A Christmas Card from the SLU AT Education Program!

 

 Christmas Prayer 

By Robert Louis Stevenson

  Oh, God...
help us rightly to remember
the birth of Jesus, that
we may share in the songs
of the angels, the gladness
of the shepherds, and the
worship of the wise men. 
May the Christmas morning

make us happy to be your children.

SLU AT Students Host Holiday Event

The Saint Louis University Athletic Training Society (SLATS) hosted a successful holiday event which featured a screening of the Christmas movie "Elf", holiday treats and a toy drive for Children's Hospital of St. Louis.  It took place in the Carlo Auditorium at Tegeler Hall at Saint Louis University on December 4, 2011.

SLU AT students Maggie Meier, JJ Hannigan, Hilary Orf, Haylie Dehm, Janese Evans, Nygel Williams, Adam Long, Katie Schneebeck and Emily Grace.

Faculty Presentations Highlight Doisy Alumni Event at Chaifetz Arena

On Saturday, December 3, 2011, the Doisy College of Health Sciences Alumni Association featured its 2nd annual "Blackboard to Backboard" event at Chaifetz Arena prior to the Billikens Men's Basketball game versus the University of Portland.  It featured the link between what is being studied in the classroom and what happens on the court and/or field.  The theme was concussion management with presentations by faculty members Dr. Anthony Breitbach (Athletic Training), Dr. Christine Werner (Physician Assistant) and Crystal Botkin (Nuclear Medical Technology) as well as a welcome from Dr. Charlotte Royeen, Dean of the the Doisy College.  It also consisted of tours of the Chaifetz Arena's sports medicine and strength training facilities, hosted by Jonathan Burch and Erick Schork from SLU athletics.  Dinner was also provided in Lorenzini's Restaurant in the arena prior to the 73-53 win by the Billikens.

The tour included the state of the art Chaifetz Arena sports medicine facilities.

Basketball games at SLU are always fun events!

Visiting Baseball Heaven!

On Monday, November 28, 2011, the students and faculty of the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Education Program visited Busch Stadium as a guest of Greg Hauck ATC, the Head Athletic Trainer for the World Champion St. Louis Cardinals.  In addition to getting access to the athletic training room, they toured the weight room, the clubhouse, the dugout and the field.  Mr. Hauck spent an hour with the students talking to them about his career, the life of a Major League Baseball athletic trainer and his work with the Cardinals, including the exciting World Series run in 2011.  It is great to have such fine colleagues in St. Louis with which to interact and learn!

SLU AT students on the field at Busch Stadium.

SLU AT students in the Cardinals clubhouse at Busch Stadium.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Saint Louis University Athletic Training Education Program wishes you a happy, blessed and safe Thanksgiving!  May you be in the company of special friends and family to give thanks for the blessings that have been bestowed upon us all!

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Webster Groves High School

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their clinical instructor. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction is a major asset for the SLU AT education program.

Webster Groves High School
By:  Bridget Quirk (MAT Class of 2013)

Home of the Statesmen!

I’m at Webster Groves High School with my ACI. Sean Wright ATC, and Kemba Noel-London, a second year SLU AT student. At this point in the semester, we have a system figured out to help assess, treat and rehabilitate the athletes as effectively and efficiently as possible.  We recently received a computer for the athletic training room and installed the 2011 Sportsware program. Athletes sign in everyday and check off the type of treatment they will be receiving so we can account for who comes in, their injury, and what we did for the injury.  We also make a rehab chart of exercises and modalities for each athlete so they can be more independent.  This allows us to tape and assess injuries while those with a rehab program get started their exercises.    

Sean Wright ATC (left) and SLU AT student Bridget Quirk (right) take a Webster Groves student-athlete through rehab exercises.

