Danika Bush Professional Portfolio

The Colorado Department of Education defines "Professional" using the following descriptors:

• time & work management

• career literacy

• grit and resilience

• work ethic; dependable and reliable

I interviewed Skyler Sherman, the athletic trainer at Montrose High School.

• Q: What made you choose to become an athletic trainer?

A: "I like working in sports, I like working with athletes, and I like learning about the human body in order to get injured athletes back onto the field.

• Q: What's your favorite part about your job?

A: "My favorite part about my job is working with athletes who don't have access to extern resources and being able to help them get back into doing what they enjoy."

• Q: What other medical professionals do you work with on a daily basis?

A: "I work with a variety of different medical professionals including the orthopedic doctors at Western Slope {Orthopaedics}." She states she communicates with them regarding athletes' healthcare in their diagnosis, necessary imaging, and their treatment plan. She also works with different physical therapists and other primary care doctors. 

Goals I set for myself:

• Ask Questions: gaining confidence to ask questions is important. Asking questions helps to gain knowledge to better understand the anatomy and what the patient is getting treated for. 

• Collaboration: working with people in the workplace not only helps you to build connections with the people around you, but it also helps work get done more efficiently by working together.

• Communication: taking initiative shows your professionalism and responsibility. Communicating with those around you helps build personal relationships with your coworkers and your patients.

Soft skills I focused on:

• Flexibility

• Communication

• Time Management 

• Collaboration

• Initiation

• Confidence