In this episode, Eli Hallak sits down with Bryan Reich of WorkCare, Inc., for a wide ranging conversation on the evolving role of Athletic Trainers in industrial and occupational health settings. Together, they discuss prevention and ergonomics, the rapid growth and scalability of industrial medical programs, and the importance of documentation in demonstrating value. They also reflect on shared professional experiences, the role of manual therapy, lifelong learning, and the responsibility of being present for your team within a true community of practice.

WorkCare, Inc.

Eli Hallak meets with Darryl Conway and Ed Strapp of Sports Medicine Emergency Management, LLC to discuss preparedness, decision making, and professional confidence in high-pressure environments. Drawing on their experience in sports medicine and emergency response, the conversation explores what competence really looks like when conditions are unpredictable and outcomes matter. Their discussion highlights how professionals develop confidence through experience, adaptability, and sound decision making under pressure.

Sports Medicine Emergency Management

Eli Hallak welcomes Dr. Elizabeth Dahlmann and Dr. Kimberly White of ProTeam Tactical Performance for an honest conversation about medical coverage for first responders and tactical athletes. Together, they emphasize the critical role of multidisciplinary care and strong organizational leadership, advocate for pursuing doctoral education, and reflect on the pride and responsibility that comes with serving the men and women who serve all of us in what has too often become a thankless profession.

ProTeam Tactical Performance

Eli Hallak sits down with longtime friend and colleague Dr. Ellen Payne of Moravian University to discuss the importance of high quality medical education in athletic training. Together, they reflect on preparing students for real world clinical demands, the value of broad professional experiences, and how Dr. Payne’s work across settings like the Special Olympics, US Paralympic Ski Team, ski patrol, and higher education helps future clinicians see the bigger picture of patient care, adaptability, and professional responsibility.

Moravian University

Eli welcomes Colin Perry, founder and CEO of Perry Weather, to trace the journey from a simple idea to a professional-grade weather monitoring system trusted in safety-critical environments. Colin shares how Perry Weather evolved into a platform featuring on-site stations, real-time alerts, and highly accurate forecasts designed to protect people and operations when conditions matter most. The conversation also explores the company’s commitment to community safety, its efforts to give back to the NATA community, and how strategic partnerships are rapidly expanding Perry Weather’s technology into industrial and professional settings.

Perry Weather

This week, Eli Hallak speaks with Breana Cutler, of the Weber State Spirit Squad, about the unique demands of caring for Performance Athletes in Cheer, Dance, and Spirit Teams. Breana shares how she had to relearn prehab, rehab, and daily care due to the athletes’ specialized skills, high pain tolerance, and exceptional mental toughness. They break down the distinct roles within teams and discuss the long-overdue recognition that these athletes are finally receiving, along with the mental toll of constant performance and the support resources available. Breana also offers insight into what it takes to become an ATC in the performance-athlete space.

Weber State Spirit Squad

In this episode, Eli Hallak talks with Dr. Vanessa Shannon, Ph.D., Sport Psychology, about creating better experiences for athletes during challenging moments. They discuss how the pandemic spotlighted the need for mental health and mental performance in sport, the global impact of the “twisties” and the “yips” in reducing stigma, and the ongoing question of whether the goal is helping athletes feel better or get better. They also highlight the essential role teams play in supporting athlete wellness and performance.

Optimize Consulting

Eli Hallak welcomes Dr. Christopher Schmidt, PhD, ATC, Director of Faculty Development & Support, and ATu Education Lead at ATu.health, to discuss his professional journey and the evolving landscape of athletic training education. Dr. Schmidt shares how his path led him to his current role and offers insight into the state-of-the-art education technology powering ATu. The conversation explores strategies to enhance student engagement, the integration of modern tools in teaching, and how educators and students alike can leverage technology to elevate learning and professional growth.

ATu.health

Clinical Pattern: Health Science and Education Redefined