May 7, 2020 | Erin Bluvas, bluvase@sc.edu
Originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, Kacey Ohlemeyer became interested in public health because he liked the idea of protecting and improving the health of individuals and their communities. He chose athletic training because it provided an opportunity to work in a healthcare profession that promotes physical activity and encompasses all three levels of prevention: primary, secondary, tertiary.
“Public health is about the greater good of human beings and looks to limit health disparities,” Ohlemeyer says. “Athletic training services include primary care, injury and illness prevention, wellness promotion and education, emergent care, examination and clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions.”
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Indiana State University in 2018, Ohlemeyer moved right into the Master of Science in Advanced Athletic Training in the Arnold School’s Department of Exercise Science.
“The post-professional program has a wide variety of diverse clinical experiences, coupled with unique research opportunities and advanced educational content,” Ohlemeyer says of choosing UofSC. “The alumni network of Gamecock athletic trainers is extensive and was an enticing aspect as well.”
During his program, Ohlemeyer has developed interests in nutrition, manual therapy, professionalism and outcome measures. His research has focused on the energy needs of male endurance runners, and he has presented as multiple professional conferences.
On the clinical side, Ohlemeyer served as an athletic trainer for the UofSC Track and Field and Cross Country Teams and spent nearly a year providing athletic training services to the women volleyball and softball teams at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg. He also held roles on the Arnold School of Public Health’s Dean’s Student Advisory Council and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee’s Executive Board, as well as with the Graduate Chapter of South Carolina Athletic Training Association (Alumni Chair).
Within his department, Ohlemeyer found mentors in post professional athletic training program director and associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion Toni Torres-McGehee and clinical assistant professor Zachary Winkelmann. “Dr. Torres-McGehee embodies hard work and determination and has shown me how to lead by example and when/how to stand up for individuals that are marginalized,” Ohlemeyer says. “Dr. Winkelmann has seen me grow from a professional student to a young-professional, and he has always shown me the right thing to do.”
After graduating this month with the Arnold School’s Jeffrey Keith Mattison Outstanding Student Achievement Award, Ohlemeyer will enroll in the Athletic Training Residency Program (Orthopedics and Diagnostics Clinical Focus Area) at Boston University. Long term, he would like to work in a university setting as an athletic trainer specializing in orthopedic diagnostics. He also looks forward to giving back to his profession by serving on volunteer committees for professional responsibility and governmental affairs.
Follow the journeys of some of our other May graduates.