At Pacific Since: 2020

Manuel “Manny” G. Romero, PhD, ATC, CSCS, PES, CES earned his bachelor of science in biology from Loyola Marymount University in 1997 and his master of science in exercise science from California University of Pennsylvania in 2005. He earned his doctor of philosophy in athletic training from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in 2015.

Throughout his career, Dr. Romero has paired a hands-on approach with clinical knowledge. He also brings strong interpersonal skills to his work in rehabilitation, injury prevention and overall athletic performance. As an athletic trainer, he has employed cutting-edge technology, including the use of facial recognition and artificial intelligence to aid with movement assessments.

Prior to coming to Pacific, Dr. Romero worked for two NBA teams. He served as head athletic trainer and director of research and innovation for the Sacramento Kings. Familiar with working under pressure, he has been involved in several playoffs. He spent seven seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, culminating in two world championships.

Dr. Romero is a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). He is a NATA Certified Athletic Trainer and NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

A strong proponent of continuing education, he is a NASM Certified Corrective Exercise Specialist and Performance Enhancement Specialist. Dr. Romero has also completed the Functional Movement Systems Level 1, Gary Institute’s Chain Reaction Transformation, NATA’s Evaluation and Interpretation of Running Gait and Owens Recovery Science’s Blood Flow Restriction. His desire to maintain a firm grasp on new technology and advances in sports medicine prompted him to earn his PhD.

Teaching Philosophy: “I hope to facilitate independent, critical and creative thinking. The athletic training profession requires an understanding of a wide variety of practical domains. My recent clinical experience has allowed me to provide students with present-day clinical scenarios. We often work through these as a team to create effective collaboration in real-world situations. Establishing strong connections between the students, content and clinical practice is important in athletic training education. My hope is that the connections I help students form will not only give them the skills and experience to be successful in their individual careers, but will be long-lasting and will help shape how they engage with society.”

Courses:
ATTR 200 - Anatomical Kinesiology for Athletic Training
ATTR 211 - Lower Extremity: Examination and Clinical Diagnosis I
ATTR 242 - Strength and Conditioning in Athletic Training
ATTR 251 - Acute Care and Emergency Management
ATTR 287A - Clinical Experience I
ATTR 287B - Clinical Experience II
ATTR287C - Clinical Experience III
ATTR 292A - Pre-Season Clinical Internship
ATTR 292B - Clinical Internship

Research Summary: “My research interests include injury prevention and issues facing athletic trainers working in professional sports. I am currently developing courses and research correlating with a complex system approach to injury risk mitigation.”

Research Interests:

• Injury prevention
• Athletic training workplace issues
• Psychosocial aspects of athletic training

Manuel G. Romero, William A. Pitney, Kirk Brumels, and Stephanie M. Mazerolle (2018) Role Strain, Part 1: Experiences of Athletic Trainers Employed in the Professional Sports Setting. Journal of Athletic Training: February 2018, Vol. 53, No. 2, pp. 184-189. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-213-16

Manuel G. Romero, William A. Pitney, Stephanie M. Mazerolle, and Kirk Brumels (2018) Role Strain, Part 2: Perceptions Among Athletic Trainers Employed in the Professional Practice Setting. Journal of Athletic Training: February 2018, Vol. 53, No. 2, pp. 190-201. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-214-16