Someone You Should Know

Phil Voorhis, who joined NIU in August 1989, is the head athletic trainer for Intercollegiate Athletics. He is the past recipient of a special recognition award from the Office of Student Affairs and the Buick Volunteer Spirit Award.

What are the responsibilities of your position?
My primary responsibility is to oversee the medical care of the student athletes in Intercollegiate Athletics. I also serve as the clinical instructor for the undergraduate athletic training program and oversee a staff of athletic trainers, full-time and clerical staff and students.

How did you choose your profession?
I knew during my high school years that I wanted to be involved in the field of sports medicine. I ended up a double major in chemistry and athletic training at Miami University; thereby, combining my love of athletics and medicine.

What's the best part about your job?
It is very rewarding to be a part of the educational experience that one goes through as a college student. Most satisfying is the ability to help, teach, mentor and foster the educational process with our student athletes and student trainers.

What's something unique about your position?
My main sport responsibility is to oversee the day-to-day medical care of our football team. In that position, I have the best seat in the house for our games. I actually attended a Bears game and sat in the stands for the first time in approximately 15 years and hated the experience; I'd much rather be on the sideline.

If you weren't in your current job field, what would you be doing?
I would probably be a firefighter or paramedic because I was an emergency medical technician during my college years and enjoyed the experience.

What are you reading?
The last books I read were by Tom Clancy and Dale Brown. Unfortunately, these stories became real life events in September and I really haven't picked up another book since that time.

What good movies have you seen lately?
My seven-year-old made me see "Harry Potter," but I enjoyed the film.

Do you have a favorite TV show?
"NYPD Blue."

What music are you listening to lately?
The last couple of CDs I purchased were Eric Clapton and B.B. King.

Any words to live by?
The Golden Rule—treat others as you would want to be treated and everything else should fall into place.