We congratulate our colleague, Michael Essa, DPT, MA, ATC, LAT, SCS, OCS, Duke Sports Medicine Wake County Outreach Coordinator, for being selected as one of the 2025 recipients of the prestigious North Carolina Athletic Training Association Presidential Award.
This recognition is a testament to Mike's unwavering dedication to the athletic training community and his exemplary efforts in fostering relationships through our local outreach programs. His leadership has provided exceptional care for high school, youth, and club-level sports across the Triangle area.
Reflecting on this honor, Essa said, "This weekend, the North Carolina Athletic Training Association honored me as a Presidential Award winner. I’m deeply flattered and humbled by this recognition. It reminds me of my incredible experiences working alongside talented Certified Athletic Trainers and sports medicine colleagues, both at Duke Sports Medicine and in the community. Though I received the award, it is important to acknowledge Duke Sports Medicine for equipping me with the resources to serve our community partners. It truly takes a collaborative team of administrators, physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and PRMO staff members to make this program successful. This award celebrates the collective efforts of Duke Sports Medicine staff who make this program outstanding.”
The Presidential Award recognizes individuals, businesses, medical practices, and organizations that go above and beyond in supporting healthcare services for athletic trainers and the athletic training community. Essa's contributions exemplify this spirit, and we couldn’t be prouder of his achievement.