At Baylor Medicine, Athletic Trainers (ATs) are licensed healthcare professionals who play a critical role in the prevention, assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, reconditioning and general medical management of sports-related injuries and conditions for any active individual.
Unlike personal trainers, who focus on fitness and exercise programming, Athletic Trainers work within the healthcare system under the direction of physicians and in collaboration with orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, physical therapists, and other allied health professionals to ensure the overall wellness of active individuals and teams.
ATs at Baylor Medicine extend the reach of our sports medicine program, delivering clinical expertise in both medical and athletic settings across the Houston region.
Clinical and Medical Expertise
All Baylor Medicine Athletic Trainers:
- Licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
- Maintains national certification through the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC)
- Has completed extensive clinically trained in emergency care, orthopedic evaluation, rehabilitation, and concussion management
- Educated through CAATE-accredited professional programs (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education)
- Participates in ongoing continuing education to stay current with the latest research and technologies in sports medicine
Their education and training prepare them to:
- Perform on-field injury triage and emergency management
- Conduct clinical assessments of musculoskeletal injuries
- Design and implement therapeutic rehabilitation, reconditioning, and return-to-sport programs
- Develop injury prevention and performance optimization protocols
- Guide return-to-play and return-to-activity decisions in collaboration with physicians
Baylor’s Collaborative Model of Care
At Baylor Medicine, Athletic Trainers are fully integrated into our clinical and academic environment, working side by side with:
- Sports Medicine Physicians
- Orthopedic Surgeons
- Physical Therapists
- Primary Care Providers
- Researchers and Educators
- Other Allied Healthcare Providers
This integrated model ensures that every patient receives coordinated, evidence-based care backed by Baylor’s medical expertise.
Athletic Trainers are often there for athletes and active individuals, providing immediate evaluation, communication with physicians, and ongoing care coordination. This continuum improves patient safety, outcomes, and long-term wellness.
Here at Baylor Medicine, we have integrated ATs into our clinical practice alongside our physicians to aid in providing seamless care to our patients. Whether assisting you in therapy referrals, aiding in post-op recovery, answering medical questions or providing direct patient care, our ATs are dedicated to helping everyone achieve their activity goals.
How Patients and Athletes Benefit from Working with an AT
Athletic trainers don’t just respond to injuries; they prevent them, manage them, and guide recovery every step of the way.
For individual athletes and active adults:
- Personalized prevention plans to avoid overuse and impact injuries
- Rehabilitation guidance tailored to your sport, body, and goals
- Real-time feedback during training or therapy sessions
- Education on proper biomechanics, hydration, and recovery
- Faster, safer return-to-play timelines under medical supervision
Whether you’re a high school athlete, a weekend runner, or part of a professional team, your athletic trainer is your daily connection to high-quality sports medicine care and your advocate for lifelong health and performance.
How Schools and Organizations Benefit from Athletic Trainers
When an athletic trainer is embedded in a school or athletic program, the benefits extend far beyond injury treatment, they create a safer, healthier environment for every athlete.
Benefits for Schools & Sports Programs:
- Immediate on-field medical expertise: Rapid response to injuries and emergencies during practices and games
- Injury prevention programs: Screening and conditioning programs that reduce common injuries like ACL tears and concussions
- Concussion management: Baseline testing, sideline evaluation, and safe return-to-play decisions
- Coordination of care: ATs serve as the communication bridge between physicians, parents, coaches, and therapists
- Data-driven performance tracking: Use of movement analysis and injury data to enhance training and safety protocols
- Community confidence: Parents and athletes gain peace of mind knowing a licensed medical professional is on site
Schools that partner with Baylor College of Medicine’s Athletic Training Outreach Program gain direct access to the same level of care trusted by professional athletes and collegiate programs without leaving their campus.
The Baylor Advantage: Athletic Trainers with a Medical Mission
Baylor Medicine’s athletic trainers combine clinical expertise with a mission-driven approach that reflects the institution’s legacy of medical excellence and community engagement.
From Houston-area schools and universities to community sports programs and professional teams, our ATs extend Baylor’s sports medicine expertise beyond the clinic keeping athletes healthy, confident, and competition-ready.
Meet the Team