There is a rush of people when school gets out and Sean tries to have Kemba and I manage the majority of the flow. I usually tape, take histories, set up modalities and get athletes started on their exercises while Kemba does assessments.  After I become familiar with certain (common) injuries, Sean will let me create a rehab plan for an athlete and monitor the progress as if he/she were my patient.  Sean gives us a lot of freedom and (for the most part) let’s us do whatever we feel confident doing.  For football games, Sean has students from his high school Athletic Training class run and fill water so I can focus on the game and sidelines.  Kemba and I alternate running onto the field with Sean if an athlete is down while the other watches from the sideline, prepared to bring an AED or splints if necessary.  When Sean explains an assessment or taping technique, he will ask questions so that I can apply my anatomy and kinesiology foundation and better understand why it is done in that manner.  Not only have I practiced and improved my classroom and lab skills, but I have also learned a lot from my ACI and my experience thus far.

Guest Lecturers Enrich Therapeutic Modalities Class

The Saint Louis University Athletic Training Education Program is fortunate to have a wealth of health professionals in the area that can serve as instructors and guest lecturers.  This has been the case in MAT 530 - Therapeutic Modalities, where there has been several presentations by clinicians from the community.

Dr. Larry Burrell demonstrating ART on SLU AT student Katie Herington.

On November 17, 2011, Dr. Larry Burrell of Performance Chiropractic presented on Active Release Technique (ART), which addresses soft tissue injuries.  Dr. Burrell is also affiliated with the St. Louis Rams, St. Louis Blues and Washington University Athletics.

Nick Washmuth DPT , DMT looks on while James Sepich ATC demonstrates Graston technique.

Nick Washmuth DPT, DMT and James Sepich ATC, of Monroe Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, presented on the Graston Technique on November 14, 2011.  They work together at a clinic in Columbia, IL where James serves as the Athletic Trainer at Columbia High School.

Miya Sullivan ATC demonstrates kinesiotaping

On November 10, 2011 Miya Sullivan ATC, Staff Athletic Trainer for SLU Athletics, presented on kinesiotaping.  Miya serves as the athletic trainer for the Billikens women's soccer, softball and tennis teams.

SLU AT students Rohini Jaglan, Bridget Quirk and Rachel Cocek (left to right) practice kinesiotaping on a knee.

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Saint Louis University

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their clinical instructor. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction is a major asset for the SLU AT education program.

Saint Louis University

By: Vince DiRenzo (MAT Class of 2013)
  

The Approved Clinical Instructor (ACI) for my clinical assignment is with the athletic trainer for the men’s basketball team at Saint Louis University. After working with and getting to know SLU Assistant Athletic Director/Head Athletic Trainer Jonathan Burch ATC, I must say I am excited for what is in store for the rest of the semester. I have come to realize that my ACI is a very useful resource for helping me to understand things better that I don’t quite pick up in class. Our one on one time is very beneficial for me since I can pick his brain about questions I have on topics we are studying in class and for understanding the basis for the clinical decisions he makes. Being able to pick up things he does during an examination and understanding why he does certain tests is very important. This is the beginning of me building my own foundation of clinical knowledge to use with my future patients.

SLU AT student Vince DiRenzo (left) with Jonathan Burch ATC (right) prior to a basketball scrimmage in Chaifetz Arena

I understand that being placed with the men’s basketball team is a privilege since they are a high profile team. The fact that I have this assignment makes me somewhat nervous since I know my ACI is expecting a lot out of me. However, I feel if I can handle this as my first, it will only benefit me for future clinical assignments. The fact that he knows this can be stressful for me helps to put my mind at ease. He has been nothing but flexible in working out my schedule and never gives me more than I can handle. For that reason, I am very comfortable with talking to my ACI about any problems I might have. He understands this and I feel we will make a great team this semester.

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - SIU-Edwardsville

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their clinical instructor. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction is a major asset for the SLU AT education program.

