March 15, 2023

Cheering on Athletic Trainers During National Athletic Training Month

Central Indiana Orthopedics is passionate about taking care of athletes in Fishers, Anderson, Muncie, Marion and surrounding areas, with a goal of helping them return to the sport they love. In honor of National Athletic Training Month, we wanted to take a moment to recognize the outstanding athletic trainers who are dedicated to providing personalized care to our patients and athletes of local sports clubs, high schools and universities. Not only do we have a team of athletic trainers working outside the practice walls to care for athletes, but much of their work is also done alongside our physicians in the office. We asked a few of our sports medicine physicians about their work with athletic trainers over the course of their career, and how much they value their care and expertise. Here’s what they had to say…

“Over the last decade, I’ve worked with several athletic trainers at schools in my role as team physician and at Central Indiana Orthopedics in the Walk-In Clinic. I’ve seen firsthand the relationships athletic trainers develop with athletes and how instrumental those relationships are in the athlete’s success – knowing when to keep an athlete on the field or when to pull them from a game. They put in long working hours, in the clinic and after hours on the field, and are very dedicated to their profession, making our lives (as physicians) much easier. We’ve been really blessed to have some of the best athletic trainers we could ask for, and the value they bring doesn’t go unnoticed by me or the rest of the physicians at CIO.”

Dr. Kile Carter, Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician, Fishers & Anderson Walk-In Clinic

“I’ve spent numerous hours with athletic trainers over my career. They are a valuable member of an athletic team and contribute greatly to the team’s overall success. The qualities I notice in our athletic trainers include dedication, commitment to quality and a desire to always put their best effort into helping an athlete succeed in their sport. They go above and beyond on a regular basis and put in many extra hours outside of the office. Having worked as a student-athletic trainer, I know the dedication and commitment it takes when caring for patients and athletes, and I appreciate all that they do!”

Dr. Kenneth Haller, Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician, Muncie Walk-In Clinic and Team Physician of Ball State Athletics

“My roots in sports medicine began as an athletic trainer, so the profession is near and dear to my heart. I’ve had the privilege and joy of working alongside many excellent athletic trainers over the years, and the profession deserves way more credit and appreciation than it gets. Athletic trainers are vital to an athlete’s success, helping them come back from injuries, both physically and mentally, and being their advocate along the way. They are the frontlines, ready to intervene when injury occurs and use their expertise in musculoskeletal medicine, which can sometimes even be lifesaving. In my practice, they allow me to work more efficiently and exhibit kindness and expertise to my patients – I truly appreciate them.”

Dr. Jeremy Hunt, Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician, Muncie Walk-In Clinic and Team Physician of Ball State Athletics

“For nearly thirty years, I’ve dedicated my career to giving back to the field of athletic training, and working with athletic trainers has been one of the cornerstones of developing my practice at Central Indiana Orthopedics. As an associate professor in the athletic training program at Anderson University, I’ve had the privilege of teaching athletic trainers, and several have gone on to work at CIO so I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside them in clinic and on the sidelines. Due to their knowledge and expertise in the musculoskeletal exam, I’ve consistently had athletic trainers as my primary assistant in clinic. Their ability to explain injuries and treatment decisions and provide education allow them to building trusting relationships. I’d like to personally thank them for all they’ve done; their input and support have had a lot to do with the success in my career.

Dr. Jared Jones, Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician, Anderson Walk-In Clinic and Team Physician of Anderson University

We’d like to give a big THANK YOU to our athletic trainers for their dedication and the expert, compassionate care they provide to our patients and athletes! The care that they provide allows athletes at every level the opportunity to pursue their dreams and goals and see their hard work pay off. Learn more about our athletic training team and the organizations we support at ciocenter.com/services/team-doctor-and-athletic-training-services/.

Our Athletic Training Team

Bethany Harlan – Alexandria High School

Brad Crackel

Chester Coon

Chris Hawsey – Frankton High School

Cody Harlan – Anderson University

Diana Silvey

Erin Platt

Ethan Frye

Jen Skidmore

Julie Wilson

Kelsey McGrady – Lapel High School

Kylie Vance

Mark Lefeave

Sarah Lechlitner

Stephen Sattler – Ball State Athletics