Athletic Training - University at Buffalo

06/18/2026

A huge thank you to the 70 attendees who joined us for the 5th annual AMES Conference, our largest turnout yet! We had a great time welcoming members of the community, preceptors, faculty, staff, alumni, and current students for a day of learning and professional development.

Because of the support provided by UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Enovis, the University at Buffalo's School of Public Health and Health Professions, the University at Buffalo Exercise and Nutrition Sciences Department, and Buffalo Sports Medicine, we were able to offer this event free of charge to our guests.

This year’s program featured:
• Morning Mindset and Movement, an active yoga session to set intentions for the day, with Jess Frame, MS, LAT, ATC
• Regulate and Recover Lecture with Jess Frame, MS, LAT, ATC
• Emerging Trends in Sports Nutrition with Emily Galbraith, MS, RD, CSSD, ISAK-1, Sports Dietitian for the Buffalo Sabres and UB Clinical Nutrition alumnus
• Treat Yourself First Talk on Sleep with Chris Perry, PhD, CSCS
• Trends in Upper Extremity Rehabilitation with Dr. Bryan Gardner, DPT, ATC, CSCS
• Trends in Lower Extremity Rehabilitation with Mike Adesso, PT, ATC

Our keynote session, Neurodiversity in Athletic Patient Populations, was presented by Dr. Warren Bodine, DO, Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician at Mass General Brigham.

Thank you again to our speakers, sponsors, and attendees for making this year’s conference a tremendous success. We look forward to seeing you next year!

06/16/2026

06/16/2026

Our second-year University at Buffalo MSAT students recently had the incredible opportunity to participate in a shoulder and knee cadaveric lab hosted at Buffalo Arthrex. Under the instruction of Dr. Brian Mata of Lakeshore Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, students gained a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on orthopedic surgery by observing and assisting with various arthroscopic shoulder and knee procedures performed on cadaveric specimens.
Experiences like these bridge the gap between classroom learning and clinical practice, allowing students to deepen their understanding of anatomy, pathology, and surgical interventions while working alongside experts in sports medicine.
Hands-on opportunities and strong partnerships with clinicians throughout Western New York are just some of the reasons why Buffalo is a greAT place to train to become an athletic trainer!

05/28/2026

Introducing our MSAT Class of 2028! 🦬👏📚🩺

05/21/2026

This morning at the SPHHP Annual School Meeting, several ENS faculty and staff members were recognized for their commitment to serving our students and community, including two of our AT faculty who won awards from the Dean’s office:

Dr. Lesley Vandermark – Teacher of the Year
“This award is presented to a faculty member whose recent teaching performance, initiatives, publications, and/or presentations demonstrate outstanding contributions to education.”

Dr. Ryan Krzyzanowicz – Dean’s Award for Community Service
“This award is presented to a faculty or staff member in recognition of achievements in providing professional relevant community service in furtherance of the School’s mission to improve the health of populations, communities, or individuals over the past year.”

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Vandermark and Dr. K on these well-deserved awards!

05/19/2026

This month we received so many incredible preceptor nominations that we decided to recognize both a Local Preceptor of the Month and an Immersion Preceptor of the Month!

Immersion Preceptor of the Month: Michele Latimer MA, ATC, LAT, CES, CIDN
As an immersion preceptor for the past two years, Michele has played a tremendous role in preparing students for transition to practice. She creates meaningful hands-on learning experiences while promoting independence, communication, confidence, and professional growth.

Michele consistently turns everyday challenges into valuable teaching moments and provides thoughtful feedback that helps students continue to grow as clinicians. Most importantly, Michele’s dedication and genuine care for her athletes, staff, and students are evident in everything she does. The lasting relationships she builds with students speak volumes about the impact she has as both a mentor and educator.

Local Preceptor of the Month: Samara Johnson, DAT, ATC
Samara has created an incredibly welcoming and supportive learning environment for our students here in Buffalo. From day one, she immerses students into hands-on experiences and consistently challenges them to step outside of their comfort zones while building confidence, clinical reasoning, and practical skills. Students describe her as approachable, encouraging, and deeply invested in both their clinical and personal growth.

Through her mentorship, real-world teaching, and supportive nature, Samara has made a lasting impact on the future athletic trainers she works with.

Thank you both for the incredible impact you continue to have on our students and program!

05/18/2026

Student of the month: Haleigh Smith-2nd Year MSAT student

Haleigh has demonstrated tremendous growth throughout her time in our program and has truly developed into an exceptional young clinician. A quiet leader within the cohort, she consistently embraces challenges and pushes herself to grow both personally and professionally. She is a great representation of what it means to embody the mission and vision of the UB MSAT program through her professionalism, resilience, compassion, and commitment to learning.

This semester, Haleigh excelled in a professional rugby environment, confidently stepping into evaluations, and treatments while earning the trust and respect of both athletes and staff. Her willingness to step outside of her comfort zone and fully immerse herself in the experience has made a lasting impression. One nominator even shared that they would hire her immediately for a full-time position if given the opportunity — a true testament to the clinician she is developing into.

We are incredibly proud of Haleigh and all she has accomplished.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

05/14/2026

We are thrilled to report that all 17 of our second-year students have successfully passed their portfolio defenses and the BOC!

These accomplishments reflect not only their commitment to excellence, but their hard work over the past two years to become successful clinicians in the field of athletic training.

To the class of 2026, we are so excited to see where your journeys take you next and know you will make a lasting impact on every team, patient, and community you serve. The future of athletic training is bright!

05/13/2026

Rounding out the class of 2026 with Darci, Haleigh, Connor, Brianna, Kathryn, and Jodie! 🎓

Congratulations to all 17 of our graduates. We are so proud of you and can't wait to celebrate your accomplishments at commencement. 🦬💙

05/12/2026

The celebration continues for the MSAT Class of 2026! 🎓✨Today, we’re proud to spotlight more of our graduates and recognize the dedication, resilience, and passion that brought them to this milestone.

Congratulations to Lillee, Corinne, Mike, Emma and Truc!