and learn about the impact they are making.

Meet Greg Waltner

Greg Waltner completed his athletic training residency at Emory University, a CAATE-accredited athletic training residency program. Greg shared the following insights: 

Q: What factors influenced your decision to pursue a residency program?
A: There were three main factors that lead me to pursue a residency program. First, I was feeling stagnant professionally in my position at the time. Second, I wanted to utilize my athletic training skills to benefit the broader community. And third, I desired better work life balance.

Meet Nohely Chavez

Nohely Chavez completed her athletic training residency at UT Health San Antonio, a CAATE-accredited athletic training residency program. Nohely shared the following insights: 

Q: In what ways has completing a residency and specializing shaped, or do you anticipate shaping, the trajectory of your career?
A: Completing the residency has provided me with a deeper understanding of the broader context when evaluating patients. It has also played a key role in shaping my future aspirations, including my goal of eventually opening my own sports medicine clinic.

Meet Joe Thompson

Q: What factors influenced your decision to pursue a residency program?
A: I heavily debated doing a professional internship or even working at a college once graduating. So, I did what all young professionals do, and I leaned on my network of preceptors and mentors. During one of my talks my mentor suggested looking into a residency program. Luckily, I had one that was close to home and was home to a strong history with athletic training. Plus having Ohio University being partnered with OhioHealth I was able to get more than half of the residency cost paid for. Coming out of undergraduate I didn’t feel ready to take on a high school by myself. I felt confident in my abilities and skills but felt there was another level I hadn’t elevated too yet. I was missing guided leadership through my first year of being certified. Not the guidance that would hold your hand but would challenge you to think deeper and longer about problems presented to you. This new way of thinking would not only serve you during a difficult evaluation but appraising research that could impact or change your current best practice. 

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Visit the CAATE website if you are interested in learning more about Athletic Training Residency and Fellowship Programs CLICK HERE.