Patrick A. Karns is a Certified Athletic Trainer with a CCISM (Certification in Critical Incident Stress Management) and an Emergency Medical Technician with over three decades of experience. He has an MA in Physical Education and a BA in Psychology with a minor in Athletic Training. He was an Assistant Professor at St. Cloud State University for six years, where he taught courses in therapeutic modalities and injury care.

His research, which continues to the present, involves clinical trials (using qEEG and neuropsychological exams) to test “The Effects of CBD on the Brain of Retired Professional Athletes.” Karns was also lead investigator in a widely publicized landmark study of rollerblading as an effective new fitness training technique. In addition to his research, he co-authored a book on High School Football Injury Rates with Dr. Bernard Cahill, MD (past president of AAOSSM). He has been a guest lecturer and presenter at numerous symposia and conferences on topics ranging from “Laser Therapy Trends for MDs and ATs” to “Photobiomodulation for Pain Relief and Tissue Repair.” He currently serves on the NATA AT’s Care Commission, which provides peer-to-peer support for Athletic Trainers following catastrophic incidents.

Karns serves as an Athletic Trainer to professional athletes in the USTA Pro Circuit Tennis Tournaments--a position he has held since 2017. From 1995-2005, he served as the Head Athletic Trainer for the Colorado Avalanche (National Hockey League) for nine conference titles and 150 playoff games--including two Stanley Cups (in 1996 and 2001). Karns also worked with the Jerry Bruckheimer Hockey Tournament, and with the Denver Grizzlies (International Hockey League) including the Turner Cup in 1995. He was Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Minnesota Timberwolves (National Basketball Association) from 1993-1994.