(Written by Kristin Tivener and David Carr)
At most Universities, faculty have roles in teaching students, service to the university and profession, as well as scholarship. Scholarship includes the development of research which often includes obtaining grants to fund research. Following research, as a part of the scholarship role, faculty members present their findings in a peer-reviewed publication or presentation. Achieving the right balance among teaching, scholarship, and service is often difficult as there are demands in each category.
Each faculty member in the Sports Medicine and Athletic Training (SMAT) Department at MSU has their own goals for growth in teaching, scholarship, and service. Previous blogs have described recent publications and presentations from SMAT faculty; all of which are scholarship achievements for those faculty members.
Recently, Dr. David Carr of the SMAT department was awarded two research grants that will fund collaborative original research initiatives he has designed. Below, Dr. Carr gives details of those grants;
Greene, Timson, Carr, Volberding. “Athletic Training Student Communication” $500 from the Mid America Athletic Trainers Association
What are new Athletic Training (AT) graduates lacking upon entering the workforce? Research suggests that communication skills are the most often cited issue lacking in new graduates. Similar research has answered the question of when/where do students have the opportunity to communicate. What still remains to be determined is what issues should students be tasked with addressing while in school so that they are proficient upon graduation? This project will explore the issues that are commonly discussed between certified ATs and the various constituents involved in the health care of patients. Focus group interviews will be conducted with certified ATs in several practice settings to get their opinions of what issues are discussed in the line of work. A future project will then explore what students are actually discussing during their clinical assignments.
Volberding, Carr, Timson. “Alumni/Employer Opinions of Preparation for the Work Force” $500 from the Mid America Athletic Trainers Association
Anecdotal information has been shared for several years that employers do not feel that new Athletic Training (AT) graduates are ready for the workforce. This readiness for the work force issue is compounded by the equally anecdotal concept that moving education programs to an Entry-Level Master’s (ELM) degree will somehow address the readiness for the workforce issue. Our recent work has allowed us to determine employer and alumni opinions of what are the most important characteristics/thematic deficiency abilities (interpersonal communication, decision making, initiative, confidence, and humility) that a new graduate should possess. The next step is to gather opinions from a representative sample of alumni, and employers from the two degree paths. This will give the AT profession one data point of a multi-faceted issue with which to determine the best entry-level degree route to certification. The results will also allow education programs to modify their programs accordingly and will allow employers to modify their orientation and on-the-job training experiences accordingly.
Congratulations to Dr. David Carr on his recent grants!
Interested in doing some research of your own and obtaining a grant to fund it? The Mid-America Athletic Trainers’ Association (MAATA) funds grants annually for original research proposals in the field of athletic training. Information is as follows;
The MAATA Research and Education Grant Committee conducts an annual call for applications for Research and Education Grants. The entire application and review process is electronic. Electronic copies of the application form can be obtained on the MAATA web site or by request from Dr. W. David Carr at wdavidcarr@missouirstate.edu. Completed applications must be received electronically by January 15th. Applications will be reviewed by the committee and winners will be notified on or around February 25th. All certified members are eligible to apply for research and education grant funding.
Previous SMAT faculty that have been awarded a grant from MAATA include; Dr. Tona Hetzler, Dr. Michael Hudson, Kristin Tivener, and Dr. David Carr. All of these faculty members would be happy to discuss their experiences with you if you are interested in pursuing a grant!