Ty Butler, AT | Sports Medicine Director

BIOGRAPHY

Ty is the Director of Sports Medicine for Optim Healthcare. He supervises all of Optim’s Athletic Trainers and the Sports Medicine Outreach Program throughout Southeast Georgia. Ty has been with Optim since 2017.

Ty received his Bachelors in Education and a minor in Sports Medicine in 1996 from the University of Tennessee at Martin. He went on to Southern Illinois University where he graduated in 1997 with his Associates as a Physical Therapy Assistant. In 2004, he graduated with his Master in Public Administration with an emphasis in Healthcare Administration from Murray State University in Kentucky.

Ty has been in Healthcare Management for over 14 years and in Sport Medicine over 20 years. He has worked with hospitals, physician –owned clinics, and in the collegiate setting to improve the healthcare operations and patient outcomes for everyone.  As an Athletic Trainer and therapist, he has worked with professional athletes in baseball, soccer, and basketball, but enjoys serving all patients no matter what their hobbies or interest.

Ty has served on various committees as Reimbursement Chair for Tennessee Athletic Trainers Association, Southern States Athletic Conference Sports Medicine Chair, NAIA Champions of Charter Liaison, and a Community Soccer Board Member.

One of his accomplishments include negotiating with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee for Athletic Trainers to be included as licensed or certified providers, requiring minimal supervision within the BCBSTN provider manual.

Recipient of the Governmental Service Award (Tennessee Athletic Training Society), Employee of the Quarter Award (McKenzie Regional Hospital), and JA Abernathy Award for Unselfish Support and Service (McKenzie Touchdown Club).

Ty is a native of Northwest Tennessee and has been happily married to his wife Samantha for 25 years. They have two active sons that spend their time playing sports and surf fishing.