One of the more prestigious honors in the world of athletic training is the opportunity to present the William “Pinky” Newell Address at the annual convention of the Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association.
This year, the convention’s organizers called upon Kean’s J. Timothy Sensor to deliver the honorary address. And he says he doesn’t know why.
“I’m just a humble guy,’’ he said.
Newell, known as the father of modern athletic training, paved the way for many advancements in the field. Since 1987, the Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association has selected trainers from across the region to deliver the memorial address at the group’s annual convention.
Sensor said he had no idea what to think when told he was chosen to deliver the address.
“My first reaction was OMG (oh my God),’’ Sensor told the convention audience gathered to hear his speech at the Boston convention earlier this month. “Then I felt I had to call my BFF (best friend forever). Then panic set in because IHNIWTS (I had no idea what to say). I made that one up.’’
Sensor said he remembered meeting Newell, who was an athletic trainer most of his career at alma mater Purdue.
“I had the pleasure of meeting him when I was a young athletic trainer,’’ Sensor said during his speech. “He (Newell) was very cordial and outgoing. Remembering the man, his history and deeds is significant. History tells us about ourselves and where our focus needs to be.’’
Sensor said he wondered what Newell would think about the athletic training profession these days.
“A profession that has grown since the 70s, is now recognized in 48 of 50 states, includes members sought for their experience and wisdom about management of athlete injuries and looks to improve upon the educational competency of its members,’’ Sensor said. “With all of these good advancements would Newell be disappointed with the possibility that we can be our own worst enemy?’’
He explained that at the National Athletic Trainers Association’s convention last year he attended a roundtable discussion about laws and regulations.
“I was amazed at the discussions that ensued and how many of the trainers present still are afraid of doing something to upset a coach,’’ Sensor said. “As a health care practictioner, we have to overcome this notion that we have less authority than a coach or in some cases report to a coach.’’
Sensor said he feels a portion of professionals don’t know how to say “no’’ to a coach and many are overworked.
“This profession for the most part will never be a 9-5 job,’’ Sensor said. “I am not implying that we stop doing the job that we’re most capable of. But seven day weeks and 12 hour days is an issue. As a profession, we need to be supportive and help each other. Don’t take jobs that pay low wages. Don’t work excessive hours. We need to protect our livelihood and protect ourselves from burnout.’’
Sensor also told the convention crowd that he fears the profession is moving away from hands-on skills for more classroom and didactic skills.
“The more I speak with some of my colleagues the more obvious it is that students today do not have the same opportunity to develop hands on skills,’’ he said. “Our education programs in their current form do not allow the student enough clinical experience in order the develop the clinical thinking component. This needs to change. I feel we need a five year model that allows for a master’s degree but with additional clinical experience.’’
