Indianpolis, IN -- February 28, 2019 - The NFL Physicians Society (NFLPS) hosted an awards ceremony at its annual General Medical & Scientific Meeting during the NFL Scouting Combine where it honored Jim Whalen of the New England Patriots with the Fain-Cain Memorial Award for Outstanding NFL Athletic Trainer of the Year.

"Jim is a consummate professional in his interactions with players, coaches, ownership, medical and training staff," said Dr. Paul Cusick M.D.,physician and voting member for the New England Patriots. "Jim is an advocate for the players [and] is both an excellent listener and diagnostician. He is able to pinpoint the source of an injury and then construct a program to rehabilitate the player to minimize time lost and optimizie performace and prevent injury."

Whalen has served as an athletic trainer in the NFL for 19 years. He started as the Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2000, and became the Head Athletic Trainer in 2002 for the New England Patriots. In addition to his work with the New England Patriots, Whalen serves on the NFL Cardiovascular Committee and the General Medical Subcommittee.

The Fain-Cain Award is named for Dr. Thomas E. Cain, M.D., and Dr. Robert H. Fain, M.D., both long-time team physicians for the former Houston Oilers. The award was established shortly after Dr. Cain's death and Dr. Fain's retirement. The award is given annually to an NFL athletic trainer who best reflects the virtues of a certified athletic trainer and displays the highest level of professionalism.

Last year's winner was Dave Hammer of the Indianapolis Colts.