Megan Shipp, Assistant Athletic Trainer, was named Preceptor of the Year by The Great Lakes Athletic Trainers’ Association Council for Early Career Athletic Trainers–valuing her impact mentoring future professionals in sports medicine.

The award honors athletic trainers who serve as clinical instructors for graduate students, guiding them through real-life medical situations, Shipp said. She has been a preceptor–a clinical instructor for a student in a medical field–for 12 years through North Park University Master’s of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program, mentoring students as they develop key skills, evaluate injuries, and gain field experience, Shipp said. At South, she mentors at least one student a year, and helps prepare them for future careers in athletic training, Shipp said.

“To be able to mentor students is a gift,” Shipp said. “It is the only way athletic trainers can give back to our profession that directly impacts the quality of coworkers and professionals.”

At South, Shipp has helped create a comfortable environment for both her students and staff, Anthony Catsaros, Head Athletic Trainer, said. Her communication, composure, and connection with athletes contributed to her Preceptor of the Year recognition, Catsaros said.

“Shipp excels at counseling with our students,” Catsaros said. “Whether it is helping with mental health, issues at home, or making good decisions.”

She sets a welcoming, consistent tone in the athletic training room focused on student well-being, Alyssa Anderson, Clinical Education Coordinator for North Park University’s MSAT program, said. Shipp’s dedication and love for what she does has led her to where she is today, she said. The Preceptor of the Year award is a reflection of all her years of working to pave the way for the next generation of sports medicine professionals, Shipp said. In the future, Shipp hopes to continue to help students grow in whatever way she can, she said.

“The high school setting is such a wonderful place to not only work as an athletic trainer, but to learn how to be an athletic trainer,” Shipp said. “I hope that I can continue to serve as a preceptor for students in the future, and continue to provide educational opportunities for them.”