In the dynamic world of athletics, behind every successful team, there's often an unsung hero working tirelessly to keep the players in top condition. In College of Marin Athletics, that hero is none other than Dr. Joseph Scarcella, the Head Athletic Trainer whose dedication and commitment have earned him a well-deserved title—Doctor of Athletic Training from Moravian University.
A Passion Ignited:
Initially, Dr. Scarcella's journey into athletic training wasn’t as clear. Reflecting on his journey, the path to athletic training wasn't a straight line. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, his journey began with a fascination for Chinese history and martial arts. It wasn't until his second year at St. John University, where he initially pursued Asian Studies, that he discovered his true calling. A pivotal elective athletic training class combined his interest in medicine with sports, prompting him to transfer to Brooklyn College's athletic training program. His journey was further influenced by personal experiences. During his teenage years, he developed Osgood-Schlatter disease, a common cause of knee pain in adolescents who are still growing. This condition of the knee causes a painful irritation of the bone growth plate creating a bump and swelling along a spot below the knee called the tibial tuberosity. After completing undergrad and competing nationally he tore his ACL, a ligament in the knee. This injury gave him the nudge to seriously pursue athletic training. Dr. Scarcella's determination led him to graduate with a master's degree from Long Island University's Athletic Training program in 1999.
Building Bonds Beyond the Field:
As Head Athletic Trainer at COM since February 2005, Dr. Scarcella's approach to working with athletes is grounded in respect and empathy. He prioritizes building trust by treating each athlete as an individual, acknowledging their humanity, and fostering a sense of equality. Recognizing the vulnerability that comes with injuries, particularly for young athletes away from home, he emphasizes support and understanding through both physical and psychological aspects of recovery. Dr. Scarcella's dedication to providing care extends beyond the field, reflecting his lifelong commitment to helping others. In his tenure at College of Marin Athletics, where he has been the sole full-time athletic trainer, he has nurtured relationships with athletes from diverse backgrounds, including those from out of state and even international athletes from countries like Australia, Italy, New Zealand, and the Ivory Coast. His unwavering dedication to athlete well-being and his ability to forge meaningful connections make him an invaluable asset to the athletic community at College of Marin.
Pioneering Research and Progress:
Dr. Scarcella's doctoral research reflects his commitment to advancing the athletic training profession. His studies focused on the evolution of athletic training from bachelor's to master's level programs, aligning with broader healthcare standards. He emphasizes the importance of research in enhancing clinical practice, highlighting the need for a more medical-oriented approach to athletic training. Dr. Scarcella's doctoral studies also shed light on critical issues facing the athletic training profession, particularly the ongoing struggle with salary disparities. His research reveals a concerning trend where athletic trainers, despite being in ample supply, are gravitating towards emerging settings (industrial, performance, and military) offering better compensation. This phenomenon challenges the traditional mindset of working harder and longer hours for modest pay. His investigation underscores the urgent need to address the salary-professionalism balance within the field. As a clinician, Dr. Scarcella has also scrutinized the old traditional methods utilized in the athletic training profession. Instead, incorporating a more evidence-based practice to guide an effective approach, thus updating methods that will ensure improved outcomes in the areas of injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement. By exposing these challenges, Dr. Scarcella's research paves the way for necessary reforms to ensure the sustainability, effectiveness, and growth of the athletic training profession.
Leading by Example:
For aspiring athletic trainers, Dr. Scarcella's advice is grounded in experience—gain diverse experiences, advocate for the profession, and above all, prioritize empathy and care. He believes in continually learning and evolving as a clinician to better serve athletes and promote the value of athletic trainers in healthcare.
Balancing Act:
Navigating the demands of being an athletic trainer requires organization and effective communication, both professionally and personally. Dr. Scarcella emphasizes regular exercise, quality family time, and open dialogue to maintain a healthy work-life balance—a testament to his holistic approach to well-being.
Overcoming Challenges:
In his two decades of experience, Dr. Scarcella has encountered various challenges, particularly when managing the safe return to activity process among coaches and student-athletes. Through effective communication and conflict resolution, he has learned to navigate these situations, ensuring collaboration and understanding among all parties involved.
Continuing the Legacy:
Receiving recognition for his dedication to athletic training is a humbling experience for Dr. Scarcella. With his newly earned D.AT, he aims to integrate the latest research findings and technology into his practice, further enhancing athlete care. He aspires to continue making a positive impact, leveraging his expertise to shape the future of sports medicine and athlete well-being.
Dr. Joseph Scarcella's journey exemplifies the essence of dedication, compassion, and continuous growth in the field of athletic training. As he continues to pave the way for future generations of athletic trainers, his legacy of excellence shines brightly, leaving an indelible mark on the College of Marin Athletics community. Congratulations Dr. J on this awesome accomplishment, we appreciate all you do for our athletes.