Written by Arturo Flores, MS, ATC
Getting Involved: The Hidden Value of Your Professional Association
As healthcare providers, we often get caught up in the day-to-day grind of our clinics and athletic training rooms. At times, simply making it through the day can feel like an achievement. Soon enough, our routines become automatic: wake up, practice self-care, work, eat (if there’s time), sleep, repeat. Even our documentation may begin to feel like a series of familiar templates from past cases. I found myself in that rut, seeing injury after injury that all looked alike: sprained ankles, sore elbows and shoulders, and persistent knee pain.
How to Move Forward and Reenergize Your Career
In most Administration and Organization courses, there's mention of the professional association. Many of us pay membership dues, but are we really using that membership to its fullest?
Practitioners often ask:
“What is the association doing for me?”
“Where do my dues go?”
“Is it worth it?”
One important reminder before going any further: professional associations are not labor unions. They are membership associations — and they are a resource for us.
Taking the First Step Toward Change
For me, the way out of the hamster wheel was finding the next step in my athletic training evolution. I was fortunate to have a mentor — a professor — who believed in my potential. She encouraged me to join a committee at the national professional association. At the time, I was a young professional and didn’t think I had the experience or knowledge to contribute meaningfully. I imagined myself sitting in rooms full of athletic trainers with 10+ years of experience. What could I possibly bring to the table? Then I reflected on the advice I share with my students:
“You can do anything for two years. Find out what works in the first year. After you adjust and finish the second year, then you can decide if it’s for you. And if it’s not, it’s okay to move on.”
The Rewards of Getting Involved
Encouraged by my peers, I took the leap. And it was incredibly rewarding. Being part of that group allowed me to learn more about what the association was doing for practitioners and for the profession as a whole. That experience reignited my passion for athletic training. I had found the next phase of my career. After several leadership roles, I now balance my clinical and athletic training responsibilities with mentorship, teaching, guest speaking, and encouraging others to get involved.
What the Association Really Offers
Professional associations do far more than we often see in our daily practice. Professional Associations:
- Advocate, educate, and inspire on our behalf
- Provide resources for policy and procedure creation
- Support continuing education and professional development
- Recognize contributions with awards and accolades
You can also refer to your professional organizations’ websites for information about available committee positions. Find an area that you are passionate about or have an interest in. There are committees and groups for everything. Special interest groups could be EDAC, LGBTQ+, and groups based off job settings. Professional sports groups are PFATS, PBATS, NBATA, PHATS, and PSATS.
For National volunteering opportunities, you can look at postings within in the Gather platform on the membership side of NATA.org. Look into the committees that may align with your passions.
We are lucky to have several organizations, besides our state’s leadership:
- ATSNJ
- NYSATA
- PATS
- NATA District 2 There is also a District2 app which hosts a resource bank.
- EATA
You might be thinking, “I’m not ready to chair a committee or lead a group” and that’s okay.
Start Small, But Start Somewhere
Involvement can begin with something as simple as attending a meeting. Just being in the room to hear updates might be the spark that rekindles your professional passion. You can influence change by sharing concerns and offering possible solutions. When you share your thoughts, you help leadership stay informed and responsive to practitioner-level issues. And don’t assume leadership is out of reach — they’re accessible and eager to support emerging professionals. We advocate so strongly for our athletes and patients, let us not forget to advocate for ourselves, too. One of the values of involvement is bringing information to the community. Hosting events with groups to raise concussion awareness or even sharing tips at your institution.
See You at the Next Professional Association Meeting!
Whatever stage of your career you’re in, there’s a place for your voice, your passion, and your contributions. The state, regional, and national associations are here for you — the next step is yours to take.
At JAG Physical Therapy, we believe in supporting passionate professionals who want to make a difference in their communities and grow in their careers. Whether you're a seasoned clinician or just starting out, JAG PT offers opportunities for development, mentorship, and leadership in a collaborative environment. Explore career opportunities with JAG PT and take the next step in your professional journey today!