Whether in the field or behind the scenes, leaders shape the world of athletics. Leadership challenges are found whenever humans seek to realize a common goal. Athletics and leadership, therefore, are closely interlinked. At McDonough, students use leadership development as a way to prepare themselves for key professional areas – sports management and athletic training. Through coursework and hands-on experiences, our graduates develop the confidence to lead others on and off the field.

Fizzy Ramsey '07

1. Basic Information:  

Name: Elizabeth “Fizzy” Ramsey
Title: Certified Athletic Trainer
Organization: Marietta College, Marietta Memorial Hospital
City: Marietta State: OH Country: USA

2. Educational Record:

At Marietta College:
Graduation Year: 2007
Major(s): Athletic Training
Minor(s): Biology
Certificate(s): Leadership Studies

Honors/Awards: Magna Cum Laude; Omicron Delta Kappa; Alpha Lambda Delta; Academic All-Ohio Athletic Conference Award

3. Describe your organization and what you do in this organization (job responsibilities, recent projects, work environment).

I serve as the primary Athletic Trainer for women’s volleyball and men and women’s track and field at Marietta College. Marietta has an accredited athletic training education program, in which I serve as an accredited clinical instructor for two to three students per sport. I help facilitate their learning in the clinical setting through hands-on training, critical thinking exercises and general observation. My area of sports medicine encompasses the prevention, diagnosis and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions in the student-athletes. I collaborate with physicians and other allied health professionals to diagnose and treat diseases and injuries in order to optimize the athlete’s activity and participation.

I have also worked as a Wellness Specialist at Marietta Memorial Hospital, which is a nonprofit, 199-bed hospital with approximately 1200 employees. I started as an intern within the Administration department where I proposed a plan for the design and relocation of the hospital’s Wellness (fitness) Center. The proposal was accepted and I was then hired to design and assist in the relocation of the Wellness Center. In addition to assisting in that project I have worked to incorporate a culture of wellness within the hospital staff while co-directing the Wellness Committee. I have focused on directing wellness programs including health screenings, walking programs and recurrent Weight Watchers at Work sessions. I coordinated the operation of the Wellness Center upon the reopening in the new location.

4. Briefly discuss how "leadership" plays a role in your professional field.

Although my two areas of vocation involve different responsibilities and tasks, they both require a self-directed approach. I serve as a role model for students pursing a future career in the healthcare field. Whether the students are pursuing athletic training, physical therapy or medical school, it is part of my responsibility as a clinical instructor to foster a constructive learning environment that develops a wide variety of skills. Directing a hospital committee, on the other hand, requires a different set of tools needed to work with colleagues. I must be forward thinking and organized. Also, I must realize when it is my position to lead a meeting and when the guidance of an administrative director is more appropriate. In addition, managing skills are needed to coordinate wellness programs and to motivate staff participation.

5. Briefly discuss how the McDonough Leadership Program prepared you for this professional field and leadership challenges.

The ability to critically think was one of the most valuable tools I collected through the McDonough Leadership Program. I developed a habit of exploring the many facets of an organization and analyzing the many personalities that contribute to its structure. After developing these abilities, I became more assertive and advanced by placing myself in leadership roles. The practicum courses built a strong foundation for facilitation and allowed me to improve my expression of ideas. The leadership program in conjunction with my athletic training, biology and varsity athletics experience provided a challenging curriculum and schedule, preparing me to better manage the professional and personal challenges that come along with being a leader and follower. The program also revealed my love for community and enjoyment in providing a service.