Diane Sartanowicz, MS, ATC, LAT - Athletic Trainers of Massachusetts

AT H L E T I C T R A I N E R S O F M A S S A C H U S E T T S
SPOTLIGHT
Diane Sartanowicz, MS, ATC, LAT
Education
University of Rhode Island
Indiana State University
Workplace The Fesseden School
West Newton, MA
Why did you want to become an Athletic Trainer?
In high school I always loved my first aid and
CPR classes as well as Anatomy and Physiology
and playing sports. As I started looking into
colleges, it made perfect sense to combine the
things I loved and came up with Sports Medicine.
What do you enjoy most about the profession?
Teaching others! You never stop educating your
student-athletes about their injury and how to
get better.
Give one word that describes athletic trainers.
Caring
Who have been your role models in the
healthcare profession?
First and foremost were my parents who were
both teachers and educators. Throughout my
career, I have been fortunate enough to work with
the most amazing Athletic Trainers. Charlie
Thompson was the Head A.T. at URI when I was
a student and I had the privilege of working with
him on the EATA Executive Board.
What advice would you give to students interested
in the Athletic Training Profession?
I had the good fortune to work as an accredited
clinical instructor with Northeastern University's
Athletic Training Education Program and now I am
a preceptor with Bridgewater State University. It is
one of my favorite parts of my job. I enjoy the
interaction I have with our young professionals. I
have always told my students to pursue their dreams.
They have the passion and ability to work in any of
the settings of our profession.
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Where do you see our profession in the future?
I am a firm believer in what NATA President Jim
Thornton says, "It IS a great day to be an Athletic
Trainer." The future of the profession is brighter
than ever. We are in the spotlight of concussion
education, heat acclimatization and sudden cardiac
death. Our members are leading the way on task
forces and committees helping to write position
statements on these important subjects. More than
ever the public knows who we are and what we do.
We are no longer just their to tape ankles and make
ice bags. We are recognized as health care
providers for ALL active individuals. The skill sets
we possess are in demand and are valued by all of
our patients. Our legislative efforts at the national
level is gaining momentum and is a positive spot in
our profession
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What is the most valuable lesson that you have
learned as an athletic trainer?
Becoming a role model for your students. You
get there by being a good listener, a communicator
and a leader.
What is the next step for you personally in the
profession?
I have had the good fortune of volunteering and
giving back to the profession in so many ways. I
was President of ATOM, President of EATA and
now I am the D1 Treasurer. They have all been
challenging both personally and professionally.
Who knows what the next step for me would be,
but I do know I will always support the profession
like volunteering for the Boston Marathon and Bay
State Games each and every year.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working
as an Athletic Trainer?
Spending time with family and friends.
Staying active; swimming, biking, running.