Member Spotlight: Faculty Council Co-Lead Philip Veliz

Dr. Philip Veliz is an associate research professor at the University of Michigan School of Nursing’s Applied Biostatistics laboratory. He graduated with a degree in sociology at Cleveland State University and later earned a PhD in sociology at the University at Buffalo SUNY. Having participated in multiple sports and experienced head injuries himself from a young age, Dr. Veliz is passionate about understanding the benefits of sports participation during childhood and adolescence, the prevalence of head injuries, and their long-term consequences. Currently, he sits on the faculty council with the Concussion Center and co-leads the “Michigan Alumni Neurological Health Study” with Dr. JT Eckner. In a recent interview, Dr. Veliz shared his aspirations for his research, advice for students, and the inspiration that drives him.

Dr. Veliz’s first research paper that focused on concussions, a 600-word letter, remains his favorite. Intrigued by questions surrounding youth head injuries, he initially struggled to find secondary data that addressed the lifetime prevalence of concussion among adolescents in the United States. Discovering a gap in the data, he took action by helping advocate for a question to the Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey, an annual, in-school survey of US students in grades 8, 10, and 12. This enabled him to create an article looking at the lifetime prevalence of concussions among children in the United States. During this process, Dr. Veliz collaborated with multiple people and along the way met Dr. JT Eckner, the Associate Director of our center’s research core. He noted, “Even though it’s a 600-word research letter, it’s a combination of having to meet people that study this and figure out how to get that question on the survey. That’s why I like that article so much; there is a lot of background in putting that together.”

The U-M Alumni Neurological Health Study, co-led by Dr. Veliz and Dr. Eckner, aims to learn more about long-term neurological health in formal male and female athletes. Supported by U-M’s alumni community, the pilot study phase saw more than 1,000 survey responses from former athletes and general students. This is the first population-based study to investigate key neurological outcomes in former athletes across all sports. Dr. Veliz noted that current information on the long-term health effects of these injuries is limited. He is concerned about the general population, including himself, and what these risks could mean for others. Dr. Veliz seeks to determine if something can be done to minimize the risk of problematic issues later in life, stating, “Most head injuries are mild, and sometimes there are no long-term effects and I want to see if that is really true.” The study team is exploring opportunities to support the next phase of this study, where more subjects will be included with additional research procedures such as neuroimaging (e.g., MRI) and biomarkers to help better understand the relationship between concussion and long-term neurological outcomes.

As a faculty member with the Concussion Center, Dr. Veliz is excited about the opportunity to work with researchers from multiple disciplines. He stated, “I’m working with neuroscientists, MDs, psychologists, who study this and they give their perspective, which I wouldn’t think about.” Being able to exchange ideas and contribute his clinical knowledge creates an environment for a better understanding of injuries. He emphasized that his favorite part of his job is interacting with people who have a common interest in what he is researching. Dr. Veliz mentioned, “Not only do we do research, but we can share personal stories and connect.” He noted that the members and faculty of the Concussion Center are driven by a shared curiosity and passion for learning more about head injuries. He deeply values the personal connections and shared interests within the Concussion Center.

Looking to the future and the now, he plans to continue studying the epidemiology of concussion and diving deeper into the secondary data. He aims to refine the questions used to measure concussion history by integrating various datasets that address these questions. Dr. Veliz left some final words for students pursuing a career in concussion research: “While something might be a hot topic, study something that you are incredibly passionate about. Study what you like; that’s the only way you are going to enjoy it. You have to find some kind of passion, and that will push you in the right direction.”

As Dr. Veliz continues to uncover critical insights into concussion and athlete health, his dedication and collaborative spirit inspire those around him. His journey exemplifies the impact of combining passion with research, and he remains committed to making a lasting difference in the field of concussion studies.

Learn more about the Michigan Alumni Neurological Health Study:
“Brain health, concussions and sports: is there a long-term connection?”
Research update at the 6th NCAA-DoD Grand Alliance Concussion Conference

The American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, held in Boston from May 28-31, 2024, was a remarkable event showcasing invaluable research and insightful presentations from numerous experts in the field. The University of Michigan Concussion Center was prominently represented by its members, trainees, and alumni, who delivered exceptional presentations that contributed to the conference’s success!

The event began with a presentation by PhD candidate Adrian J. Boltz, MSH, during the Sport Injury Surveillance and Prevention session. Boltz presented an in-depth analysis of the epidemiology of knee injuries in NCAA men’s football over a 10-year period. His second appearance was during the poster session, where he shared his abstract titled “Lifetime Concussion History, Sleep Quality, And Pain Interference Following A Collegiate Athlete Career.” Both presentations highlighted Boltz’s dedication and expertise!

Dr. Landon Lempke, PhD, ATC, a former post-doctoral researcher with the Center and current Assistant Professor with the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), delivered a noteworthy lecture on “What is the Value of Functional Paradigms in Concussion Management? Evidence Behind Concussion Assessment Approaches.” Dr. Lempke, alongside other experts, explored evidence supporting various concussion assessment methods. His well-researched presentation provided the audience with a deeper understanding of functional paradigms in concussion management, highlighting his significant contributions to the field.

Another center member, Dr. Abigail Bretzin, PhD, ATC, Research Investigator with the U-M Injury Prevention Center, shared invaluable information during the Youth Sport session with her presentation on “Person Variability In Sleep And Concussion Symptom Reporting In A Pilot Study Of Health High School Student-athletes.” Her research offered insights into the variability of sleep and concussion symptom reporting among youth athletes.

The conference featured a group symposium titled “Concussion in Sport: An Update on What We Know and Where We Should Go,” featuring various current and former Center members, including Adrian J. Boltz, MSH, Allyssa Memmini, PhD, LAT, ATC, Reid Syrydiuk, MSc, and Dr. Steven Broglio, PhD. Each speaker brought a unique perspective to the symposium, making it one of the highlights of the event! Reid Syrydiuk, shared his expertise on Sport-Related Concussion Epidemiology and Prevention, while Dr. Allyssa Memmini, provided valuable insights on Sport-Related Concussion Assessment. Adrian J. Boltz, discussed Sport-Related Concussion Management and Recovery, and Dr. Steven Broglio, concluded the symposium with his presentation on the future of Sport-Related Concussion research.

The Center’s student trainee, Sabrina Vega, MS, also contributed with an outstanding poster presentation on “Factors Associated With Persistent Post-concussive Symptoms: Findings From The NCAA Injury Surveillance Program.” Under the mentorship of Adrian and Dr. Broglio, her research examined the factors associated with the odds of persistent post-concussive symptoms following sports-related concussions, providing valuable data that could inform future preventative measures.

In the same session, Dr. Landon Lempke, in collaboration with Adrian J. Boltz, Allyssa Memmini, Reid Syrydiuk, and Dr. Steven Broglio, presented on “Associations Between Head Trauma Exposures, Mental Health, And Cognitive Health Following A Collegiate Athletic Career.” Their collaborative effort, a testament to the team spirit of the University of Michigan Concussion Center, highlighted the intersection between head trauma exposures and long-term health outcomes, contributing to a critical area of sports medicine research.

From the University of Michigan Concussion Center, we would like to extend a thank you to The American College of Sports Medicine and all the incredible attendees for making ACSM2024 a memorable and outstanding event! We appreciate the opportunity provided to our members to share their knowledge and research contributions. We look forward to future ACSM events and continuing to advance the field of sports medicine and research!

Rising Senior and Pop-Up Safety Town Curriculum development lead, Sarah Boeke, was honored with the Rosalie Ginsberg Dedicated Community Service Award at this year’s M-Lead Leadership Ceremony. This award recognizes an individual and group who made a positive, meaningful, and lasting impact in surrounding communities through social action and community engagement. In a recent interview, Sarah shared her aspirations and the impactful work she has done with Pop-Up Safety Town.

“The award is not a reflection of the work I personally do, but the team environment and it truly is such a massive team behind Pop-Up Safety town. I am really proud to be a part of that and contribute what I can.”

Pop-Up Safety Town was launched in 2018 and has since evolved into a highly successful program. During 2022-2023, Pop-Up Safety Town traveled to seven different sites in Michigan and was able to fit more than 600 helmets on children aged three to five. When Sarah joined the initiative, Dr. Hashikawa, the program director and Emergency Medicine physician, was exploring ways to expand the program due to high demand from schools across the state of Michigan and the country. This led to the creation of “Pop-Up Safety Town in a Box,” a concept similar to meal kit services. The box contains all the necessary props and materials, allowing teachers to easily implement the program in their classrooms. Sarah noted that working at Pop-Up Safety Town events is one of her favorite parts of being on the team. She remarked, “When you talk to a parent and see how happy they are that their kids are given an adjustable helmet, it’s really rewarding. I’m just hoping we can continue to expand and reach more people and communities.”

