Tampa, FL (November 27 2006) - In a bold move to further strengthen its initiative in sports medicine, the University of South Florida is transferring its Athletic Training Education Program to the College of Medicineís School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences. The move to the College of Medicine, although rare in academic circles, is part of USF Healthís new comprehensive sports medicine initiative, which includes the new state-funded SMART institute, orthopedic surgery, physical therapy, athletic training and sports safety outreach & research.

ìAthletic training education has gone through significant growth and change in the past several years. Certified Athletic Trainers are allied health care professionals educated and trained in the prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of sports and physical activity-related injuries. We are pleased about the opportunity to integrate this undergraduate program into our School and the USF Health environment,î said William Quillen, PhD, Associate Dean, College of Medicine, and Director of the School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences. The B.S. degree program in Athletic Training will officially join the School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences effective May 2007, pending final notification to the University Board of Trustees. The current senior class in the Athletic Training major will graduate with a degree from the College of Education, the current home of the major. ìThe School of Physical Education, Wellness, and Sports Studies in the College of Education is proud of establishing the Athletic Training program and bringing it to the level of national accreditationî, said Steve Sanders, EdD, Director of the School of Physical Education, Wellness and Sports Studies.

The move of Athletic Training to the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences follows the Schoolís implementation of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree program in August 2005 and its plans to launch an interdisciplinary PhD degree program in Rehabilitation Sciences within the next five years.

Earlier this year, the Florida Legislature appropriated nearly $3 million to USF for the creation of a statewide Sports Medicine & Athletic Related Trauma (SMART) Institute. The interdisciplinary center promotes the health and safety of athletes through education, research and clinical care. Since July 2005, USF SMART faculty have trained more than 350 coaches and other school personnel across Hillsborough County.ÝThree high-profile orthopedic surgeons also joined USF Health: Robert Pedowitz, MD, chief of sports medicine at the University of California-San Diego; David Leffers, MD, team physician for USF Bulls; and Charles Nofsinger, MD, a leading biomechanics expert in sports medicine who came to USF from Tulane Institute of Sports medicine in New Orleans, and now also a team physician for the Bulls.