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In-Depth Look: BOC Committee and Task Force Volunteer

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In honor of National Volunteer Month, we are featuring BOC volunteers who serve as BOC board members, committee, task force and work group members and exam item writers. The BOC would like to thank all of our BOC volunteers for their hard work and dedication to the athletic training profession. The BOC welcomes volunteers from a variety of backgrounds. Learn more about volunteer opportunities with the BOC.

Kitty NewshamKitty Newsham, PhD, ATC is an Associate Professor at Saint Louis University. She performs research and teaches in the Master of Athletic Training program. Newsham has been practicing as an Athletic Trainer for 30 years.

1. Name the group(s) you participate in as a BOC volunteer and how long you’ve participated.

I started as a volunteer for the BOC as a model and examiner for the certification exam in the 1990’s. In the early 2000’s, I served as a Home Study Reviewer and on a Task-Force for the Impaired Practitioner.

I began serving on the Standards Committee in 2009 and have served as the chair of the committee since 2015. I have also served as the Evidence Based Practice Continuing Education Review Committee co-chair for 2 years and am currently working with the Maintenance of Competence Task Force.

2. What is the best or most rewarding part about volunteering with the BOC?

I have had a chance to meet and get to know a lot of Athletic Trainers (ATs) from across the country. It has been great to work with forward-thinking people who are passionate about advancing our profession. The diversity among the groups I’ve worked with continually reminds me of the many employment environments of ATs and the broad scope of the people who seek the care of ATs. I have found the work to be interesting and challenging, but ultimately enjoyable. It is good to know there are so many people doing work to advance the practice of athletic training and ensure the credential is equated with quality care.

3. How has your experience volunteering at the BOC influenced you?

I believe the work I have done with the BOC has helped me to keep a broader perspective when I talk about the practice of athletic training. I know what my professional experience has been, but working with people from different work settings and different geographical area keep me thinking about the diverse practice of athletic training. At the same time, I keep focused on the uniqueness of athletic training – what is it that holds us together as healthcare professionals

4. What advice would you give to an AT looking to get involved as a BOC volunteer?

Put your name in the ring – offer to help. You might start on something small – do your best at whatever that is. When an invitation comes, it is fair to ask about the task and the time commitment. Don’t let being busy stop you, because you will always be busy, but don’t take on something you know you cannot do. Overall: jump in; be enthusiastic; be responsible; don’t say "yes” and then do “no.”

Read other volunteer profiles or learn more about volunteer opportunities with the BOC.

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