In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15, NATA Now is highlighting some of our leaders at the state, district and national levels as they shed light on their volunteer journeys.
When Candice Dunkin, MS, LAT, ATC, accompanied her mom to her physical therapy appointments, she was inspired by the care she received.
“Her physical therapist learned that there was a sports medicine class offered at my high school and challenged me to take the class,” Dunkin said. “I applied for the class and really enjoyed it.”
Several Cramer camps later, Dunkin said she learned more about the athletic training profession and knew she wanted to make it a part of her future.
Today, Dunkin’s athletic training career has propelled her to serve the profession in the health care administration setting and with NATA. Not only is she the director of sports medicine at Parkview Health, she also advocates for her peers as member of the NATA AT Compensation Task Force.
Below, Dunkin discusses her leadership evolution and values.
What was your first volunteer position within the athletic training profession and why did you get involved?
My first volunteer position at the state, district or national level was as a Great Lakes Athletic Trainers’ Association meeting planner in 2009. I had no idea what I signed up for but learned so much and made great professional connections during that service. It was a large task, but I was at a time in my life when I knew I could take on a new challenge and rally a group of other volunteers to host a successful district meeting. It wouldn’t have been a success without the support of other volunteers whose ideas and opinions were brought to the table.
Tell us about your current position as an NATA AT Compensation Task Force member and what you hope to accomplish in this role.
In my role as a member of the NATA AT Compensation Task Force, I am working to equip other athletic trainers with tools to advocate for their positions. My primary focus is on the secondary school setting, and I know there are many employers when it comes to hiring an athletic trainer in that role. My goal is for every athletic trainer in the secondary school setting, regardless of employer or size of school, to feel like they have the tools to advocate for their position to create a sustainable professional career for themselves.
Why is representation in leadership important and how does it impact the profession?
For me, representation in leadership is important because it allows professionals to come together for the greater good of the profession, patients and communities we serve. Having different experiences and being open to hearing about those differing ideas affords me the ability to experience new opportunities as they are presented.
How has volunteering helped you grow personally and professionally?
Volunteering allows me to give back to a profession that has gotten me to where I am today. I wouldn’t be the leader that I am without the interactions with coaches, players, parents and other professionals early in my career. Volunteering has allowed me to get out of my comfort zone, meet some amazing colleagues from near and far and learn from others as they, hopefully, have learned from me.
What’s your fondest memory of serving so far?
My fondest memory of serving to date has been the relationships I’ve formed with ATs from around the country whom I never would have known otherwise. I joined the NATA Secondary School Athletic Trainers’ Committee during the COVID-19 pandemic and quickly had a group of colleagues with whom I was able to navigate a new normal and share ideas and questions. I have friendships now from people I’ve met from my volunteer work within our profession whom I truly treasure.
What advice do you have for other athletic trainers who want to give back to the profession?
Do something. There are always opportunities to get involved, ask your professional colleagues, check with your state or district leaders, or contact NATA. Moderating at a professional conference is a great way to get involved. The one thing I would caution is to not overextend yourself. Understanding what the commitment will be before going into a volunteer role is essential for your success. Start off small and grow into a volunteer role where you are comfortable. Not all roles are right for everyone, but find one that fits you and your availability – you won’t regret it!
