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.