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.