Her research, “Pop-Up Safety Town: Leveling the Playing Field for Children in Underserved Communities Through Injury Prevention Education,” has been published in The Journal of School Health. Pop-Up Safety Town aims to bring injury prevention education to preschoolers and families in urban and rural communities facing health disparities. Sarah hopes that school administrators and educators will read the paper and find ways to apply its insights to their own communities. She remarked, “We are not the experts in what other communities across the country need, but I hope after they read the article they can take away what would be effective for them.”

Sarah’s dedication to early injury prevention education has propelled her into the spotlight of various conferences. She recently spoke at the Child and Adolescent Safety Panel at “Rethinking Injuries: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Harm, Safety, and Society,” an international conference hosted by Johns Hopkins University. Additionally, she presented a poster at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference in Washington, showcasing the Pop-Up Safety Curriculum Kits she developed with Dr. Andrew Hashikawa. Most recently, she attended the Society for Advancement of Violence and Injury Research (SAVIR) conference in Chapel Hill. Sarah emphasized the value of attending these conferences and engaging with researchers and practitioners from different fields. As an undergraduate student, she found the experience of public speaking and presenting scientific information invaluable for her future career.

Sarah mentioned how she entered Michigan knowing she was going to be pre-med, building a foundation for her future in the medical field. Her advisor recommended an introductory course which opened her eyes to the broader field of public health. Sarah said, “I like how you could work really closely with individuals and families to design tailored solutions; I just think the public health approach really compliments the type of medicine that I want to go into.” Sarah plans to graduate in December 2024 with a degree in public health with future plans of attending medical school and pursuing a master’s in public health.

“Sarah Boeke is an exceptional undergraduate at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health and her efforts have elevated Pop-up Safety Town. She has helped create educational kits for preschool teachers in underserved areas that have expanded the program’s impact. Her efforts epitomize how creative volunteerism can address early childhood injury prevention disparities with remarkable effectiveness.”

Dr. Andrew Hashikawa, MD, MS

Dr. Steve Broglio, Director of the University of Michigan Concussion Center, was honored with the Policy Impact Award at this year’s Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation (IHPI) member forum. IHPI acknowledges individual members whose contributions in their respective fields have positively influenced health policy or practice. Dr. Broglio’s constant dedication to reducing the risk of concussion and enhancing outcomes at local, state, and national levels are the supporting factors behind his recognition this year.

Recipients of the award will receive $2,000 in funding to support ongoing research and will also be afforded the opportunity to present their work in forthcoming IHPI publications.

Dr. Broglio expressed gratitude to the university for providing ample resources and acknowledged the exceptional individuals from over 35 different departments who collaborate with his team at the U-M Concussion Center across campus.

“This is not about the work that I’ve done, it’s really about the work that people around me have done,” said Broglio. “I’m just the fortunate one who gets to stand up and receive the award this year.”

IHPI article

From the most fun he’s ever had doing research, to finding his career calling, this Q&A session with Dr. Eckner is guaranteed to entertain and inspire. Holding strong family values and a love for hockey, Dr. Eckner walks us through his aspirations for the future and explains how Nerf balls fit into the lighter side of concussion research. Use the link below for the full Q&A session.

Q: Can you tell me about your academic journey and how you ended up in your career?

A: I can’t claim to be one of those people who has always known exactly what I wanted to do with my life from a young age- growing up I had pretty broad interests and over time I narrowed them down from science in general (high school) to biology (college) to medicine (medical school, duh) to physical medicine & rehabilitation (residency) to concussion (post-residency). It was also during residency that I realized I wanted to pursue a career as a physician-scientist. During medical school and internship, I envisioned a clinical career. I credit my resident research mentor, Jim Richardson, with recognizing how much I enjoyed doing research, and that I had a knack for it!

Q: What inspired you to pursue your career field, and are there any specific moments that stand out in shaping your journey?

A: I’d credit my 4th-year medical school electives with solidifying my interest in PM&R. After trying out all of the medical specialties I thought I might be interested in PM&R just seemed to be the place where I belonged. From there, it was really my resident research project that led me to my current career. As a resident, I took on a research project to develop a clinical test of reaction time based on a standardized ruler drop. What I initially thought would just be a fun project during residency really ignited my passion for research and at first concussion was just a good clinical population to apply the RT test in. This said, I have always loved the brain so my interest quickly broadened to encompass many aspects of concussion, and working with and studying athletes is a great way to marry my interests in clinical research, the brain, and sports. Now one of the things that really drives me to understand the long-term effects of concussion and repetitive sport-associated head impacts on brain health is a desire to keep the brain healthy without losing out on the benefits of sport and exercise.

