March is National Athletic Trainers Month and the area has several athletic trainers that dedicate countless hours to serving our local athletes. This is a story in a series highlighting their efforts.
Jorge Jackson
Hometown: Paris, Kentucky
College/Education: Union College-Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training
High school/college/team you work with: Owensboro Catholic High School
How long have you been an athletic trainer?
Almost two years. I came to work for Advanced Center for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine and my outreach position at Owensboro Catholic High School. I felt my faith was also leading me in this direction as well. Wanting to experience newer and different tasks and grow in personal practices and education. I have some background in north, south, and east and central parts of Kentucky. Now was time to experience the western side.
How long have you been in the Owensboro area and why did you decide to come here?
I moved here in October of 2018 to work for Advanced Center for Orthopedics and Sports medicine and my outreach position at Owensboro High School.
Why did you pursue athletic training as a career?
I want to help guide and assist all age generations on possibly better options on how to take care of one’s mind, body, and spirit.
One of my core values is to support people to believe in and help oneself and one another. I also wanted to be able to gain and grow with new experiences and in my personal education.
What do you enjoy most about being an athletic trainer?
Seeing the shock on the patients/athletes’ face when they discover the sensation of a new muscle or when we work together to dissipate minor injuries.
What is something most people don’t understand about your profession?
The vast scope of what Athletic Trainers CAN DO and our ability to assist when dealing with injuries and the “everyday physical pain” people feel.
What is your advice for athletes when they are injured or have questions?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, discuss physical or personal concerns. As an athlete and individual, a part of self-care is taking care of one’s body and self. Ask and try to get to know what is going on with your body, it is a temple.
