October 30, 2011

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Washington 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.

Washington University in St. Louis
By: Katie Schneebeck (MAT Class of 2013)
Home of the Bears!

My clinical assignment for this fall is Washington University and my clinical instructor is Kellie Black . Kellie is a legendary SLU student and athletic trainer. I believe she graduated from the Saint Louis University Athletic Training program at the top of her class, and it certainly shows. Not only is she smart, she also creates a fun atmosphere in the athletic training room. During busy weeks, Kellie is outwardly calm and organized. (Meanwhile her mind is quickly organizing millions of floating thoughts) She presents herself professionally on a daily basis and always looks the part.  She has a gentle nature with her athletes and is perceptive when feeling tender areas of pain. She is also personal and likes to take her time listening to her athlete's stories and descriptions of their injuries. Most athletes will describe their experience with Kellie in the athletic training room more like being in a doctor's office one-on-one than in a busy athletic training room. With Kellie, every athlete holds great priority on her list.    She makes a smelly athletic training room shine with her radiating enthusiasm and optimistic disposition.  
Kellie Black ATC (left) with SLU AT student Katie Schneebeck (right)

As an athletic training student, Kellie is a great mentor to me and opens the door to ask questions and provide suggestions.  With Kellie, no question is passed over without an insightful response. Additionally, Kellie is a great teacher.  She will tell you multiple ways to do something.  Then, she'll show you her favorite way and always has a concise and well-worded explanation for doing so. Kellie provides me with a variety of opportunities.  She allows me to research different ways to tape at home and test them in the athletic training room.  When we find competencies difficult to achieve in the athletic training room, Kellie will give me homework to further the application of my knowledge.  She provides a welcoming atmosphere to ask questions about homework from class and has helped me study for my Musculoskeletal exam class. Her communication with the other Athletic Trainers at Washington University and "labels out" organization style makes it easier to assign my schedule to me ahead of time. It also allows me to easily navigate her desk.  I believe Kellie has the ability to become a great leader, when the opportunity presents itself. Kellie is smart, but is also a modest athletic trainer, who sees eye-to-eye with me and never makes me feel inferior.  Rather, she receives my input with a great deal of concern and entertains many of my ideas. I want to thank Kellie for letting me use her jacket on occasion and for blessing me with multiple learning opportunities. She has taught me grab the reigns, confidently make important decisions, and give all athletes the one-on-one attention they deserve. Thank you Kellie!

October 28, 2011

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: Alex Sawyer (MAT Class of 2013)

My Approved Clinical Instructors (ACIs), Gerald “Gerry” Schlemer, Tyann “Ty” Thomson, Ben Heimos, and James Mays are a group of amazing, inspiring individuals. Each person brings a different energy to the athletic training room, and I have had the opportunity to work with each of them rather closely. The first person I had the chance to work with was Ben Heimos. On my very first day at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) he welcomed me warmly and made sure I was oriented to the athletic training room at Korte Stadium. At this time Ben was responsible for working with the women’s soccer team. While working with him I also learn a bit about his background. Ben started at SIUE in October of 2009. Before that he worked with the Florida Marlins organization in three different Florida minor league affiliates during that time. After women’s soccer season is over, Ben is primarily responsible for coverage of SIUE’s baseball team. He got his Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from the University of Evansville, and his Master of Science in Athletic Training from Indiana State University.

The next person I met, the same day I met Ben, was James Mays. James was also very welcoming. He was working with men’s soccer at the time. James is very easy to talk to and has a very contagious laugh. He brightens up everyone’s day with his remarkable sense of humor and admirable athletic training skills. The passion he has for his athletes is something that radiates through his extraordinary work ethic. James started at SIUE in January of 2007 after receiving his bachelor of science in Athletic Training from Millikin University. Being that Milllkin and my alma mater, Illinois Wesleyan University, were rivals in the CCIW conference, we had a lot to talk about. James also has his Master of Science in Education from the department of Kinesiology at SIUE. After covering men’s soccer, James will shift his responsibility to the women’s basketball team.

SLU AT student Alex Sawyer (middle) with Gerry Schlemer ATC (left) and Tyann Thomson ATC (right)
I worked with both Ben and James at Korte Stadium for the beginning of the soccer season and continue to work with them at soccer games. I later moved to the Vadalabene Center to work more closely with Ty Thomson and Gerry Schlemer. Ty has been an amazing teacher. She always takes time out to work with me on my competencies, and is always there to answer any questions I may have. Being the only female on the team, Ty offers somewhat of a motherly air to the athletic training; making sure things stay in order, athletes are taking care of their responsibilities, creating work schedules of the athletic trainers, and so much more. In addition to all of this, Ty’s primary responsibility is to the volleyball and softball teams. Ty began working at SIUE in August of 2007. She received her bachelor of science from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and a master of science from Indiana State University. I admire Ty’s talents and her ability to “hold her own,” amongst the men she works with. She is not afraid to speak her mind and demands respect from her peers and athletes.

