Program Background
Rady Children’s Hospital Athletic Training Residency Program is a 12-month post-professional educational program for certified athletic trainers within the orthopedics department at Rady Children’s Hospital. The program was created to provide advanced preparation for athletic trainers through a clinical and didactic educational program that specializes in pediatric orthopedics. The residency is housed within the physician practice setting as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Rady Children’s Hospital is currently seeking accreditation for our new Athletic Training Residency program and is not yet accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The program is undergoing a comprehensive programmatic review as part of the accreditation process, which began with submitting a self-study on July 1, 2025.
Residency Program Mission Statement
To produce expert athletic trainers who can manage medical conditions commonly seen in pediatric/adolescent/young adult orthopedics.
Residency Program Vision
We aim to create an environment of continued learning for certified athletic trainers within the physician practice. Our goal is to develop leaders who can advance patient care and promote athletic trainers in the physician practice.
Residency Program Goals
- To advance the athletic trainer’s knowledge and clinical decision-making within the specialty area of pediatric orthopedics.
- To create leaders who advocate for athletic trainers in the physician practice setting.
- To contribute to the athletic training profession through research and teaching.
Well-Being and Work Hour Requirements
Residency Program Handbook
Click below to download our Athletic Training Residency Program Resident Handbook.
CAATE Aggregate Data
Click below to view Program Information and Outcomes
Contact Us
Athletic Training Residency Program Director
Sarah Gilleland Smith
3030 Children’s Way
San Diego, CA 92123
sgilleland@rchsd.org
Current Athletic Training Resident
Mary Catherine Hurley, MS, ATCMary Catherine is a board-certified athletic trainer born and raised in Arlington, VA. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Master’s degree in Athletic Training from Xavier University. Mary Catherine has experience working with youth, high school, and collegiate athletes in various sports medicine settings in the Cincinnati area. Most recently, Mary Catherine has worked as an athletic trainer for Beacon Orthopaedics at Ross High School and Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy. She is passionate about serving her patients, ensuring they receive the highest level of care while establishing relationships to foster a trustworthy and supportive healthcare environment. Mary Catherine is honored to be completing her Athletic Training Residency at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego. She is excited to further her growth as an athletic trainer and expand her clinical skillset, as well as contribute to pediatric research. Outside of athletic training, Mary Catherine enjoys the beach, golfing, and trying new restaurants and coffee shops!
Past Athletic Training Residents
Haley Ford, ATC, OTC
Haley is a board-certified athletic trainer and works closely with Brendon Mitchell, MD, who specializes in sports medicine. Haley joined the team in July of 2026. She earned her bachelor’s degree in athletic training from San Diego State University. She has cared for athletes of various levels, including youth and collegiate athletes. She previously worked at Otay Ranch High School for eight years as the athletic trainer and sports medicine teacher where she led the sports medicine program and served as a preceptor for athletic training students. She then transitioned to the physician practice setting and completed a CAATE accredited Orthopedic Athletic Training Residency at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego. After completion of her residency, she was hired by Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego Orthopedics. Haley brings her knowledge and skills from these experiences to assist in the orthopedic clinic and the operating room. She serves as a core faculty member for the Orthopedic Athletic Training Residency Program at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego.