When an athletic trainer helped John Panos rehabilitate a knee injury he suffered in high school, little did he know that the experience would be the impetus that put him on a path that not only changed his life, but many others as well.
Better known as “JP” to thousands of Fox Chapel Area High School athletes, their parents, and physicians during his 35-year tenure with the district, JP also serves as a respected educator in his field. One of his most important roles is that of an accredited clinical instructor for students in the certified athletic training programs at two local NCAA Division I universities. So far, he has instructed more than 80 students in immersion rotations that span the Foxes’ three sports seasons.
For his exemplary work, JP was recently named the inaugural Preceptor of the Year by the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation. He considers the honor incredibly gratifying because it was the entire senior class of the University of Pittsburgh’s 3-2 program that was charged with nominating and voting for the most deserving preceptor.
Over the years, many of JP’s students have become certified athletic trainers, (a few of whom work for the NFL), physician assistants, educators, physical therapists, and sports medicine physicians.
Setting the Standard
Unbeknownst to him, former interns Liz Murphy and Kate Levitt nominated JP for the award.
Liz, who is entering the final portion of her training, says, “JP was my first clinical experience, and he prepared me for what I can expect out of people in the future. He took my lack of experience and made me into a better clinician. I don’t think I will ever find another mentor like him.”
Kate, who also has just a few months before she receives her master’s degree in the field, is currently applying to physical therapy programs. Her training with JP has helped her enormously, she says.
“The first thing that comes to mind when I think of my experience with JP at Fox Chapel Area High School is that he had confidence in me, even when I did not. He put a lot of trust in me, and his trust made me more confident in myself and my abilities. He takes every opportunity and makes it into a learning experience. He also is interested in his students as people. He wants to get to know us, our hobbies, and families, and that helps to form a strong relationship.”
JP says he keeps the following sentiment in mind when training the next generation of athletic trainers: “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn.”
“Our job is to involve our students and prepare them for their future,” he says.
JP’s eventual selection was boosted by his familiarity and reputation throughout the WPIAL, particularly as they relate to his massive coordination of the health and wellness aspect of the athletes participating in the annual Allegheny County Wrestling Championships held at Fox Chapel Area High School. The event, founded by members of the wrestling program decades ago, requires JP to seek out the volunteer services of certified athletic trainers, student trainers, and physicians to provide coverage at the two-day event. Many of his former students, and even those who have not done their clinical work in the district, volunteer each year to help out.
Although the fall season is still a few weeks away, JP has already lined up two students for their onsite clinical rotation. One is from Pitt and another from Duquesne University, where he has also served as an immersion clinical instructor since Duquesne established its program 30 years ago.
Fox Chapel Area Athletic Director Mike O’Brien praised his athletic trainer and assistant athletic director, saying, “In my role, I have come to know many, many athletic trainers from other high schools and also talked with my peers about their athletic training and prevention programs, and the treatments provided to student-athletes. Without a doubt, John is the finest high school-certified athletic trainer I’ve come across. We are very thankful and appreciative for everything he has done and continues to do on behalf of our young athletes and the community, and in furthering the education of future certified athletic trainers. His tireless efforts and commitment have contributed greatly to the quality of our own athletics program and helped elevate it to one of the very best in the WPIAL.”