For the 7th and final feature of our “Non-Traditional AT” Series, we are excited to introduce Adam Halpern of InnovateAT! Read all about Adam’s journey below and how a variety of experiences led him to niche down and advocate for innovation in the athletic training profession.
Q: What personal experiences or life events sparked your unique practice or role in athletic training? What professional experiences led you to this place?
A: Life, in general, has always allowed me to look at situations and opportunities a little bit differently.
I’ve been very fortunate to experience a variety of athletic training settings and professional job responsibilities. My traditional AT path landed positions with Stanford University as a grad assistant, then the US Ski Team. Both positions developed my unique perspective on the industry and what opportunities exist in other areas. After transitioning from the traditional setting, I’ve been in a variety of ancillary healthcare jobs that fostered my unique perspective on opportunities for ATs and where we fit in the healthcare landscape.
I owned a professional fitness and athletics company. I worked for Kinesio and did high-level business development, which led to opportunities with the London Olympics, USGA US Open and US Track and Field Olympic Trials. I was the Area Director for the Dental Cooperative which collectivizes independent dentists to create economies of scale so the independent dentist can compete with corporate dentistry. This is when I realized AT needs this model for the individual AT to make a difference for themselves and their personal desire to make an impact on health care outside the traditional setting. I’m now the Treasurer for RMATA/D7 and I bring a unique business perspective to the profession that has been welcomed with open arms.
What I’ve learned most through my professional journey is that I’m very clear on who I am, why I have this unique perspective, what I plan on doing with my talents and how it will impact the profession. Innovate AT brings business to athletic training and empowers the individual AT with tools and resources to help them reach professional goals.
Q: What space do you currently fill in the AT profession?
A: I like to say I’m working at the 30,000 ft level which impacts the ATs in the trenches. I’m focusing on the business component as the Treasurer for RMATA/D7 and working on a personal business which empowers the individual AT.
Q: What is your WHY? What keeps you going when things get hard?
A: To deliver my unique skill set for positive impact. To not settle and know that this is what I’m truly here to do. I think if I don’t do it then no one will.
Q: What piece of advice would you give to prospective ATs looking to influence or evolve the AT profession?
A: Don’t fight the battle alone. Work with others trying to do the same thing and a larger voice will have a greater impact. I always say “I’d rather have a piece of something than 100% of 0.”
Q: Has your view on the AT industry evolved since pursuing a non-traditional avenue? If so, how?
A: Of course. I feel our profession has created great service providers who get in line to get the job done. I don’t think it’s created innovative individuals to be successful. I hear ATs all the time have concerns or complaints regarding the NATA and profession not doing enough to make them successful. I always switch the focus on to the individual because it’s up to “US” to make a difference in our own life.
Q: What gave you the confidence to go against the grain and take an innovative approach to serving the AT profession?
A: Nothing other than it’s just who I am. I started with the “Fit” attitude, I’d rather try and get a “no” than never try at all. With that said, once I started to get validation on my ideas and support from like-minded ATs I realized I was on to something and needed to continue not just for my benefit but to support all the others who don’t know where to start.
Q: If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
A: I wouldn’t do anything differently because everything has been a chapter in the story that is always being rewritten. However, what I learned along the way was the difference between theoretical and credibility. Since I’m not practicing clinically anymore it’s hard to comprehend my visions so they become theoretical and hard to understand in a real, daily setting.
Rapid Fire:
Q: What are 1-3 books that have greatly influenced your personal and/or professional life?
A: I take small bits from a lot of books I listen to. It’s hard to read with two kids under 5 🙂
Q: What is one the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve made that has positively impacted your life?
A: Creating a very strong and supportive marriage with a lot of love and support for our kids. A strong family takes the cake!
Q: What is one habit or behavior that has most improved your life?
A: Being authentic
Q: Favorite App to help keep you organized?
A: Pen and paper
Q: Favorite quote to keep you motivated?
A: “Short-term struggles for long-term freedom.”
Q: Favorite activity to spark creativity and ideas?
A: Driving
If you would like to get in touch with Adam, you can contact him at [email protected]