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
By: Adriana Black (MAT Class of 2013)

I have been on a clinical rotation at Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville (SIUe) for just about two months. It has been a true growing experience as it puts to practice the notion that the profession of athletic training is one that is completely unpredictable and requires much flexibility. Having my clinical rotations at such a large institution puts many privileges and opportunities at our disposal. The facilities, equipment, and technology are excellent and I am already pretty spoiled because I have access to such top-notch amenities.Working at a NCAA Division I university is something that I have been looking forward to since my enrollment in the Athletic Training Education Program here at SLU. The biggest benefit that I have experienced in this large, competitive D-I setting is having that opportunity to work alongside so many different professionals and work with so many different athletes. At SIUe, there is a head athletic trainer, three assistant athletic trainers, two graduate student athletic trainers, two student workers, and two SLU athletic training students that work in the two athletic training rooms. I have had the chance to interact with all of them. It has really been a blessing to see all of the professionals in action and discuss their insight and perspective. Another huge benefit of my clinical experience thus far is that of flexibility. My ACIs have been very adaptable to our experience in that they have allowed us to interact with a variety of sports and events. I have worked with soccer, volleyball, track, cross-country, wrestling, basketball, tennis, softball, and baseball to a degree. Mostly, the time in this clinical rotation has been spent with both men and women’s soccer teams.

SLU AT student (left) with Ben Heimos ATC

Ben Heimos ATC is the athletic trainer for the women’s soccer team. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Ben as he creates a very laid-back, yet productive atmosphere for the whole team. He always is honest with his team and maintains a level head whenever the athletes are plagued with injury. More than anything I appreciate his realness with his the team as that is the approach I will always want to maintain when I fill the role of an athletic trainer for a team. Though Ben claims that he is not a good teacher and that having students shadow him is a new experience, I have learned a lot from him by simply watching. I ask Ben questions frequently and he is always helpful in his responses. I actually appreciate that a lot as it lets me figure it out and I learn more that way. I know that if I ever have a real doubt I can ask him and he will be happy to assist in any way, but learning on my own by being in his presence is a fruitful learning experience in and of itself. It goes without saying that my time in Edwardsville has been eye-opening, educational, and entertaining. I have really connected with the athletes that I have treated and the clinical instructors that I am lucky to work beside. I look forward to seeing what the next clinical rotation has in store.

SLU AT Program Faculty and Students Participate in Healthfest

The Saint Louis University Athletic Training Education Program participated in Healthfest at the St. Louis Science Center on November 12, 2011.  Healthfest featured health and medical oriented activities by dozens of community organizations and 100's of familes from the St. Louis region.  The SLU AT program’s presentation featured experiential activities based on principles of balance, agility and quickness.  The program was developed by Dr. Tim Howell and the students in SLU’s MAT Class of 2012: Leah Egeland, JJ Hannigan, Kacey Morrison and Kemba Noel-London.

Activities included speed/agility ladders, balance mats, dyna-discs, BOSU balls and a Star Excursion Mat.  An instructional video was developed to assist the students in the presentation, which was done in the Science Center’s Life Sciences lab.  The SLU AT program is dedicated to advocacy of the AT profession in the region and an informational brochure was developed and distributed to attendees for that purpose. 

SLU AT students Ryan Vallo, Alex Sawyer and Maggie Meier (left to right)

Dr. Tony Breitbach, Program Director, (middle) pictured with SLU AT students Adriana Black, AJ Butler, Bridget Quirk and Mary Finkenkeller (left to right)

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Fontbonne University

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their clinical instructor. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction is a major asset for the SLU AT education program.

Fontbonne University

By: Mary Finkenkeller and Maggie Meier (MAT Class of 2013)

We are enjoying our first clinical rotation at Fontbonne University, a NCAA Division III school in Clayton, MO. Fontbonne University has 2 full time Athletic Trainers, Andrea Christensen ATC and Brooklyn Dunihoo ATC, on staff working with all of the sports teams. We are lucky because we have the opportunity to work with not only the soccer team, but also the volleyball, basketball, softball, baseball, golf, cross country, and lacrosse.  Working with all the sports teams is a wonderful opportunity for us to see all kinds of injuries. We’ve e observed and evaluated not only the common ankle and knee injuries with soccer, but also shoulder and back injuries with volleyball and basketball.

