Lakeside High School Athletic Training Student Aides (ATSAs) and Head Athletic Trainer Benjamin Lewis, ATC, are part of Lakeside Sports Medicine, where students gain hands-on experience while exploring future careers in healthcare. Photo: Mandy Ballard Photography
By Benjamin Lewis, ATC
Under the Friday night lights, most eyes are focused on the field. But along the sideline, Lakeside High School
students are learning what it means to care for others. Lakeside’s Athletic Training Student Aides (ATSAs) are part of the Sports Medicine Program, gaining hands-on experience while exploring healthcare careers. ATSAs support student athletes while developing athletic healthcare skills.
While fans follow the game, ATSAs experience it differently – preparing equipment, assisting with injury treatment and rehabilitation, learning preventative taping, performing first aid, and preparing to assist Lakeside’s Head Athletic Trainer and team physician during emergencies.
“In athletic training, you can go from being the afterthought to having all eyes, expectations, and liability on you in a fraction of a second—possibly with someone’s life in your hands. We’ll always hold to a high standard of behavior and preparedness,” said Benjamin Lewis, ATC, Lakeside Head Athletic Trainer.
ATSA is one part of Lakeside Sports Medicine, along with the Sports Medicine curriculum pathway and HOSA – Future Health Professionals, where students build healthcare knowledge and leadership skills while competing at state and international levels. Throughout the school year, The Springs Magazine will introduce readers to these students, their experiences, accomplishments, competitions, and future plans.
Because sometimes the future of healthcare isn’t under the spotlight. It’s standing just beyond it, ready to help. As Lakeside Sports Medicine grows, community support helps provide equipment, supplies, training resources, and educational opportunities.
Businesses and community members interested in becoming Lakeside Sports Medicine Community Partners may email ben_lewis@lakesidesd.org or 501-617-4849.
Benjamin Lewis is Head Athletic Trainer, Sports Medicine Instructor, and HOSA Advisor at Lakeside High School and chair of the Arkansas Athletic Trainers’ Association Secondary Schools Committee.
