SLU Athletic Training Program Director Earns Multiple Honors at National Conference

Saint Louis University (SLU) Athletic Training Program Director Anthony Breitbach, Ph.D., ATC, FASAHP, was recently named both a Fellow of the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions (ASAHP) award recipient and the recipient of the ASAHP Outstanding Member award. Dr. Breitbach is one of three individuals to be recognized as fellows of the ASAHP in 2018 and is the sole recipient of the ASAHP Outstanding member award. Dr. Breitbach was recognized for his achievements at the 2018 ASAHP Annual Conference in St. Petersburg, FL.

Dr. Anthony Breitbach receiving the ASAHP Outstanding Member Award and SLU PT student Christina Vivit receiving the ASAHP Elwood Scholar Award.
(left to right): Dr. Tricia Austin, Dr. Anthony Breitbach, Dr. Mardell Wilson, Christina Vivit, Dr. Jesus Garcia-Martinez

The ASAHP Fellow award was designed to provide meaningful recognition to those members who have contributed significantly to allied health as administrators, educators, clinicians or researchers. The award seeks to stimulate the striving for excellence within allied health. The ASAHP Outstanding Member award recognizes Dr. Breitbach’s work within the organization, which includes making great strides in research and advocacy for interprofessional education with health care.

Dr. Breitbach was very grateful to be acknowledged by an organization for which he has worked so passionately.

“I feel honored to receive this unexpected recognition from such an outstanding organization,” Dr. Breitbach said. “I appreciate the trust that the ASAHP leadership has shown me in my time with the organization.”

Dr. Breitbach has worked diligently for years in his time as a member of the ASAHP, where he serves as the National Athletic Trainers’ Association liaison. He also serves as the chair of the Interprofessional Subcommittee of the ASAHP’s Professional Education Committee – a topic about which Dr. Breitbach is very passionate.

“Interprofessional Collaborative Practice is an effective means of providing efficient quality health care and improving overall health outcomes,” Dr. Breitbach said. “Interprofessional Education is essential to help our graduates be collaboration-ready as they enter the workforce to provide the highest level of patient-centered team-based care.”

Dr. Anthony Breitbach (right) receiving his ASAHP Fellow Award with ASAHP President Dr. Susan Hanrahan

SLU Doisy College of Health Sciences Dean Mardell Wilson, Ed.D, RD, LDN, believed both awards were well-deserved honors for a faculty member that represents his college and university so well.

“To be recognized with both of these national awards in the same year is a tremendous accomplishment. It is a true testament of Dr. Breitbach’s dedicated service and many contributions to the larger profession for which all of our disciplines are represented,” Dr. Wilson said. “The honors speak volumes to both the impact of Dr. Breitbach’s work and the national reputation our programs have garnered among our educational peers and aspirants dedicated to the allied health professions.”

Saint Louis University is a Catholic, Jesuit institution that values academic excellence, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service. Founded in 1818, the University fosters the intellectual and character development of nearly 13,000 students on two campuses in St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Building on a legacy of 200 years, Saint Louis University continues to move forward with an unwavering commitment to a higher purpose, a greater good.