Athletic Trainer Physician & Specialties

Optim Health System's Athletic Trainers are the trusted partners for high schools in Southeast Georgia, delivering essential services that prioritize the well-being and safety of student-athletes. With our experienced team of licensed/certified athletic trainers (ATs), we offer a range of comprehensive services designed to enhance athletic performance and mitigate injuries.

Importance of Having an Athletic Trainer at Your High School

Having an athletic trainer at your high school is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, injury prevention is a top priority. Our ATs work closely with coaches, athletes, and staff to implement effective injury prevention strategies, including proper warm-ups, conditioning exercises, and equipment utilization. By taking proactive measures, we aim to minimize the risk of injuries and promote long-term athletic success. Secondly, athletic trainers provide on-site emergency care for musculoskeletal injuries as well as potential life-threatening injuries related to athletic activity such as heat illness, concussion, and sudden cardiac arrest. Lastly, athletic trainers rehabilitate student-athletes to return to peak performance after sustaining an injury.

Services Provided by Optim Health System's Athletic Trainers

Injury Prevention: Our ATs develop customized programs to help athletes minimize the risk of injuries. Through education, strength and conditioning exercises, and proper technique training, we empower student-athletes to perform at their best while reducing the likelihood of injuries.
Emergency Care: In the event of an injury or medical emergency, our ATs are trained to provide immediate and appropriate care. They possess the skills to assess injuries, administer first aid, stabilize conditions, and make informed decisions about further medical attention.
Therapeutic Treatment and Rehabilitation: If an injury occurs, our ATs are equipped to provide therapeutic treatment and rehabilitation. They create personalized treatment plans that include techniques such as therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and modalities to help athletes recover and regain their optimal physical condition.
ImPACT Testing: Optim Sports Medicine is the exclusive provider in the Southeast offering free ImPACT concussion testing at partnering schools. Our certified athletic trainers conduct these computer-based assessments, providing valuable information for the evaluation and management of concussions.
Referrals: When necessary, our ATs facilitate referrals to specialized healthcare professionals, such as physicians, physical therapists, or orthopedic specialists. This ensures that athletes receive the appropriate care and expertise needed for their specific injuries or conditions.

Choose Optim Health System's Athletic Trainers for Comprehensive Care

Optim Health System's Athletic Trainers are dedicated to the health and well-being of student-athletes. With our wide range of services, including injury prevention, emergency care, therapeutic treatment and rehabilitation, ImPACT testing, and referrals, we strive to provide the highest standard of care. Trust in our experienced team to support and optimize the athletic performance of your high school athletes.

Awards

2019

Georgia Athletic Trainers Association (GATA) Sports Medicine Person of the Year: Don G. Aaron, MD
Southeastern Athletic Trainers Association (SEATA) Healthcare Sponsor of the Year: Optim Sports Medicine
National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) Safe School Award: South Effingham High School

2020

National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) Safe School Award: Bulloch Academy

2021

Southeastern Athletic Trainers Association (SEATA) Jack C. Hughston, MD Sports Medicine Person of the Year: Don G. Aaron, MD
Southeastern Athletic Trainers Association (SEATA) High School Athletic Trainer of the Year: Katie Nabb, AT
Georgia Athletic Trainers Association (GATA) Warren Morris Sports Medicine Person of the Year: M. Delan Gaines, MD
Georgia Athletic Trainers Association (GATA) Jack C. Hughston Team Physician of the Year: David N. Palmer, MD
National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) Safe School Award: Effingham County High School

2022

Southeastern Athletic Trainers Association (SEATA) High School Athletic Trainer of the Year: Kristin Quinn, MS, LAT, ATC

Team Physicians

Juan Alonso, AT

Janiah Beal, AT

Jacob Bendixen, AT

Ty Butler, AT | Sports Medicine Director

Krisha Conley, AT

Paige Dill, AT

Cody Duffy, AT

Lance Griffith, AT

Bill Hall, AT | Regional Manager

Reynolds Hall, AT

Kaitlyn Helmey, AT

Alexandra Holley, AT

Jaime Johnson, AT

Rachel Lacy, AT | Education Coordinator

Jacqui Lupton, AT

Arely Martinez, AT

Melissa McDuffie, AT

Von Miller, AT

Katie Nabb, AT

Kristin Quinn, AT

Clarke Ricks, AT

Nic Thompson, AT

Marissa Villafuerte-Brooks, AT

Brooke Ward, AT

Jeff Weems, AT

Lauren White, AT

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