Which of the following is NOT typically a function of an athletic trainer?

An athletic trainer’s primary role encompasses a range of responsibilities aimed at the health and safety of athletes. Among these duties, preventing injuries, rehabilitating injured athletes, and providing emergency care are all fundamental components of their practice.

Preventing injuries involves implementing strategies such as developing conditioning programs, educating athletes about safe practices, and ensuring proper equipment is used. When it comes to rehabilitation, athletic trainers are crucial in designing and overseeing recovery programs that help athletes regain strength and functionality after an injury. They also handle emergency care, which can include assessing injuries on-site and providing first aid or initiating emergency action plans.

Conducting surgery, however, falls outside the scope of an athletic trainer's responsibilities. This procedure is performed by medical doctors or surgeons who have undergone specialized training. Therefore, stating that conducting surgery is a function of an athletic trainer is inaccurate, as it does not align with the skills and responsibilities typically assigned to athletic trainers.