Dr. Brent Marshall, EdD, LAT, ATC, CES, PES is a certified athletic trainer (ATC) and holds a Doctorate of Education from Concordia University (Portland, OR/Wisconsin) with an emphasis in higher education leadership, continuous improvement and innovation. His dissertation focused on non-contact sport coaches’ attitudes, beliefs and behaviors of sport-related concussion. He also holds a Masters of Science degree from Weber State University (Ogden, Utah) in athletic training and Bachelors of Arts degree in kinesiology from Whitworth University (Spokane, Washington). Clinically, Dr. Marshall has worked with all levels of athletes including high school, collegiate, amateur, semi-professional and professional. Within the sports medicine program at UWS, in addition to clinical instruction he teaches evaluation, rehabilitation, taping, and emergency care content and courses throughout the program. His research interests include student-learning, student learning outcomes from online and hybrid classrooms, sport-related concussion and educational degree standards for allied health professions. He also has additional certifications for corrective exercise, athletic performance enhancement and others.
Why did you choose to work with athletes?
I chose to work with athletes as I suffered several injuries as a young athlete. At the time, there was really no sports medicine care at the high school level. I discovered sports medicine as a career field and set myself on that path.
What is the most rewarding part of your job at UWS and with the athletic population?
The most rewarding part of my job is working with the diverse nature of athletes from around the Portland area and helping them on a path to recover from injury and illness to allow them to succeed on and off the field.
How do you stand out? How do you make your niche in the field of sports?
I think it’s important for anyone wanting to stand out in the field of sports medicine by first getting a solid formal education in the discipline. Then, finding a way to help those who need care the most and working every chance you get to help. Be a hard worker and be genuine. Remember that you are there to help the athletes succeed and they are your number one priority.
Advice for current students who want to work with athletes?
Find a mentor that you align with. Spend time with them, pick their brain, ask lots of questions. Practice. Be kind and compassionate, always.
How do you think your work aligns with the UWS philosophy on integrating disciplines?
As a licensed athletic trainer, by nature of my formal educational background I bring a different perspective to students who are largely completing their Doctorate of Chiropractic degree and master’s in sports medicine. My viewpoint from a whole other profession shows that sports medicine teams are made up of various professions, each with different skills to bring to the table to treat patients and help them succeed.