Q: Beyond academia, do you have any hobbies or interests that you are particularly passionate about?

A: I think anyone who knows me realizes that my #1 passion is my kids. Whether it’s their karate, soccer, scout campouts, science olympiad, or astrophotography, I’m very proud of all they do and I have a hard time not bragging about them and sharing our most recent adventures together. Otherwise, I’d say my main hobby of my own is playing beer-league hockey.

Q: What is the best part about your job?

A: The best part about my job is the amazing people I get to work with and all of the challenges we take on together. I love the collaborative aspect of the work I do, whether it’s in caring for patients, studying complex research questions, or educating the next generation of learners. Focusing on concussion is also great because for all we know (or think we know) about the brain and brain injury, there is just as much if not more that we still haven’t figured out.

Q: Can you share a memorable or amusing anecdote from your time in academia that reflects the lighter side of research life?

A: I’ll answer this by telling you about one of the most fun research projects I have ever done. In this project, we wanted to determine whether our clinical test of reaction time (ruler drop test) could predict an athlete’s ability to project their head in a simulated sport environment. We way we measured this was to gear high school kids up with protective equipment and then shoot Nerf balls at their heads from an air cannon. To be sure we were measuring their optimal protective response each time they blocked a neaf ball we moved them closer and closer to the air cannon until the ball hit their helmet before they could get their hands up. The team and the kids all had a really fun time with this experiment and I had colleagues enroll their own kids just so they could watch us shoot them with Nerf balls in the name of science.

Q: In your opinion, what is the most exciting or groundbreaking development in your field in recent years?

A: I think the most exciting recent development in our field is the growing body of research surrounding concussion biomarkers. We’re still not quite there but I think that it’s only a matter of time before we’ll be applying new imaging, blood-based, and/or physiological markers of concussion to routine patient care.

Q: How do you balance the demands of work life with personal well-being, and do you have any tips for maintaining a healthy work-life balance?

A: I think this is something we’re all still trying to figure out. For me, recognizing and accepting that there will always be more work to do so not getting sucked into it and allowing myself to step away to make time for other higher priorities like family and exercise is the key.

Q: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future, both in terms of your career and personal growth?

A: My two biggest aspirations for the future of the Concussion Center are to grow our research portfolio to support a large-scale center grant and to expand our Concussion Learning Health System across Michigan Medicine and eventually to partner sites.

The University of Michigan Concussion Center continues to support Pop-up Safety Town, an initiative led by Dr. Andrew Hashikawa, professor of Emergency Medicine,, who is pioneering a new chapter in injury prevention and helmet safety education by expanding Pop-up Safety Town into Florida and Georgia’s underserved neighborhoods. Leveraging a new partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) CATCH-ON program and the AAA Auto Club Foundation, this initiative can now bring a dynamic, hands-on learning experience to preschool children and families in other states.

Initially developed at the University of Michigan in 2018, Pop-up Safety Town brings injury prevention education events to Head Start Centers in underserved neighborhoods to teach children and families about helmet safety and other injury prevention topics. The AAP CATCH-ON initiative seeks one program yearly to help expand pediatric “ready-to-go” interventions that can be impactful in other states. With a generous grant from the AAA Auto Club Foundation, allocated evenly between Florida and Georgia, this new collaboration led by Dr. Hashikawa and the team at the U-M Concussion Center will allow the team to provide expert insight to adapt Pop-up Safety Town in these two states.

“This represents an exceptional chance to broaden the reach of our University of Michigan initiative, states Dr. Hashikawa. We are passionate about instructing pediatricians in other states on how to host Pop-up Safety Town, where we provide vital injury prevention education and free helmets to young children and families. With the support and expertise of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the University of Michigan Concussion Center, and the AAA Auto Club Foundation, we’re excited to extend our impact to preschoolers and elementary students beyond our state lines. Our goal is to instill lasting safety habits in children from an early age and empower families with the knowledge that can prevent injuries before they occur.”

The pilot program for the two new locations is slated to begin in Fall 2024 with events to be held in Spring 2025.

Dr. Steve Broglio, director of the U-M Concussion Center, and Dr. Allyssa Memmini (UMich PhD 2022), assistant professor of athletic training at the University of New Mexico have partnered with the University Health System (UHS) to craft a return to classroom protocol that will be available to all students on campus who have experienced a concussion. The procedure allows students to collaborate with their teachers and gradually rejoin academic activities, aiming to minimize the loss of academic progress and reduce the potential worsening of concussion symptoms.