SLU AT student Mary Finkeller, Brooklyn Dunihoo ATC, Andrea Christensen ATC, and SLU AT student Maggie Meier work together in their clinical experience at Fontbonne University.

Counterbalancing each other perfectly, Andrea and Brooklyn are great ACIs who work very well together as a team.  Andrea is an encyclopedia of Athletic Training and teaches us all about the fundamental knowledge behind the skills that Athletic Trainers perform and why we perform them. Brooklyn is more of a hands-on teacher who believes you learn best by doing and provides more practice for us in the training room.  Since beginning our clinical rotation at Fontbonne, our knowledge of athletic training has changed and greatly improved.  We now understand more fully the impact athletic trainers have on athlete’s lives and the vital skills we provide in tough situations.  Our experiences at Fontbonne have made us more excited to keep learning more about athletic training and keep improving throughout the SLU AT program.

SLU AT Students Inducted to National Allied Health Honor Society

SLU Athletic Training students Libby Deiters (Breese, IL) and Maggie Meier (St. Louis, MO), both from the MAT Class of 2013, were inducted into the SLU Chapter of Alpha Eta. The ceremony was held on Thursday, October 10, 2011 in the Multipurpose Room of the Allied Health Building at Saint Louis University.

SLU AT students and Alpha Eta inductees Maggie Meier (left) and Libby Deiters (right)

Alpha Eta is the national scholastic honor society for the Allied Health Professions. The society was founded in 1975 and was named for the Greek letters equivalent to the first letters of Allied Health. Its purposes are the promotion and recognition of significant scholarship,leadership, and contributions to the Allied Health Professions. The society's motto is "Together We Serve, " and its colors are light green and white.

Maggie and Libby with Dr. Tony Breitbach, SLU AT Program Director

Criteria for Induction
Students working toward undergraduate degrees must maintain GPAs of 3.5 or better while enrolled in their professional allied health programs. Graduate students must maintain GPAs of 3.8 or higher while enrolled in their programs. All candidates should show capacity for leadership and achievement in their chosen fields, be recommended by members of Alpha Eta, and approved by the Dean of the College. Faculty candidates must have a minimum of three years experience as educators in their disciplines and also must have significant records of scholarship, leadership, and service to Allied Health education or practice.

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Lutheran High School South

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their clinical instructor. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction is a major asset for the SLU AT education program.

Lutheran High School South

By: Ryan Vallo (MAT Class of 2013) 

Home of the Lancers!

My first clinical experience is working with certified athletic trainer Nikki Duncan at Lutheran High School South.  I assist her in covering every sport from field hockey to wrestling.  Working with so many sports allows me to see multiple injuries that may be due to sport specific activities.  Nikki helps me assess these injuries, develop a plan of action, and progress the athlete back to return to play.  This clinical experience has allowed me to be hands on with athletes and further my professional skills.  Not only is this experience about educational improvement, but it has allowed me to develop a great relationship with Nikki.  She is always there to critique me when it comes to my professional skills such as prophylactic taping techniques, stretching, and strengthening exercises.  Nikki shows me that their is always way to improve upon something.  Nikki always wants me to push myself past what I knew before and continue to learn and grow.

Nikki Duncan ATC (left) pictured with SLU AT student Ryan Vallo (right)

During our down time in the athletic training room, Nikki helps me prepare for classes such as musculoskeletal assessment and  therapeutic modalities.  We try to take what I am learning in the classroom and translate the material to a clinical practicum setting.  The correlation between the two allows me to take skills I have learned and fine tune them.  I really enjoy working at the high school setting and developing a relationship with Nikki.  I will not forget the skills she has taught me as I progress through the professional phases of this program and my career.

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Washington University Football

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their clinical instructor. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction is a major asset for the SLU AT education program.

