Maddie Derbis ’23Athletic Training Major
Posted on March 3rd, 2023 by

“After going through the Athletic Training program I have grown to love developing meaningful relations with my patients, and learning about how to provide equitable health care to diverse populations.”

Maddie’s interest in athletic training was born from a fascination with anatomy and orthopedics and a desire to pursue a healthcare profession. She was drawn to the field specifically because of “its emphasis on orthopedics, hands-on approach to healthcare, and close relations with athletics.”

At Gustavus, Maddie found an experience-based athletic training program that allowed her to receive a comprehensive athletic training education, while continuing to pursue her passions: dancing and performing. She recalls, “Gustavus checked all of my boxes.”

During her four years at Gustavus, Maddie has had a variety of hands-on opportunities within her future field. She has worked directly with many sports teams including a long-term focus on men’s hockey in which she traveled to games with the team. She has also visited high schools and a family practice clinic, gaining experience with many different patient populations and conditions.

Maddie highlights her relationship with professors in the department as well, saying “The professors truly go out of their way to make sure each of their students succeed and become great athletic trainers. Whether it’s an office hours meeting to explain a topic again or meeting in the AT lab to go over a skill, every time I have needed help, they make themselves available.”

In addition to her major, Maddie is also President of the Gustavus Athletic Training Association, Vice President of Iota Tau Alpha Athletic Training Honor Society, and a member of Tri-Alpha First Generation Honor Society. She also participates in dance shows through the Theatre and Dance department and teaches a variety of fitness classes at Gustavus.

 

Comments are closed.