“While much of the attention to date has been placed on student-athletes, the general student body is also sustaining concussions from daily activities and needs support getting back to the classroom,” said Broglio. “This new policy was based on Allyssa’s dissertation work and is a first-of-its-kind model for concussed college students. We were thrilled.”

Dr. David Millward, athletic medical director, and head team physician with UHS also weighed in on the importance of the protocol. “The partnership between UHS and the U-M Concussion Center has enhanced the concussion care for the students of the University of Michigan,” said Millward.

“This partnership has made it possible to bring the latest evidence-based, return-to-learn guidelines from research performed by Drs. Memmini and Broglio to the providers at UHS. By incorporating these guidelines into the concussion management performed by UHS providers, U-M students who have suffered a concussion have access to a higher level of care to help facilitate a full recovery and minimize the impact the injury has on their academic performance.”

The landscape of concussion management has evolved significantly in recent years, with groundbreaking research reshaping how we identify, treat, and prevent mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI). Dr. Steven Broglio, director of the U-M Concussion Center and a professor at the U-M School of Kinesiology, sheds light on some of the most critical updates during a recent Q&A session with Michigan News.

The National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) recently issued a revised statement on the management of sports-related concussions, marking a significant milestone in concussion care since their 2014 position statement. The new statement includes over 25 new and updated recommendations for concussion management.

One notable alteration among many, is the early use of light exercise to help the patient recover. This marks a dramatic shift from prior recommendations where all activity was restricted. The new, science-backed recommendation not only helps the athlete recover, but also accelerates their ability to do so. The authors also emphasized accounting for social and psychological factors, including mental health, in injury risk and management.

In the video clip below, Dr. Broglio discusses the future of concussion research as it relates to the DEI space and how cultural differences can also play a role in risk and recovery related to concussions.

To watch the full panel discussion hosted by NATA, which includes Dr. Broglio and other experts from across the nation, you can tune in here.

More coverage of this topic can be found through the following sources:

Members of the University of Michigan Concussion Center have taken a major step forward in supporting individuals impacted by traumatic brain injuries (TBI) by securing grant support from the Toyota Motor North America’s Way Forward Fund in collaboration with other institutions across the country. The grant is part of Toyota’s ongoing commitment to improving access to care and resources for children recovering from TBI.

Organizations selected for the grants this year had to meet key focus areas, including:

Improving healthcare access to underserved communities
Developing digital platforms to broaden TBI treatment information
Creating a nationwide dashboard monitoring standards of care and the impact of pediatric TBI.

Stemming from a technology prototype developed by the University of Michigan School of Information, the U-M Concussion Center has teamed up with the U-M Injury Prevention Center, National Association of State Head Injury Administrators (NASHIA), REAP®, Center on Brain Injury Research and Training (CBIRT), and the Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI), to take this project to the next level. Together, we aim to develop an innovative mobile application, the “Concussion Navigator,” to revolutionize concussion management through evidence-based educational resources, an interactive map that will guide patients to healthcare providers, and a symptom-tracking tool enabling users to monitor their concussion symptoms in real-time. The initial prototype focused on providing vital information and streamlining access to concussion care in communities throughout Michigan. Through partnerships with national organizations such as NASHIA, the vision is to distribute the technology from coast to coast.

“NASHIA is excited to partner with the University of Michigan to ensure that this important tool can scale nationally in a sustainable way,” said Rebeccah Wolfkiel, Executive Director of NASHIA.

Central to the app’s functionality is an interactive geo-map that differentiates our application from other concussion-care products on the market. It will help users find the concussion specialty clinics accepting the free concussion insurance provided by the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) based on the city or zip codes. In collaboration with the Michigan Athletic Trainers’ Society (MATS), the team will continue to expand and refine the clinic list, focusing on available resources in underserved communities across the state. This feature will help to ensure that all high school athletes in Michigan are aware that they have access to necessary concussion care and treatment.

“The Navigator app will put key resources in the hands of those who need it most – particularly those living in the more rural and under-resourced parts of the state,” said Dr. Steve Broglio, Director of the U-M Concussion Center. “We intend to not only provide educational content and resources for recovery, but also help patients, parents, and administrators locate healthcare providers across the state of Michigan.”

Two other U-M units, U-M Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R), were among the recipients of this year’s funds. Dr. Alex Rogers, a clinical professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine expressed excitement about the potential impact of their community paramedicine program led by Yale School of Medicine.

