Prestigious clinical residency named for R.T. Floyd
University of West Alabama Athletic Trainer and Instructor Erin Miller has been selected by the American Sports Medicine Institute in the recently established R.T. Floyd ASMI Athletic Training Residency Program. Announced by Dr. James R. Andrews of the Andrews Sports Medicine Orthopaedic Center, this highly competitive program will train the next generation of physician practice athletic trainers.
Miller completed the master of science in physical education with an emphasis in athletic training from UWA in May. As an athletic trainer at UWA, she has served as high school outreach program coordinator, overseeing athletic training services for 27 high schools and one college. She’s also served in the physician’s clinic, assisting physicians with evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation, as well as several other medical techniques.
“I am eager to expand my knowledge and skillset to augment my ability to provide high quality healthcare to all patients,” Miller said. “Above all, I believe my intrinsic motivation to become a well-rounded clinician, paired with my strong work ethic and clinical experience, will prove me to be a dedicated member of this residency program.”
In addition to the collegiate setting, Miller has also worked in the industrial setting through Moore Wellness Systems, providing athletic training services to WestRock at their Livingston location.
“My experience in the industrial setting has tested my knowledge of biomechanics and challenged me to use an ergonomic approach to prevent injuries,” Miller said. “During my time at UWA and Moore Wellness, I have grown exponentially as a clinician and feel prepared to take this next step toward becoming an athletic trainer in the operating room setting.”
The residency program is named by ASMI for long-time UWA faculty member and athletic trainer Dr. R.T. Floyd.
“He is the epitome of what an athletic trainer should be” Andrews said. “Naming the program the R.T. Floyd ASMI Athletic Training Residency in recognition of his many accomplishments and contributions to the field of athletic training is more than appropriate.”
The residency program is designed to advance the study of athletic training and sports medicine to offer exposure and experience that further prepares athletic trainers for the clinical setting.
“Athletic trainers are some of the most important members of what I like to call the sports medicine team because they are the first line of defense for the athletic events that they cover,” Andrews said.
“It is bittersweet to see Erin leave our program as she is doing a fantastic job, but I am proud of her for competing for this all on her own against numerous other candidates and being selected,” Floyd said. “This program’s naming is a tremendous honor for me, and I look forward to seeing the many ways it will advance our profession and the practitioners who are fortunate to earn a seat in it, especially Erin.”