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!