Representing the University of La Verne at the National Athletic Trainers’ Association annual meeting is nothing new for Dr. Megan Granquist.

Associate Professor in Movement and Sports Science, Granquist spoke for the fourth time at the 63rd annual NATA meeting and symposium on June 28. Granquist’s presentation, “Psychosocial Strategies and Referral: A Practical Guide,” focused on the, “…psychosocial aspects of injury, pain, rehabilitation and return-to-participation.”

“She’s highly respected in the athletic training world,” Valerie Herzog, a member of the NATA convention program committee said.

Herzog, who was in charge of coordinating speakers for the NATA event, contacted Granquist based on the referral of her colleague.

As one of four content experts with NATA, Granquist wants to help others in her field understand more about the psychology behind sports injuries.

“Hopefully I can educate athletic trainers, students and athletic training educators so they can have a positive impact on their practices, patients and students,” Granquist said.

As a certified athletic trainer and researcher, it is important for Granquist to focus on making the recovery and rehabilitation better for patients both pre and post injury. Granquist said the psychological side of sports injury is a needed field, which is what interests her.

“Dr. Granquist’s exemplary research and work in the psychology of rehabilitation has earned her a well-deserved national reputation in the field,” Professor of Movement and Sports Science Dr. Paul Alvarez said.

With her presentations and research, Granquist wants others to understand the difference between sports medicine and athletic training and also the importance of the psychology involved.

According to her presentation summary, ”…to ensure the best possible care for athletes, athletic trainers must be able to identify relevant psychosocial issues associated with athletic injury risk, integrate appropriate mental skills into athletes’ treatment/rehabilitation, and facilitate a mental health referral when necessary. “

In addition to Dr. Granquist, La Verne was represented at the meeting by Dr. Paul Alvarez, Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) Director; Josh Davis, Assistant Athletic Trainer; Keith Savage, Assistant Athletic Trainer; and Keith Candelaria, Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer.

Related Posts from the Archives:

1. Dr. Megan Granquist presents at Association for Applied Sport Psychology Annual Conference
2. Ms. Ariel Guldstrand Named Landis Leadership Scholar and Recipient of National Athletic Trainers Association Scholarship
3. Dr. Megan Granquist presents at the Association for Applied Sport Psychology
4. Dr. Alvarez Represents ULV at National Athletic Trainers' Association Conference
5. ULV Represented at Far West Athletic Trainers' Association Symposium