Bernie DePalma’s top priorities are the health and safety of the student-athletes, and providing them with a safe environment for training and competition. He has been an integral member of the athletic staff as head of physical therapy, athletic training and rehabilitation since August of 1980 and head athletic trainer since 1983.
DePalma graduated from Quinnipiac College with a bachelor of science degree in Physical Therapy in 1978 and received his master’s degree in athletic training-sports medicine from the University of Virginia in 1980.
DePalma works closely with the strength and conditioning staff to assist with injury prevention and with coaches in planning practice schedules to assist in the prevention of injuries.
DePalma was a founding member of the Cornell sports nutrition discussion group, which examines the role nutrition plays in the student-athlete’s well-being and performance. He also developed and manages programs he developed for graduate assistantships with Ithaca College and student athletic trainer internships from Ithaca and other area colleges. He supervises the other athletic trainers on staff.
DePalma’s expertise impacts national athletics legislation. He has served on numerous NCAA committees, including the Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sport Safety, which he chaired; the NCAA special committee on student-athlete welfare, access and equity; and the national athletic trainer’s task force which developed medical coverage guidelines for all intercollegiate athletic programs.
He was honored in 2001 by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) with the Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award. The award recognizes the NATA’s certified members for their outstanding contributions to the profession of athletic training and to the association.
DePalma and his wife, Mary, have a daughter, Taylor ’17, and a son, Turner ’21.
