Our History

The need for the formation of the Athletic Trainers in the Physician Practice Society (ATPPS) grew out of the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Committee on Practice Advancements’ Athletic Trainers in the Physician Practice Workgroup, organized in the early 2010s under the leadership of Jennifer Kitano. Preceding this workgroup was a task force led by Forrest Pecha, as well as NATA Symposium pre-conference workshops focused on athletic trainers in the physician practice setting, dating back to the early 2010s.

Over the next five years, interest in athletic trainers working in physician practice settings steadily increased. Beginning in the early 2010s, pre-conference workshops were held at the NATA Annual Meeting to educate athletic trainers in this emerging field and foster professional networking opportunities.

In 2017, Forrest Pecha, MS, LAT, ATC, approached NATA with the concept of forming a new society affiliated with the association. At that time, there was not yet enough support to move forward. However, later that year, a group of athletic trainers with a shared vision for the physician practice setting organized an independent meeting and conference for others in the field.

Held on February 16–17, 2018, this event became the first organizational meeting of ATPPS. Ninety-five athletic trainers attended and were designated as Founding Members.

The founding board members were selected based on their long-standing contributions to the advancement of athletic training through years of service with NATA committees, workgroups, and task forces — particularly those focused on practice advancement and physician practice. Their collective experience ensured the new society was built on collaboration, expertise, and a deep understanding of this evolving field.

The original concept for ATPPS was to:

  • Serve as a resource for presentations and publication of new ideas,

  • Provide opportunities for athletic trainers to exchange ideas related to research and practice advancement, and

  • Create a network for professionals in physician practice settings to learn from one another.

This vision continues to guide ATPPS today.

The Society’s first annual meeting was held in February 2018, preceded by a board meeting where bylaws, membership structure, educational programming, and dues were established. Forrest Pecha was named the first president of ATPPS, initiating the Society’s presidential line and setting the foundation for its continued growth.