Athletic Training and Development
UPMC Sports Medicine’s more than 70 athletic trainers are nationally certified by the National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification and certified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Under the direction and supervision of UPMC Sports Medicine physicians, our staff provides athletic training services to more than 50 area high schools, universities, and professional athletic organizations.
UPMC Sports Medicine has offered a complete range of athletic training services to western Pennsylvania for more than 20 years, focusing on rehabilitation, injury prevention, and performance development of athletes and active people.
Our athletic trainers provide immediate injury care,
follow up injury treatment, injury prevention education, and cutting-edge rehabilitation services for student athletes.
Our Program
UPMC Sports Medicine Athletic Training and Development provides:
- fast-track appointments for contracted school sites: 412-432-3775
- on-site medical care for all home and away interscholastic practices, events, and competitions
- on-site sport-specific educational programming to student athletes, parents, and coaches
- consultation to coaches on pre-season, in-season, and off-season conditioning programs
- sports-related concussion baseline evaluations and ImPACT concussion testing and management
- on-site weight assessment and instruction for wrestling programs
- programming for female athletes, including gymnasts
- sport-specific conditioning camps and clinics
- annual sports medicine student aide workshops
Athletic Training and Development Management Team
- David Tumbas, MS, ATC
Director, UPMC Sports Medicine Athletic Training and Development
Adjunct Clinical Instructor, Duquesne University School of Health Sciences
412-432-3770
- Bill Ankrom, MS, ATC
Senior Manager, UPMC Sports Medicine Athletic Training and Development
Adjunct Clinical Faculty, University of Pittsburgh, School of Health
and Rehabilitation Sciences
Adjunct Clinical Instructor, Duquesne University School of Health Sciences
412-432-3770
- Donna Dugas, ATC
Manager, UPMC Sports Medicine Athletic Training and Development
Adjunct Clinical Instructor, Duquesne University School of Health Sciences
412-432-3770
- Kathleen Nachazel, ATC
Senior Manager, UPMC Sports Medicine Athletic Training and Development
Adjunct Clinical Instructor, Duquesne University School of Health Sciences
Certified Athletic Trainer Pittsburgh Ballet Theater
Medical Operations Manager, Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon
412-432-3770
- Jesse Townsend, MS, ATC
Manager, UPMC Sports Medicine Athletic Training and Development
412-432-3770
Our Services
Community-based special event medical programming and staffing
UPMC Sports Medicine athletic trainers are involved in community special event medical coverage coordination and staffing, including one-day tournaments and multiple day events.
Community educational programming
UPMC Sports Medicine athletic trainers are also involved in community educational outreach programming including lectures, community seminars, and continuing education events. These programs are offered to school administrators, coaches, parents, student-athletes, and the public.
Saturday Morning Acute Sports Injury Clinic (Fall only)
For any high school athlete who may experience an acute sports-related injury while participating in fall high school sports, UPMC Sports Medicine provides free evaluation of that injury during its Saturday morning acute sports injury clinic.
The program is coordinated by UPMC Sports Medicine athletic trainers and is designed to provide immediate evaluation of a recent sports injury. Participants receive a free medical evaluation conducted by UPMC physicians along with other specialized care by sports medicine experts. To schedule an appointment call 412-432-3772.
Pre-participation Examinations and Musculoskeletal Screenings
Under the direction of certified athletic trainers, UPMC Sports Medicine conducts mandatory pre-participation examinations and optional musculoskeletal screenings for area high school and college athletes at the start of every sports season.
Pre-participation physicals include a thorough review of the athlete’s medical background and an examination by a physician. While musculoskeletal screenings are not required, they are highly recommended because they help to prevent injuries through the identification of imbalances or weaknesses that might lead to injuries.
Concussion Baseline Testing
In conjunction with UPMC’s Sports Concussion Program, our certified athletic trainers conduct concussion baseline testing for college, high school, and recreational athletes. The purpose of the testing is to determine normal brain function levels that later can be used to help determine when it is appropriate for the athlete to safely return to play.
Testing involves the use of special computerized software known as ImPACT™, developed by UPMC Sports Medicine experts. ImPACT™ baseline testing is available to our student-athlete and professional clients and to the general public through appointments.
For more information about concussion baseline testing services through UPMC Sports Medicine Athletic Training Department, call 412-432-3770.
ImPACT™ is a trademark of ImPACT Applications, Inc.
Current Issues in Athletic Training
UPMC Sports Medicine sponsors an annual seminar for athletic trainers attracting professionals from across the region. The seminar features in-depth lectures by sports medicine experts, and provides hands-on demonstrations for participants. Topics have included management of hip, low back, and pelvis injuries; management of medical emergencies; management of elbow, wrist, and hand injuries; and an overview of the latest methods of sports-related injuries. A fee is charged.
Official major sponsorships
UPMC Sports Medicine Athletic Training and Development provides medical sponsorship
for the following: