Finding a career in Sports Medicine.
Spotlight: Paul Westerberg, M.A., L.A.T., Clinic and Sports Medicine Supervisor
Having grown up outside of Duluth Minnesota, Paul was introduced to Sports Medicine in high school when he got to shadow their athletic trainer (AT). With that experience he confidently pursued his Athletic Training education at St. Cloud State University and then completed his graduate degree from the University of Nebraska. He and his new wife (whom he met at school) knew they wanted to find their way back to Minnesota to be closer to family. When Paul saw an opening at Heartland Orthopedics, they were excited to find a big-city career with an outdoorsy lifestyle. To complete the circle, Paul was able to serve the Alexandria Area High School students as their AT from 2002 to 2017.
“Heartland is a regional leader in Sports Medicine. Why do our amazing surgeons want to come here instead of the Twin Cities? Because they don’t want to sit in traffic for an hour every day. Here, you can be in the duck blind or on the water in ten minutes,” smiles Paul. “And our practice is unique because ATs also get to spend time on the sidelines AND in the clinic, working side-by-side with the surgeons. Alexandria is a great place to live and Heartland is a great place to work. We have all of the equipment and expertise a large facility has.”
Now that Paul is the Sports Medicine Supervisor, he is sensitive to how challenging attending all of the high school sports games can be for someone raising a family. “Healthcare never stops, but as the supervisor, it’s my job to do whatever I can to reduce the impact of those extra hours on my staff,” comments Paul.
Paul Westerberg teaching a Bone Injury and Casting class with his daughter as a student.
Even in his early days at Heartland, Paul Westerberg knew how important it was to invest his time in education. Now, 22 years later, he thinks the need is even greater. Every year, Paul teaches a class on bone injuries and cast making—giving students a small glimpse into the world of Sports Medicine. This year’s class was extra special for Paul as his daughter was one of the students. “And Grace right now has intentions of going into health care. It would be so cool if after school, she came back and joined the Alomere team. Listen, who’s going to take care of me when I’m 70?”
The Heartland Orthopedic Specialists team.
