In early March, Merrimack’s M.S. in Athletic Training program hosted a panel discussion featuring four alumni and a current athletic trainer at Merrimack to celebrate National Athletic Training Month. The event was moderated by Leah Poloskey, Ph.D., Associate Clinical Professor, and attended by MSAT faculty members Birgid Hopkins, Program Director; Scott Braid, Assistant Clinical Professor; and Deanna Pomfret, Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs. This annual panel event provided those in attendance with valuable insights into postgraduate experiences and what to expect when transitioning into professional roles. The panelists also spoke on how to gain confidence in the profession, learn from their mistakes, connect with their preceptors, and succeed in the graduate program. Audience members were encouraged to ask questions and share their own experiences in the program.
With the guidance of Dr. Poloskey, the panelists introduced themselves and shared their professional roles in athletic training. They discussed how they secured their positions and what led them to Merrimack’s M.S. in Athletic Training program. Collectively, they highlighted the Merrimack community and opportunities within the athletic department as key factors in their decision to enroll and their ongoing success in the field.
The panelists shared a common desire to help athletes, a love for science, and a passion for a career where, as they described it, “the field is their office”.
Erin Burke ‘21, an Athletic Trainer at Merrimack College, reflected on her career path: “I had a moment where [I knew] I was exactly where I was supposed to be. I like hanging out with the athletes and [how] no two days are the same.”
Dalene Gomes ‘21, an Athletic Trainer at Boston College, highlighted Merrimack’s strong professional network and the opportunities it offers after graduation. She was connected with Boston College through her clinical rotations and self advocacy efforts, saying, “the relationships that Merrimack has with competitive clinical sites [end] up putting you in the most optimal position to advocate for yourself.”
As the discussion progressed, the panelists spoke about building confidence in their roles and growing as professionals. Caitlin Victor ‘25, an Athletic Trainer for Cape Cod Baseball League and Rivier University, led the conversation, saying, “your confidence as a student and your confidence as a [professional] are very different, but each day you work through it. I feel like my confidence is better and it’s bigger.”
Dalene Gomes also emphasized the importance of gaining confidence during clinical rotations and taking those experiences seriously, as they help build a personalized foundation. She said, “the experience will be exactly what you make of it. Make your own relationships and make your own connections.”
Panelists also highlighted the importance of professional collaboration, noting that no two situations or treatment plans are ever the same. They spoke about the support from instructors and peers as essential to being a successful athletic trainer and truly learning. Elvin Cheung ‘21, a combat medic, said “I learn new [things] everyday. You will always learn new ways to help people –it’s an ever evolving field and [you] have to absorb everything you physically can without overwhelming yourself.”
Caitlin Victor added, “you want to make sure you are doing right by your athlete so you have to put yourself out there… because there are truly no dumb questions.”
Current students in attendance also shared their experiences in the program, offering insights into what to expect from professors, both in class and during clinicals. They reflected on their commitment to the program and what it takes to be a successful graduate student. Many of the student experiences were mirrored in the professional experiences of the panelists.
As the event concluded, students were given the chance to personally connect with attending faculty and alumni, and were reminded of the foundation they have at Merrimack. They were encouraged to take advantage of available resources and lean into their network, beginning with their professors, supervisors and peers. The panel discussion gave attendees a firsthand look into life after graduation, and allowed the Merrimack community to celebrate the achievements of recent M.S. in Athletic Training graduates and Merrimack’s own Athletic Training professionals.
