Downers Grove South High School, Past IATA President, First Program Director. The benefit to each cannot be overstated. The physician is afforded more time to focus on the advanced level skills and techniques while the athletic trainer can manage the mid-level skill sets. This mid-level component is unique in that the athletic trainer serves as an authoritative and skilled bridge between the physician and patient. When working optimally, the collaboration frees up time and resources by both professionals so more time and energy can be spent focusing on the patient. Not only does this mean sharing in clinical tasks/duties, but also the administrative components of running the practice.