Practical Strategies for Healthcare Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Abstract:
Innovation and entrepreneurship are often connected but distinct as entrepreneurship involves taking risks to pursue opportunities, while innovation focuses on solving problems and improving systems. For athletic trainers, innovation can be a powerful entry point into entrepreneurship. By using feedback-driven strategies to refine care protocols, implement new technologies, or streamline operations, athletic trainers can transform everyday challenges into scalable solutions. Research shows that real-time feedback and leadership support enhance success in continuous improvement efforts. When grounded in individual strengths, innovation empowers athletic trainers to lead change, elevate their impact, and explore entrepreneurial ventures that advance the profession.
Learning Objectives:
- Differentiate between entrepreneurship and innovation by identifying key traits and processes unique to each.
- Describe how continuous feedback and iterative problem-solving can drive meaningful innovation in healthcare implementation.
- Consider a personalized approach to innovation and entrepreneurship that leverages individual strengths, regardless of job title or setting.
Level:
Essential
Domain(s):
Domain 5: Health Care Administration and Professional Responsibility
Orthopedic Domain(s):
N/A
Keywords:
Quality Improvement; Clinical Leadership; Professional Empowerment
CEUs:
1.0 Category A
A Statement of Credit reflecting your CEUs will be issued immediately upon the successful completion of all course components.
Course Expiration:
All sessions of the NATA 77th Symposia On-Demand must be completed by December 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
For full details, refer to the expiration policy on our FAQ page.
K. Ellis Mair, EdM, ATC
Katherine Ellis Mair, EdM, ATC, earned her bachelors in athletic training at Penn State University and then obtained her Masters Degree at Boston University in Health Education. She then worked in the secondary school setting as the Head Athletic Trainer Monsignor Bonner High School. Soon after that she worked for NXT sports, a youth sports education and event management company and became the Director of Participant Health and Safety.
One year later she founded Go4Ellis, now Go4. Ellis is not only a visionary entrepreneur but also a passionate advocate for advancing healthcare solutions in the sports medicine arena. With an illustrious background and a commitment to excellence, she has played a pivotal role in reshaping how we approach and facilitate medical coverage for sports events. As the Co-Founder of Go4, Ellis has been instrumental in developing innovative platforms that connect healthcare professionals with sports event organizers, creating a seamless and efficient process for event medical coverage. Her dedication to improving access to medical care in athletic settings has made a profound impact on the safety and well-being of athletes across various sports.
With a keen understanding of the challenges faced by athletic trainers and event organizers, Ellis has demonstrated a unique ability to bridge gaps and bring together the best of both worlds. She currently serves as the CrossFit Games Lead Athletic Trainer, sits on the Pop Warner Sports Medicine Advisory Committee and is a CAATE Foundation Board Member. Her commitment to creating opportunities for athletic trainers, while ensuring the highest standards of care at sports events is truly commendable.