Last, but certainly not least, the most influential person I have worked with thus far, Gerry Schlemer. Gerry lives and breathes athletic training. His passion for this field is commendable and truly inspiring.  He is dedicated to his athletes and their well-being. Though Gerry wears many hats at SIUE, he manages his time well. He devotes equal time to his athletes, maintaining the athletic training room, and taking me on as a student. He challenges me and seems to truly enjoy teaching. Gerry respects my talents and allows me to work hands-on with athletes. I feel that he has developed me the most thus far. He taught me new skills, in addition to putting previously learned skills to work. Gerry can be a “tough cookie,” but he only wants the best for the athletes and his peers. The list of his past experiences is extensive. He began working at SIUE as the Head Athletic Trainer in 2004. Having more than 18 years of athletic training experience at a variety of levels (collegiate, high school, clinical, professional), Gerry is a great mentor to have. I am so glad that I have had the opportunity to work with him.

I am looking forward to the next few months to come. Upon leaving SIUE, I would have worked with 4 amazing athletic trainers. Each of which have an individual presence, level of expertise in the field of athletic training, and a unique flare. As I grow as a student I only expect that this experience gets even better and I learn more. If given the opportunity I would love to work with this team again. They are truly a unique and influential group. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with each of them.

October 27, 2011

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Lafayette 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.


Lafayette High School
By:  Sarah Hall (MAT Class of 2013)

Home of the Lancers!
I never thought I would enjoy working in the high school setting, but decided to give it a shot for my first clinical rotation.  I was placed at Lafayette High School, in Wildwood.  Heather Carroll is the Athletic Trainer at the school, who is contracted through ProRehab.  The school has a great sports program, with a large variety of sports for every season.  Every day is a busy day for Lafayette sports, there are always ankles to tape, or evaluations to be done, or concussion athletes who are working on returning to play.  I have been able to refine the skills I came to Lafayette with, and have had the opportunity to experience some things I would not have by reading a book.   Heather is good about helping you study during slower times, and is quick to provide you with the time and resources to work on anything you might need to work on.  
AT Student Sarah Hall (left) pictured with Heather Carroll ATC (right) and Lafayette student-athlete Tyler Manne.
I have had the opportunity to talk with the orthopedic team doctor for Lafayette, he is also really pleasant and helped me study for our Musculoskeletal Exam course.  The students at Lafayette, are really curious about me, and what I am going to school for, they ask a lot of questions.  Some students who are in a lot for rehab have even volunteered to be subjects when I need to study for exams by letting me palpate them.  It is nice because it gives me the chance to teach them something about their anatomy, or their injury.   Overall Lafayette is a great clinical site, I have experienced a ton!  Heather, and all the athletes I work around daily are super nice, and really help make it a relaxed learning environment.     

October 26, 2011

SLU AT Program Director to Speak at Second Annual "Blackboard to Backboard" Event

SLU Athletic Training Education Program Director Tony Breitbach will join fellow Doisy faculty members Crystal Botkin and Christine Werner in presenting the second annual "Blackboard to Backboard" event sponsored by the Doisy College Alumni Association at Chaifetz Arena before the Billikens Men's Basketball game vs. Portland on December 3, 2011.  For more info or to register go to:  http://alumni.slu.edu/blackboard11


St. Louis's First Rock and Roll Marathon Provides a Fun Experience

The Rock and Roll Marathon/Half-Marathon was held for the first time in St. Louis on Sunday, October 23, 2011.  Saint Louis University served as the primary sports medicine sponsor for the race.  Volunteers from all parts of SLU volunteered to help this event be a success!  Faculty and students from the SLU Athletic Training Education Program served as medical volunteers providing first aid for the event.


SLU AT Students Sarah Hall (left) and Hilary Orf (right) with Dr. Breitbach in the main medical tent before the race.

The starting line as viewed from the main medical tent.
AT Student Mary Finkenkeller with her uncle John at a medical station on the marathon route.

Music could be heard all over the course with stages every mile.


October 19, 2011

SLU AT Program Director Makes Presentation with Doisy College Faculty

Anthony Breitbach, Darina Sargeant and Peggy Gettemeier

Doisy College of Health Sciences faculty members Anthony Breitbach (Athletic Training), Peggy Gettemeier (Occupational Therapy) and Darina Sargeant (Physical Therapy) made a presentation together at the Annual Meeting of the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions on October 19, 2011.  The title of the presentation was: "From Buy-in to Integration - Melding an Interprofessional Initiative into Specific Academic Programs in a College of Health Sciences".  The meeting took place at the Doubletree Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona.

October 02, 2011

Follow the SLU AT Education Program on Twitter!


The Saint Louis University Athletic Training Education Program is now on Twitter....you can find it at @SLU_AT or follow this link for the home page: http://twitter.com/#!/SLU_AT