Dr. Eric Fuchs, professor of athletic training, was elected a Distinguished Fellow in the Athletic Training Academy by the National Academies of Practice (NAP). On April 1, Fuchs was honored and recognized in the Class of 2023 Fellows during the induction ceremony held in Washington, D.C.
Fuchs has taught at Eastern Kentucky University for 18 years. He has expertise in emergency care of critically injured athletes, wound care and athletic training education.
“My nomination and selection as a Fellow in the National Academies of Practice for athletic training is an incredible honor,” said Fuchs. “My work to improve interprofessional education, interprofessional practice of athletic trainers and teaching athletic training has always been about achieving the best outcomes for my patients and my students’ future patients. It is humbling to be recognized alongside other Fellows across all of the healthcare professions represented in the NAP.”
The NAP was founded in 1981 to advise governmental bodies on the healthcare system. The NAP represents several healthcare professions and academies including allopathic and osteopathic medicine, athletic training, audiology, dentistry, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, podiatric medicine, psychology, respiratory care, social work, speech-language pathology and veterinary medicine.
Distinguished fellows in the NAP is an honor extended to those who have excelled in their profession and dedicated themselves to furthering interprofessional practice, scholarship and policy in support of interprofessional care.
Fuchs is currently a professor in EKU’s Department of Parks, Recreation, Exercise and Sport Science within the College of Health Sciences. The department offers several academic programs, including the bachelor of science in exercise and sport science with the option of a pre-athletic training concentration.