Physicians' Perceptions of Athletic Trainers

The relationship between athletic trainers (ATs) and physicians is crucial for the continuity of care for patients and can impact the advancement of the athletic training profession. This descriptive study utilized a questionnaire to examine the level of competence physicians believe ATs possess to perform tasks within their scope of practice, as outlined in the Role Delineation Study, 6th ed. Overall, physicians had favorable perceptions of ATs' competence, with the most favorable perceptions relating to injury/illness prevention and immediate and emergency care. Opportunities should be sought out by ATs to educate physicians on all domains of athletic training practice. Future research should examine how these perceptions may change as athletic training education requirements change.