California Institute of Technology

Caltech Sports Medicine Staff promotes and protects the well-being of every Caltech student-athlete by providing patient-centered, movement-minded healthcare services founded in evidence-based practice. In collaboration with coaches, patients, and department personnel, we provide thoughtful, compassionate care, always respecting the rights, welfare, and dignity of others.

It is the mission of the Caltech Sports Medicine Department to provide patients with the best healthcare services possible, and to advocate for the patient while empowering them to make the best decisions for their overall well-being. The Caltech Sports Medicine Department is comprised of three Certified Athletic Trainers (ATs) that serve as the primary point of contact for all healthcare resources. Healthcare services provided can be divided into five areas: 

1. Prevention of athletic injuries and illnesses
2. Emergency and acute care of injuries and illnesses
3. Recognition, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and referral when necessary, of athlete injuries and illnesses
4. Wholistic health and wellness education

In addition to the medical services provided for all students through the institution, Caltech Sports Medicine staff consists of three full-time certified athletic trainers (AT) that work collaboratively with student-athletes, coaches, athletics department staff, Caltech Student Wellness Services, and community healthcare providers in order to provide the best possible care to Caltech student-athletes. When necessary, other certified athletic trainers are contracted with the athletic department to help provide services to Caltech athletics participants. All parties (students, coaches, Sports Medicine staff) are responsible for frequent and timely communication to ensure the best possible care for any injury/illness during the student-athlete's participation in Caltech Athletics.

ACCESS TO SERVICES
The Athletic Training Clinic is located in the Braun Athletic Center. An athletic trainer is available during all scheduled, in-season team practices and competitions. During the academic year, the clinic is generally open from 11am-6pm, Monday-Thursday, and 2pm-6pm Friday. Saturday and Sunday service availability are contingent on practice and competition schedules; appointments are recommended. Non-traditional, unofficial, or player-led activity are not formally covered by an athletic trainer. Priority of services will be given to in-season student-athletes. Appointments are preferred to ensure clinician availability and can be made by emailing sportsmed@caltech.edu. 

Summer availability will be communicated ahead of schedule change and posted outside the AT clinic beginning June 1. 

The Caltech Sports Medicine staff works with Caltech NCAA Student-Athletes. To qualify as a Caltech student-athlete and utilize services in the Caltech AT Clinic, a student must:

1. Be a current member of a Caltech intercollegiate athletic team roster
2. Have completed a pre-participation physical examination and the proper Caltech Intercollegiate Athlete Medical Forms via Sportsware
3. Sportsware profile, medical paperwork, and pre-participation physical must be updated and completed annually
4. Complete an annual baseline concussion assessment

More information about Student-Athlete Responsibilities can be found in the "Student-Athlete Understanding of Services and Responsibilities Affirmation" signed at the beginning of each year.

RELATED LINKS

National Athletic Trainers' Association

Far West Athletic Trainers' Association

California Athletic Trainers' Association