After serving seven years as the Head Athletic Trainer, Matthew Bussman was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine during the 2015-2016 academic year. Matthew coordinates all aspects of the athletic training and sports medicine program.
Bussman has been a key member of Seattle University's transition to NCAA Div. I status over the past several years. During this time, he has overseen the implementation of a sports medicine program focusing on accessible high quality care that values health of the whole person, safety and athletic performance. Matthew has also served as a member of the senior administrative staff within the athletic department and has assisted many major strategic planning initiatives within athletics.
Bussman came to Seattle University in July of 2008 directly from Johns Hopkins University where he held the associate athletic trainer position from 2003 - 2008. In 2007 Bussman was named the Johns Hopkins University Employer of the Year for his dedication to the student employment program.
From July 2000 through November 2005, Bussman was an intern athletic trainer for the Seattle Seahawks, working multiple camps and assisting with daily athletic training room operations. He also assisted with several preseason and regular season football games, both home and away, through the 2005 season.
Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Bussman received his undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education; Athletic Training at Eastern Washington University in Cheney, WA and a Master of Education in Sports Administration at Belmont University in Nashville, TN. During his time in Nashville, Bussman worked as a graduate assistant athletic trainer for Vanderbilt Sports Medicine working with the varsity athletic teams for both Belmont University and Vanderbilt University.
Bussman instructs Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries (SPEX 3210) in the Seattle University Sports and Exercise Science program which includes hands-on lab instruction as well as written case studies.
Bussman is an active member of the National Athletic Trainers' Association and the Washington State Athletic Trainers' Association. Bussman currently holds a national athletic training certification through the NATABOC and an athletic training license with the Washington State Department of Health. Bussman is also trained in Graston Techniques, Active Release, massage cupping and contemporary cupping certifed through the International Cupping Therapy Association. Bussman recently served as the chairman of the Athletic Training Advisory Board for the Washington State Department of Health reporting to the Secretary of Health as well as a board representative for weekly Washington state healthcare legislative discussions and opinions. This year, Bussman transitioned within the Washington State Department of Health as a board member for the Dental Hygiene Examining Committee to help provide a unique perspective within the Washington state dental community. He will also serve on the Dental Collaboration Committee with various dental professionals as well as continue his role with legislative opinions pertaining to health and safety.
