BOC Volunteer Spotlight – Meg Frens, MS, AT, ATC
The BOC would like to take this opportunity to thank all our BOC volunteers who serve as BOC board members, committee, task force and workgroup members and exam item writers. The BOC welcomes volunteers from a variety of backgrounds. Visit the BOC website, to learn more about volunteer opportunities with the BOC.
In this feature, we would like to spotlight Meg Frens, MS, AT, ATC of District 4; Before becoming the current co-chair of the BOC’s Exam Development Committee, Frens put in many years of work around the BOC exam. Roles held by Frens include examiner, in addition to exam writing (both on paper and computer-based) and focused testlet development. Frens has been a Certified Athletic Trainer since 1996, and currently owns AIRE Athletic Training, LLC based in Holland, Mich.
Why is volunteering for the BOC important to you?
I feel it’s important to be a part of the BOC to give back to the profession and it’s a tangible way for me to stay up to date on educational changes and updates in our profession.
What is the best or most rewarding part about volunteering with the BOC?
The professional networking opportunities are the best. Leaders in some of the strongest programs in the profession are a part of the BOC committees, as well as emerging settings and dual credentialed professionals. Collaborating with these AT’s on the exam committee is very validating.
How did you first come to know about a BOC volunteer opportunity?
I first learned about the EDC through a peer while working at Slippery Rock University. She would tell me about how the exam development process went and how much she enjoyed it.
What advice would you give to an AT looking to get involved as a BOC volunteer?
To call/email, reach out today! Contact me! I’ll help you find someone/some committee to work with. But seriously consider it – it’s how our profession is formed and held accountable – having a strong credentialing exam and now moving into the specialty areas, we need as many experienced AT’s as we can to make our professional development and certification processes valid and pertinent.
How has your experience volunteering at the BOC influenced you?
I have been able to think outside the box in terms of my own capacity to work in athletic training. I could see how diverse our skill sets are and in speaking with others, could envision a different setting for myself when I needed a change. I have developed friendships which have lasted more than 15 years at this point. They have served as sounding boards and presented opportunities to speak and helped me continue to be a part of the educational process in athletic training. Seeing former students become involved in the BOC has been just awesome, as well.
This article was originally published in the 2022 summer “Cert Update” newsletter.