Rick Larsen ATC serves as the primary approved clinical instructor for three SLU AT students with the football team at Washington University in St. Louis.  They are J.J. Hannigan (MAT Class of 2012), Janese Evans (MAT Class of 2013) and  Katie Herington (MAT Class of 2013).

Washington University Football

By: Katie Mae Herington (MAT Class of 2013)

I have spent my first clinical experience at Washington University in St. Louis working primarily with Rick Larsen. I’ve also gotten to work with Jim Anderson, Kelly Lawson, and Kellie Black. It has been a great experience so far. Each athletic trainer has had different experiences, so it’s nice to have different opinions on certain treatments, taping techniques, and other things pertaining to athletic training. I’ve been working specifically with the football team, so I’ve gotten to see a wide variety of injuries. We’ve had multiple ACL tears, a tibial plateau fracture, an elbow hyperextension, torn ligaments in hands, as well as multiple other fractures, dislocations, and contusions. As a first clinical experience I feel like I’ve been exposed to a wide variety of injuries, and now have a better idea how to handle them. 

Working with Rick has been a very educational experience. He has very high expectations for all of his athletic training students and will hold them up to a high standard of performance everyday. One education tool he has used with us has been assigning each student a certain injury to follow. After filling out a SOAP note on our assigned athlete we present our information to Rick and the other athletic training students. After presenting, there will be follow-up questions from Rick and our peers, and then we’ll discuss things we should’ve considered including in our report and what we could’ve done different. I like these assignments because they allow us to practice skills we need to be competent at as ATCs.

Overall this experience has been extremely enlightening. Not only have I improved my taping skills drastically, I’ve learned new techniques, learned extensive wound care, practiced different modalities, covered multiple competencies, and discussed and treated many different injuries.  Working with Rick has been a great experience. He often shares stories from his 30 years as an ATC, which are extremely beneficial considering Rick’s extensive career and all of his unique experiences.

I enjoy working at Washington University, and I can’t wait to see what else I learn in this clinical rotation. 

Rick Larsen ATC (second from left) with SLU AT student JJ Hannigan, Katie Herington and Janese Evans (left to right)

Washington University Football

By: Janese Evans (MAT Class of 2013)

I am currently doing my first clinical rotation at Washington University in St. Louis working with the football team under Head Athletic Trainer, Rick Larsen. I have the opportunity to work with three other SLU students: JJ Hannigan, Katie Herington, and Katie Schneebeck.  So far my experience at Wash U has been incredible. I’ve learned so many new things, witnessed quite a few injuries, and built great relationships with my ACI, the other SLU students, the other Wash U Athletic Trainers, the football coaches, and most importantly with the football players. Rick Larsen is extremely knowledgeable and has so much experience and advice to offer. Larsen is always trying to get us to think critically and is constantly pushing myself and the other AT students to take advantage of these opportunities that we have. Larsen encourages us to think like clinicians and gives us the opportunity to showcase what we learn in class and apply it to our clinical experience. This first clinical rotation so far has been a great journey and I look forward to learning so much more before it is over.    

Everyone has to "carry their share" in this clinical rotation!

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Marquette High School

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their clinical instructor. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction is a major asset for the SLU AT education program.

Marquette High School

By. Hilary Orf (MAT Class of 2013)

Home of the Mustangs!

This semester, I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to do my clinical practicum at my alma mater, Marquette High School, in Chesterfield, Missouri.  Elena Claus ATC is the Athletic Trainer there and she has been more than helpful with showing me the ropes of the profession.  She takes special care to explain what tests she’s performing and why she’s performing them.  She is always asking what I’m learning in class and does her best to integrate what I’m learning in the classroom to the real world.  I get to take histories, palpate, and perform the special tests we’ve learned in class to help determine what the problem/injury might be. The athletic training room at Marquette might not be the largest, but we use every inch of it to the best of our ability and we’re constantly busy.  I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Elena Claus ATC directs the activity while SLU AT Student Hilary Orf assists an injured athlete off the field.