Lynette Carlson, DHS, ATC is the founder of Sports Medicine Solutions, a business that contracts with teams to provide Athletic Trainer services. In addition, Carlson is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and the Education and Research Assistant at Hospice of Chattanooga. She has been a Certified Athletic Trainer (AT) since 2000.

Describe your setting:

My setting is quite unique in that I practice in a variety of employment settings. With Sports Medicine Solutions, I contract with teams in the area that otherwise would not have medical care. I am currently practicing with a roller derby team, a gymnastics club and a small high school. I also use my Active Release Techniques certification to treat patients.

I teach part-time at UTC. I have online and face-to-face undergraduate courses in the Health and Human Performance Department.

As the Education and Research Assistant at Hospice of Chattanooga, I coordinate continuing medical education (CME) activities and coordinate clinical rotations for medical and nursing students.

Describe your typical day:

My schedule is different day-to-day. An average my day may begin with orienting and introducing the new medical students to Hospice of Chattanooga. I also meet with the Program Directors at Hospice of Chattanooga to ensure schedules for the students are accurate.

Sometimes, I have meetings with the education committee about our upcoming CME event. Then, I may run to the clinic and treat a few patients or cover a roller derby bout or basketball game. This semester my UTC classes are online, so I finish my day by grading assignments or interacting with discussion boards.

What do you like about your position?

I love the flexibility and unpredictability! I'm always doing something different, and I work best under those circumstances. I also have control of my schedule, so it's on my shoulders to be efficient and effective.

What is your greatest achievement as an Athletic Trainer?

In 2014, I earned the BOC Lindsy McLean Doctoral Scholarship. That was such an honor to win, but the best part was meeting Mr. McLean! He reminded me that our work is never done. Even in retirement, we can continue being an advocate for the profession. We can and should continue to be an active member of our community and mentor.

What advice do you have about your practice setting for a young AT looking at this setting?

Learn how to motivate yourself. Be organized. Learn your strengths and weaknesses. Always learn new skills; you never know when they'll come in handy. Gather mentors to show you the way. Finally, create a vast professional network and foster those relationships.



