Sports Medicine, Athletic Training & Physical Therapy

Sports Medicine, Athletic Training & Physical Therapy

Athletic Training

Certified Athletic Trainers (ATCs) are healthcare professionals who specialize in the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions related to physical activity and sports.

Under the direction of Sarah Lyons, Stanford University is known for its excellence in various fields, including athletics and sports medicine. The Stanford athletic trainers are often regarded as industry leaders in the profession due to the university's commitment to providing top-notch sports medicine services and its involvement in cutting-edge research and practices. Some reasons why Stanford athletic trainers are considered industry leaders include:

Player
Coach
Sports Medicine

Sports Medicine

Our Mission:

To ensure the optimal health and performance of the Stanford student athlete through the continuous pursuit of new knowledge and application of best practices in the field of sports medicine.

Who We Are:

With a multidisciplinary team of 25 athletic trainers, 5 dedicated physical therapists, 4 sports psychologists and a group of industry setting team physicians, our mission is to prioritize the health, wellness, and safety of over 900 student athletes participating in 36 different sports.

What We Do:

Under the direction of Dr. Geoff Abrams MD, Director of Sports medicine and Orthopedics, Our program excels in comprehensive care through collaborative efforts among Team Physicians, Athletic Trainers, and Physical Therapists, offering advanced diagnosis, treatment, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance analysis, leveraging state-of-the-art technology and interdisciplinary expertise to promote athlete well-being and success.

Weight Room

Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy services are a vital component of the multidisciplinary approach of the Stanford Sports Medicine Team, led by Tamara Moreno, Director of Physical Therapy. Our highly skilled physical therapists, who are experts in human movement, utilize biomechanical assessments, neuromuscular retraining, manual therapies, and advanced therapeutic technology to optimize movement and restore Stanford student-athletes to their peak performance. With a team of five specialized physical therapists, we provide care to the university's 900 varsity student-athletes across 36 athletic programs, collaborating closely with team physicians to facilitate the safe return of athletes to their sports.

Comprehensive Medical Care

Comprehensive Medical Care

Includes: Injury Prevention, Injury Assessment and Diagnosis Immediate Care, Rehabilitation, Exercise Prescription, Modalities, Bracing and Taping, Nutrition and Hydration, Return to Play Decision-Making Athlete Education, Collaborative Care and Emergency Management

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Education and Training

Education and Training

Stanford's athletic trainers typically have advanced degrees and extensive training in sports medicine, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and other related areas. This high level of education and training contributes to their expertise.

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Research and Innovation

Research and Innovation

Stanford University is a hub for research and innovation across various disciplines. Athletic trainers at Stanford often engage in research projects and collaborate with other experts to advance the field of sports medicine. Their access to resources and partnerships can lead to the development of new techniques and treatments.

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State-of-the-Art Facilities

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Stanford's commitment to athletic excellence is reflected in its state-of-the-art facilities, which include sports medicine clinics, rehabilitation centers, and training facilities. These facilities enable athletic trainers to provide top-quality care to athletes.

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Multidisciplinary Approach

Multidisciplinary Approach

Stanford's athletic trainers work closely with physicians, physical therapists, nutritionists, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to athletes. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that athletes receive holistic treatment.

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High-Performing Athletes

High-Performing Athletes

Stanford University has a strong athletic program with high-performing athletes in various sports. The experience of working with elite athletes allows the athletic trainers to refine their skills and techniques.

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Recognition and Awards

Recognition and Awards

If Stanford's athletic trainers have received awards, recognition, or leadership positions within professional organizations related to athletic training or sports medicine, it further enhances their reputation as industry leaders.

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Networking and Collaboration

Networking and Collaboration

Stanford's athletic trainers have opportunities to network and collaborate with other industry leaders, both within and outside the university. This exchange of ideas and experiences contributes to their professional growth and expertise.

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Learn about our education programs

The Clinical Affiliate Rotation offers entry-level Masters’ Athletic Training students a valuable opportunity to expand their clinical knowledge and skills in one of the nation's most diverse medical communities.

Key highlights:

  • Multidisciplinary Approach: Our primary objective is to expose developing athletic trainers to unique clinical experiences and foster an understanding of a multidisciplinary healthcare approach.
  • Hands-On Experience: Students work closely with Stanford Sports Medicine professionals in the day-to-day management of athletic injuries, healthcare provision, and practice/event coverage as they are assigned to specific athletic teams.
  • Tailored Rotations: We customize clinical rotations to align with students' desired experiences, encouraging applicants from fields like athletic therapy, physiotherapy, and related areas.
  • Expert Collaboration: Students have the opportunity to collaborate with physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and sports scientists, offering a truly multidisciplinary experience.
  • Year-Round Availability: Rotations are available in the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms, subject to approval by the Director of Athletic Training.

For further details or to establish a clinical relationship, please contact Molly Sicard (msicard@stanford.edu)  if you're interested in joining the Clinical Affiliate Rotation at Stanford Sports Medicine, please complete our survey, and we will be in touch with you and your program director.

The International Clinical Affiliate Rotation provides valuable opportunities for entry-level Athletic Training students from around the world to enhance their clinical knowledge and skills within one of the nation's most diverse medical communities.

Key highlights:

  • Multidisciplinary Approach: Our primary goal is to expose aspiring athletic trainers to unique clinical experiences and cultivate an understanding of a multidisciplinary healthcare approach.
  • Hands-On Experience: Students actively participate in the day-to-day management of athletic injuries, healthcare provision, and practice/event coverage while working closely with Stanford Sports Medicine professionals, assigned to specific athletic teams.
  • Customized Rotations: We tailor clinical rotations to match students' desired experiences, welcoming applicants from fields like athletic therapy, physiotherapy, and related areas.
  • Expert Collaboration: Students have the opportunity to collaborate with renowned physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and sports scientists, providing a genuinely multidisciplinary experience.
  • Year-Round Availability: Rotations are accessible during the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms, contingent upon approval by the Director of Athletic Training.

For additional information or to establish a clinical relationship, please contact Austyn Nealer (anealer@stanford.edu).

MEET THE TEAM

Research

Student-Athlete Research Oversight Committee (SaROC)

We are here to protect the interests of Stanford student athletes in research!

Our mission is to guide and support the conduct of high quality research with Stanford student athletes, while ensuring their welfare as research participants. SaROC will accomplish this mission by evaluating all ongoing and proposed research involving student athletes at Stanford University for feasibility and achievement of objectives.

For more information please contact us at  stanford_saroc@stanford.edu  

Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance

The Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance at Stanford is a university-wide research initiative that leverages Stanford’s exceptional research, outstanding athletics, and innovative spirit. We are creating a community that draws on diverse efforts across campus to uncover the fundamental principles of peak performance. Through our programs, we are developing the knowledge, the people, and the tools to make optimal health more accessible to all. 

More Information

Contact Us

Arrillaga Stanford Sports Medicine/Athletic Training

Phillip & Penelope Knight Athletic Training Center 641 E. Campus Drive Stanford, CA 94305 Opens in a new window

Email

su_sportsmedat@stanford.edu Opens in a new window

Lacob Family Sports Medicine Clinic

341 Galvez Street Stanford, CA 94305 Opens in a new window

Phone

(650) 725-8202