HOUSTON, TX--(Marketwire - March 25, 2013) - The Athletic Trainers (AT) of the Methodist Center for Sports Medicine at Willowbrook kick off National Athletic Trainer Month by educating students and parents on the signs of a concussion and the importance of ImPACT Baseline Concussion testing for athletes -- conducting baseline testing on school campuses.

Providing athletic training services to organized sports clubs and area schools, the group of certified athletic trainers brings nearly 100 years of combined experience in athletic training to Methodist Willowbrook -- providing a broad range of services in the overall healthcare of athletes and the everyday active.

"We spend a lot of our time educating coaches, players and parents on proper training, how to assess an injury and deciding when it's okay to return to play.We also serve as liaisons within the community -- connecting needs, providing consult and serving as 'physician facilitators,'" said Mike Pace, ATC, LAT.

The Methodist athletic trainers work closely with the board certified primary care sports medicine team, the orthopedic and sports medicine specialists and the rehabilitation therapists to launch high school sports physicals, weekend injury clinics, and educational seminars throughout the year.

"The athletic trainers are integral in providing a safe environment for athletic competition, working as first responders and coordinating care in emergency situations and rehabilitating injured athletes. They wear a lot of hats, work long hours, are extremely dedicated -- and an essential part of my orthopedic practice," said Dr. John Seaberg, orthopedic sports medicine specialist.

Pace, who retired as Head Athletic Trainer for Spring ISD and currently serves on the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Sports Medicine Committee, is part of the group's outreach effort -- which also includes traveling with sports teams to provide care on the road.

The Methodist Willowbrook athletic trainers also include Keith Jahn, LAT, Paula Douglas, LAT, and Dwight Adsit ATC, LAT.Each athletic trainer is members of the National Athletic Trainers Association, the Southwest Athletic Trainers Association, the Texas State Athletic trainers Association and the Greater Houston Athletic Trainers Association.

They also have extensive experience in the secondary school setting, elite and national club youth teams and Olympic and international event coverage.

"The athletic trainers are an incredible asset and more valuable to us than most people realize.They are ambassadors for our group and my practice -- providing a high level of service to the athletes and schools in our community, which reflects well on the hospital and our group overall," said Dr. Bruce Moseley, orthopedic sports medicine specialist at the Methodist Center for Sports Medicine.

"They help refer injured or ailing athletes and provide us with valuable insight into the athletic community through their outreach efforts and community relationships," added Dr. Moseley, who has served as the team physician for the Houston Rockets, the Houston Comets, and the U.S. Men's and Women's Olympic Basketball "Dream Teams."

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The Methodist Center for Sports Medicine Athletic Trainers Kick Off National Athletic Trainer Month With ImPACT ...