During his formative years, Brett Sulonen endured several sports injuries. Requiring physical therapy to remedy his ailments, he became closely acquainted with the physical therapists with whom he worked and, subsequently, developed an interest in the field. As time progressed, Mr. Sulonen decided to focus his attention on athletic injuries and athletic training. Thereafter, he enrolled at the University of Findlay, from which he received a Bachelor of Science in strength and conditioning in 2010 and a master’s degree in athletic training in 2011. After earning his master’s degree, he became a certified athletic trainer. Likewise, he became a certified IMPACT trainer in 2014.
At the inception of his professional career in 2011, Mr. Sulonen joined the staff at Lakewood Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, where he served as an athletic trainer until 2012. Shortly thereafter, he served in the same capacity for P.T. Services Rehabilitation, Inc., between 2012 and July 2022. Since July 2022, Mr. Sulonen has been an athletic trainer with Athletic Training Solutions. Punctuating his prior appointments, he was also a sports medicine teacher at Cardington-Lincoln High School from 2019 to 2022, as well as an assistant baseball coach at Mt. Gilead High School from 2017 to 2018.
To remain abreast of developments in the field of physical therapy, Mr. Sulonen has maintained membership with a variety of organizations. Since 2009, he has been affiliated with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, having also been a member of the Great Lakes Athletic Trainers’ Association and a member of the secondary schools committee of the Ohio Athletic Trainers’ Association. Although he has experienced several career achievements, he is especially proud of evaluating examinations for the classes he has taught over the years. To wit, most of his recognition has been put forward in furthering the education of prospective health care providers, specifically within the area of sports medicine.
Looking toward the future, Mr. Sulonen intends to delve into providing community service to his local neighborhood and to the athletes whom he has trained. He attributes much of his success to the encouragement and support of his wife and family, and he advises future professionals in the field to continue persevering in the face of struggle. Mr. Sulonen notes that although the sports medicine industry is difficult, it is also tremendously rewarding.
