General 3/5/2024 5:54:00 PM Justin Mordecai, Director of Athletic Communications

National Athletic Training Month Spotlight: Dr. Michael Douglas

Meet Assistant A.D. for Sports Medicine, Dr. Michael Douglas

ATLANTA, Ga. – The month of March is National Athletic Training Month, a month to spread awareness on the importance of athletic trainers and their contribution to athletics departments, professional sports teams, rehab clinics, and various other spaces. During NATM, the Clark Atlanta athletics department will spotlight the three athletic trainers on staff with a weekly highlight.

Dr. Michael Douglas - Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine

Bio: Dr. Michael Douglas, DAT LAT, ATC, ITAT joined Clark Atlanta in February 2023 after a stint as an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology, Sports Studies, and Physical Education at Morehouse College and a teaching associate in graduate education in Public Health at Morehouse School of Medicine.

Dr. Douglas's research and interests include the Fibular Head Repositioning Technique and Mulligan Concept Mobilizations with Movement (MWM), pain reduction in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI), and athletic training as an access point to health care.

Douglas joined the faculty after having a career in professional sports as an athletic trainer. Most recently, Douglas served the Atlanta Dream as director of sports medicine and head athletic trainer. Prior to that, he spent four seasons with the Golden State Warriors (NBA) organization. Before his stint in Golden State, he worked with the NBA Development League (now known as the NBA G League) as they expanded across the country.

Douglas began his career as an intern with the Buffalo Bills of the NFL.

Douglas holds a bachelor's degree in health and physical education from Morehouse College, a master's degree in sports injury management from Life University, and a Doctor of Athletic Training from Temple University College of Public Health. Douglas is married and has three children ages 23 (Spelman Alum), 21 (Howard U), and 16 (Virtual Academy). Douglas is a business owner (www.injury-resolved.com ) and a proud veteran officer of the United States Navy.

Get to know Dr. Michael Douglas

Q: What made you want to work in sports medicine?

A: I wanted to simply maintain a relationship with my football teammates, but that evolved to wanting to work in the NFL. I began my career as an intern with the Buffalo Bills.

Q: What is your favorite part about being an athletic trainer?

A: Service

Q: What is the most rewarding part about being an AT?

A: I like to do the behind the scenes work that allows others the shine. Athletes and Colleagues alike.

Q: Whats something you would say a lot of people don't know about being an AT or working in the industry?

A: Most people paint ATs with the brush of ankle taper and water distributor without recognizing that the profession takes years of academic preparation and clinical skill practice. Research has demonstrated that the assessments of AT's and Physicians are in agreement 92% of the time. Accuracy of Athletic Trainers and Physician Diagnoses in Sports Medicine.

Q: What are your biggest goals as an athletic trainer?

A: To continue to advance the profession in clinical practice, social stature in the medical field, and innovation in sports medicine

Q: What advice would you have for anybody looking to work in sports medicine or become an athletic trainer?

A: To not allow anyone or anything put limitations on your clinical practice as an Athletic Trainer practice to the edge of your scope

Dr. Michael Douglas at US Open

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