“Our concept is to use emergency medical services (EMS) to fill in local health infrastructure,” said Rogers. “There are several EMS groups that already run community paramedic programs, but they’re small, and the concept is still in its infancy.” Rogers goes on to mention that the goal of their funding is to extend the healthcare model into more people’s homes and reach underserved communities more effectively.

Another University of Michigan team, led by Dr. Alecia Daunter, Clinical Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Medical Director of Pediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation, aims to create a digital tool, “MiCare Assistant Platform”, that aids caregivers of children with TBI through organized sharing of health information, ultimately improving post-hospital rehab and recovery.

The projects funded by Toyota’s Way Forward Fund are anticipated to span a minimum of 18 months, with a long-term vision of national expansion. These collaborative projects reflect Toyota’s commitment to driving positive change in healthcare accessibility and treatment standards for patients with traumatic brain injuries.

“It started back in 8th grade when I attended a football camp at Bowie State University where I walked past an athletic training room and noticed someone wrapping an ankle at what seemed like warp speed.” These were the words of a young Darryl Conway as he had just gotten a glimpse into his future.

Conway Grew up in Beltsville, Maryland just outside of Washington D.C. with his mother and father who were both elementary school teachers. His mother taught first grade through third grade and his father was a physical education teacher and coach – both taught for over 35 years before retiring.

Conway attended the University of Delaware and graduated in 1993 before moving to complete his graduate studies at Adelphi University in Garden City, NY later in 1995. During his time as a student, he had the opportunity to work with the New York Jets for three summers as an athletic training student which eventually led to a full-time position out of college as an assistant athletic trainer.

Following his position with the Jets, he went back and worked for several Division 1 universities, serving in various positions, including Head Athletic Trainer / Director of Sports Medicine at Morgan State University, the University of Northern Iowa, & the University of Central Florida. Conway ended up at the University of Maryland in 2004 where he spent 9 years as the Assistant Athletic Director- Sports Medicine before ultimately making the move to the University of Michigan.

Conway has been with U-M for the past eleven years and currently serves as the Executive Senior Associate AD and Chief Health & Welfare Officer. He resides here with his wife, Dr. Sheena Long, DPT, PT, AT, ATC, who is also an athletic trainer and Director of Physical Therapy Clinical Education at Concordia University in Ann Arbor, and his daughter. Conway, also a dog person, shares his home with four rottweilers: Apollo, Titan, Loui, and Chase, all of whom he mentions have gentle and well-behaved personalities and whom he refers to as “his boys”.

Darryl knew he wanted to be an athletic trainer from a young age and was fueled early on by many different mentors who helped paint the picture of what athletic training was and offered him advice along the way. One notable mentor he shared as having a significant role in his success is Mark Wagner, an athletic trainer and friend of over 35 years. Wagner first hired Conway back in his junior year of high school during a summer camp and they’ve stayed connected ever since.

He mentioned that having mentors and building relationships along the way is important so that you never stop learning and have others to ask for advice from time to time. He mentioned that some of his favorite memories throughout his career have been building relationships with athletes and helping them get from low points in their careers back up to high-performing and happy with where they are. He places a high value on good communication and notes its importance for athletic trainers as a stand-out trait when it comes to being great at what you do.

“People want to know that you care about them in order for them to trust you to treat them,” said Conway. “There are many great clinicians out there, but not every great clinician is a great communicator.”

More recently, Conway was inducted into the 2024 National Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame. An award that has only been given to 411 athletic trainers in the history of the NATA. It’s reserved for those who exemplify the very best in the profession and to recognize the significant accomplishments of athletic trainers who have helped push the profession forward.

“It’s still kind of surreal that individuals within the profession consider me at that level,” said Conway. “I’m honored and humbled to receive the recognition.”

With March being National Athletic Training Month, this award comes at a time when building awareness for the profession is top-of-mind and so Conway wants people to know why it’s important to have an athletic trainer and how they can help student athletes. He wants parents to know that there are highly trained individuals who are able to take care of their kids when the situation calls for it.

Outside of athletic training and his current career, Conway is a chef in the kitchen and enjoys making dishes such as macaroni and cheese and smoking various types of meat like brisket and pulled pork – making note that he still needs to work on his ribs. When asked if he had other careers in mind at any point, he mentioned that he could’ve seen himself also going to culinary school and being happy with that path.

Beyond a very successful career and a love for the kitchen, Conway wants future students considering the field of athletic training to make sure they try a lot of different things because you can always learn something new. He also encourages students to make it a point to have fun in their career journey as that is a key to success and a happy life.