Turocy inducted into NATA Hall of Fame

Dr. Paula Sammarone Turocy is one of just six individuals inducted into the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Hall of Fame at the organization’s annual symposia and expo held June 27 in Indianapolis.
The NATA Hall of Fame – the highest honor an athletic trainer can receive – recognizes individuals for their significant, lasting contributions that enhance the quality of healthcare provided by athletic trainers and advance the profession. Since inducting its first class in 1962, the Hall of Fame now has 288 members, 14 of whom are women.
The Bethel Park resident is an associate professor in the Rangos School of Health Sciences and director of the pre-medical and health professions program at Duquesne University. She was the founding chair of Duquesne’s athletic training program for 21 years. In addition to her teaching, she served as the inaugural Anna L. Rangos Rizakus endowed chair in health sciences and ethics from 2004-2009. She most recently was among an interprofessional education faculty team that received a creative teaching award from Duquesne’s Center for Teaching Excellence.
“I’m truly honored to have my professional contributions recognized by my athletic training peers in such an important and special way,” said Turocy. “It has been my privilege to advance the preparation and skills of athletic trainers at the local, state and national levels. I hope that my contributions have made a difference not only for my profession, but also for all the patients we serve.”
Turocy is a Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society (PATS) Hall of Fame member and a past president of the group. She was instrumental in the founding of the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education, which is the national agency responsible for the accreditation of more than 350 professional athletic training programs. Turocy was also lead author of NATA’s position statement on safe weight loss and maintenance practices in sport and exercise.
She has given more than 100 presentations and her work has appeared in numerous professional publications. Turocy has served on several national and local professional committees and editorial boards. She earned a bachelor of science from West Chester State College; a master of arts from Michigan State University; and doctorate in education from the University of Virginia.
“We champion the outstanding contributions of these six Hall of Fame recipients and their constant commitment and passion for the athletic training profession,” said Chuck Kimmel, NATA past president and honors and awards committee chair. “They have shaped the profession through their noteworthy accomplishments and dedication to service, leadership and professionalism. We recognize and celebrate this tremendous class of 2014 and all they do to support NATA, its wide reaching programs and the members it represents.”