The 2025 Annual Conference of the Athletic Trainers in the Physician Practice Society (ATPPS) occurred from February 20 to 22 in Louisville, Kentucky. It brought together professionals committed to advancing the role of athletic trainers in physician practices. This year’s event was particularly significant, as it introduced awards recognizing exceptional contributions in the field—an exciting new development for the conference.
Duke Orthopaedics had a strong presence at the conference, with several team members in attendance, including Linnette Serrano, Manager of Clinical Operations; Erica Kelly, MAT, LAT, ATC, Director of the Athletic Training Residency Program; Ben Morgan, Program Coordinator for the Arringdon Total Joint Division; Emily Schneider, MS, LAT, ATC, Athletic Trainer and Core Member of the Athletic Training Residency; Kaylee Hogard, MBA, LAT, ATC, Athletic Trainer and Core Member of the Athletic Training Residency; Jacob Webster, LAT, ATC, Health Center Administrator for NCOC; and Paul Bruning, Division Administrator of Duke Orthopaedic Surgery.
Their participation highlighted the department’s ongoing commitment to leading in orthopaedic care and professional development.
Erica Kelly, MAT, LAT, ATC, was honored to serve as Chair of the Annual Conference Committee for ATPPS, stepping into the role unexpectedly.
“I was asked to take over late this year after the previous chair could not continue,” Kelly explained. “They decided to introduce awards this year, which was a new addition to the conference.”
Adding awards brought an essential layer of recognition to the event, honoring individuals for their significant contributions to the athletic training profession in the physician practice setting.
For Kelly, the recognition was meaningful. “It was wonderful to be acknowledged for my hard work,” she reflected. The award emphasized her efforts and the shared dedication of everyone working to enhance and advance the athletic training profession.
Duke Orthopaedics professionals' participation in the 2025 ATPPS conference highlights their dedication to enhancing the role of athletic trainers in clinical settings. This year's introduction of awards marks an exciting milestone, emphasizing the importance of recognizing individuals who make meaningful contributions to patient care and the advancement of the field.
As the ATPPS continues to evolve, the future looks bright for athletic trainers, with the Duke Orthopaedics team playing a key role in shaping its growth and success.