[minti_blockquote]It’s most important to remember that we are health care professionals, despite working in an athletics environment. [/minti_blockquote]

It is safest to “err on the side of caution” with professional etiquette, just as we do when practicing athletic training. If you have to question “Am I too harsh in this email?” or “Is this skirt length appropriate?” you should probably not move forward with it. Keep in mind that opinions of professionalism vary greatly by work setting and geographical region. You never know who you will encounter or who will be perceiving you, so presenting yourself as professionally as possible bodes well for the profession as a whole.

• When communicating in person, be sure to introduce yourself, make eye contact, hold a welcoming posture and open body language, present a firm handshake, and have a well manicured image.
• When communicating via email or written message, be accurate and succinct. Aim to keep your message to 5 sentences total and have an essence you are attempting to convey. Address the recipient properly (Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc) and sign it with an appropriate ending (thank you for your time, I appreciate your consideration, etc).
• When communicating through phone, don’t jump right into business, ask a surface level personal question (how is your day going, is the week treating you well, etc). If you tend to ramble, have bullet points in front of you. Be considerate of the other person’s time and don’t deter from your points. Be an active listener and engage in conversation, don’t just attempt to get your points across/ your questions answered.
• In regards to dress code, remember that you are representing a health care professional. Consider all the positions you may find yourself in during the day (bending over, squatting down, etc). Manipulate your clothing in various ways to determine if they will provide appropriate coverage regardless of what the day requires of you. Keep in mind how others may view you as a professional when exposing ares with tattoos, piercings, colorful hair/ makeup, or sloppy attire. A generally well manicured look (including facial hair for men) is recommended.
• In reference to social media, see it as a reflection & extension of yourself. Someone who doesn’t know you should be able to look at your profiles and gain a good understanding of who you are. If that person is an employer or networking opportunity, what do you want them to know about you? Think about that when posting pictures and sharing posts.
• At conferences, be present. You should be engaged in the lectures or when standing with a group of people for a networking opportunity. Introduce yourself, engage in conversation, and show your interest in what is being discussed. Showing up on time and wearing attire that represents you as a professional shows your respect to those who have taken the time to put this on.
• When traveling as an athletic trainer, remember that you are always on. Despite going out for a nice dinner or having a few drinks after the tournament is done, if someone suddenly comes up sick or injured, you will be looked at for care. Never compromise yourself professionally in the name of having a good time. This is a business trip, so enjoy yourself, but within means.
• In working with your patients, know your audience. Working with youth, high school kids, college age students, or adults is very different in how your present a diagnosis, develop a treatment protocol, or discuss other details. Be cognizant of how they will understand what is being said and tailor your words around that.