Recently, the ATI Communications team sat down with the new Director of Research Natalie Myers. From serving a dual position as assistant athletic trainer and lecturer at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke to collaborating with the Women’s Tennis Association and United States Tennis Association while at the University of Kentucky, these experiences are mere highlights in Natalie’s research career and a small part of the breadth of knowledge she brings to ATI and iMSKA.

“These early experiences sparked a lasting passion for research and clinical education, which has shaped my academic and professional path ever since,” Natalie said. “Since completing my PhD, I’ve continued to expand my research portfolio within academic and hospital systems. My work has emphasized functional and patient-reported outcomes in shoulder and elbow sports medicine, with a strong focus on longitudinal data collection in real-world clinical environments.”

Learn more about Natalie, her experience as an AT, researcher, and what she brings to the organization.

How does your past research align with iMSKA’s organizational and research goals?

I believe that aligning meaningful clinical research with the evolving needs of healthcare delivery is essential. My background in both academic and clinical research, combined with my passion for interdisciplinary collaboration and data-driven care, aligns closely with iMSKA’s goals. While I am continuously humbled by the work I do, I am excited by the opportunity to contribute to iMSKA’s mission through original research, outcome dissemination, and the advancement of clinician education in MSK care.

How does your experience as an Athletic Trainer influence your research approach?

My experience as an Athletic Trainer fundamentally shapes the way I approach research. Athletic Trainers often serve as the first point of contact for musculoskeletal injuries. We are uniquely positioned to observe the full continuum of care, from injury onset to return to play. This longitudinal perspective influences my research to prioritize real-world applicability, functional outcomes, and patient-reported measures that matter to both patients and clinicians. In short, my work as an Athletic Trainer gives me a grounded, patient-centered lens through which I view research, not just as an academic exercise, but as a meaningful tool to improve clinical decision-making and patient care.

What current research trends in the field excite you the most?

One area that resonates with me personally is the growing focus on psychological considerations in MSK care. I’m especially interested in how we can better integrate psychological screening tools, behavioral strategies, and patient-reported measures into routine care to enhance recovery and long-term function. As researchers and clinicians, we have a responsibility to address not just the physical injury, but the full context of a patient’s experience, and I have been energized by the role research has played in making that shift more standard in MSK practice. 

What advice would you give to any provider (especially ATs) seeking more research experience?

The biggest piece of advice I would give any provider interested in research is this: it’s attainable, even if it doesn’t follow a traditional or linear path. You don’t have to come from a research-heavy institution or hold a PhD to begin contributing meaningfully to the evidence in MSK care. What matters most is curiosity, commitment to improving patient care, and a willingness to ask questions and seek mentorship.

One of the things I appreciate most about iMSKA is that it creates structured, accessible pathways for clinicians to become involved in research, whether that’s through research fellow opportunities, data analysis projects, or collaborative clinical studies. If you’re passionate about learning and want to grow in this space, you’re not alone, and you’re not too late. There’s a place for your voice and your experience in the research world, and organizations like iMSKA are here to help you get started and grow.