Certified Athletic Trainer To Serve On Health Resources And Services Administration (HRSA) Advisory Committee

Main Category: Sports Medicine / Fitness
Article Date: 23 May 2008 - 0:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

The National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) announced that David H. Perrin, PhD, ATC, has been invited by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to serve on its Advisory Committee on Interdisciplinary, Community-Based Linkages for a three-year term. The advisory committee is part of the Department of Health and Human Services. Perrin has served as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro since 2007. He also served on NATA's Professional Education Committee for 13 years and was editor of NATA's Journal of Athletic Training from 1996 though 2004.

"We are pleased that Dr. Perrin has been recognized for his expertise by HRSA," said Chuck Kimmel, ATC, president of NATA. "Through his work and experience, he has demonstrated a keen focus on advancing the academic fields of allied health and scientific research in human physical activity. His dedication to education, training programs and the public's health is certain to be invaluable to the ongoing efforts of HRSA's advisory committee."

"I am excited to assume this post to ensure we collectively bring innovative thinking and recommendations to HRSA that best reflect advances in related health programs and community activities." This has been a passion of mine throughout my career and I am honored to be part of such a distinguished group."

The Advisory Committee on Interdisciplinary, Community-Based Linkages provides advice and recommendations on a broad range of issues dealing with programs and activities authorized under Section 756 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act. The committee was created by the U.S. Congress to review the goals of the HRSA Bureau of Health Professions programs that support interdisciplinary, community-based training, and to make recommendations accordingly to the secretary and Congress.

Perrin's interest in community-based, interdisciplinary programs began at the University of Virginia, where from 1986 to 2001 he directed graduate programs in athletic training (MEd) and sports medicine (PhD/EdD). While there he worked closely with physicians, nurses, athletic trainers and physical therapists to provide health care services to intercollegiate and interscholastic sport participants in both urban and rural settings. He also founded the Sports Medicine/Athletic Training Research Laboratory at the University of Virginia. The laboratory's research agenda sought to reduce injury risk and facilitate physically active lifestyles in individuals across their lifespans.

About the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA)

Athletic trainers are unique health care professionals who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses. The National Athletic Trainers' Association represents and supports 30,000 members of the athletic training profession. NATA advocates for equal access to athletic trainers for patients and clients of all ages and supports H.R. 1846. Only 42 percent of high schools have access to athletic trainers. NATA members adhere to a code of ethics.

National Athletic Trainers' Association