June 30, 2012

SLU AT Student Reports from Internship in Spain

¡Bienvenidos a Madrid! 
By: Adriana Black (SLU MAT Class of 2013)

The capital of Spain and land of Iberian ham, the best footballers (no, not “American football” as they call it in Spain) in the world, arguably the best metro system in the world, the Prado Art Museum, the largest university in Spain, and bullfighting; Madrid is also home to Clínica MEDYR – my summer internship location.

Clínica MEDYR – short for Medecina Deportiva y Rehabilitación (Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation) – is located near the center of the city of Madrid. It is only about a fifteen-minute walk or one metro stop away from the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium – home of the Real Madrid Club de Fútbol. Doctor Carlos González de Vega San Román, MD, PhD, SpMD, the medical director and coordinator of MEDYR, is also serving as my clinical instructor for the summer.

Formally specializing in internal medicine, Dr. González de Vega’s current focus is in physical education and sport medicine. He has practiced in Toronto, Canada as well as at Victoria Sports Medicine Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Now at MEDYR, he particularly specializes in shoulder and spine injuries – both chronic and acute as he also has experience with sport traumatology. Additionally, Dr. González de Vega is able to play a role in the rehabilitative stage of patients’ treatments by doing mobilizations in the shoulder joint which help increase the tone of patients’ musculature as they take steps back to a more normal, healthy lifestyle.
Dr. González de Vega and SLU AT Student Adriana Black at Clinica MEDYR in Madrid, Spain
Despite Dr. González de Vega’s extensive international experience, the most beneficial quality he possesses as a healthcare professional is his innate ability to teach. Being able to share and educate others on his previous work experiences and his routine medical assessments is worth the most to me as a student – particularly in this phase of the program. I have been taking copious notes and asking Dr. González de Vega dozens of questions each day to verify that he and I are on the same page when he does an examination and gives a diagnosis and to ensure I always leave the clinic having grown as a student and clinician. He is always eager to help in any way and encourages me to question everything that he does in hopes of further enriching my future as a healthcare provider.

I am very excited that I will have the opportunity to be working on some projects specific to the shoulder region – both research and clinically related under the guidance of Dr. González de Vega. In addition to clinical evaluations, I will also get the chance to have more hands-on experiences with the “fisios,” as they are called in Spain, who are responsible for walking the patients through each step of the rehabilitative process. I very much look forward to continue to “shadow” Dr. González de Vega on his daily clinical examinations and therapies and seeing what else develops from my internship at Clínica MEDYR. 

Students in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Education Program have a required internship in the summer between their two professional years in the program.  This blog post details a student's reflection on their internship experience.

NATA Meeting Wraps Up a Great Week in St. Louis


Saint Louis University's Athletic Training faculty, staff and students had a great week as St. Louis hosted the National Athletic Trainers' Association Annual Meeting and Symposium from June 26-29, 2012.  In addition to enjoying a week of professional development and fellowship they served as speakers, learning lab instructors, moderators and volunteers for the events.  Some of the students also worked at the trade show where exhibitors needed extra help at their booths.  Highlights of the week included faculty member Kitty Newsham Phd, ATC receiving an Athletic Training Service Award and SLU Athletic Training Student Bridget Quirk receiving a NATA Foundation Scholarship.  The SLU AT Program worked with the Doisy College Alumni Association to host a well attended Alumni Reception at The Dubliner.
Bridget Quirk (SLU MAT Class of 2013) receiving the NATA Foundation Scholarship.
 
Great crowd for Dr. Reinking, Dr. Wadsworth and Dr. Bennett's Tendinopathy presentation on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 in the Ferrara Auditorium.

Good crowd and a great setting at The Dubliner for the Alumni Reception on Thursday, June 28, 2012.

SLU MAT Class of 2013 students Hilary Orf, Rachel Cocek and Katie Schneebeck with MAT Class of 2012 graduates JJ Hannigan an Leah Egeland.

SLU MAT Class of 2014 students Abby Breseman, Cat Costello, Michelle Cybulski, Nick Gastorf and Mary Rhatigan take a study break from Gross Anatomy to join the Alumni Reception.

Aaron Borgmann, Dr. Mark Reinking, Drew Graul, Casandra Douthit and Aaron Stoll

Dr. Tyler Wadsworth, Amy Schork, Meghan Gehrs (MAT '11), Lori Khazen, Jacob Blasingame (MAT '11), Laura Gosewisch Norberg (MAT '11)

Heather King (MAT '11), Emily Monahan (MAT '11), Dr. Jason Bennett and Theresa Panka.

The teaching team for the Tendinopathy Learning Lab on Friday June 29,2012: Dr. Mark Reinking, Dr. Tim Howell, Dr. Kitty Newsham, Jonathan Burch, Angie Wills, Theresa Panka, Dr. Jason Bennett, Miya Sullivan and Dr. Tony Breitbach.

Moderator Jonathan Burch (middle) with presenters Dr. Tony Breitbach (left) and Dr. Paul Nativi (right) before the Academy of Sports Dentistry presentation on Friday, June 29, 2012.

June 24, 2012

SLU AT Student Gets Performance Enhancement Experience in Internship at AthletiCo

TRX Bands at AthletiCo
By: Vince Di Renzo (SLU MAT Class of 2013)
Many people are unsure of what TRX bands are used for in a gym. TRX stands for Total Body Resistance Exercise. The bands utilize the entire body by way of suspension to provide resistance. Most people see these intimidating bands hanging from a power rack and think that they must only be used by gymnasts or other athletes that require plenty of upper body strength. The truth is, they are great for athletes, and however, they also offer a great deal of benefit for those in rehab or who just want to maintain or improve their current fitness level. This style of resistance training offers many different benefits. Suspension type training allows for multi-planar movements that will develop strength, flexibility, balance and joint stability. TRX will also place a great deal of stress on the core muscles, which most can benefit from having a stronger core. TRX bands allow for an endless number of different exercises to be performed. This will help keep workouts feeling new and fun so you look forward to your workouts and continue reaching your fitness goals.
At AthletiCo, the TRX bands are used primarily by clientele seeking personal training. However, I have seen many patients in physical therapy that have utilized the TRX bands towards the end of their rehab process. Having such a versatile piece of equipment around has helped many of the clients and patients at AthletiCo achieve their goals in a timely and efficient manner. Since one of our goals as a health care professional is to improve patient outcomes, TRX seems like a sound investment.

(Vince DiRenzo's internship this summer is with AthletiCo's John Honcharuk ATC, CSCS at their St. Charles, Illinois facility.)

Students in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Education Program have a required internship in the summer between their two professional years in the program.  This blog post details a student's reflection on their internship experience.

June 21, 2012

SLU AT Program Looks Forward to NATA Meeting in St. Louis

The National Athletic Trainers' Association Annual Meeting comes to America's Center in St. Louis on June 26-29, 2012 and the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Education Program is playing an active role in the program and activities!  SLU faculty, student, alums and advisory board members are all playing roles in the meeting.  Here is a summary of the program activities at the NATA meeting:

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

1:30-3:30 pm
Tendinopathy in Athletes: An Evidence-Based Review
The Biology of Tendon Pain and Clinical Implications
•             Mark Reinking, PhD, ATC, PT, Saint Louis University (Chair, PT & AT)
Modifiable Risk Factors for the Development of Tendon Pain
•             Jason Bennett, PhD, ATC, PT, Saint Louis University (Faculty, PT & AT)
Emerging Treatments for the Painful Tendon
•             Tyler Wadsworth, MD, Saint Louis University (Medical Director, AT)
Moderator: Anthony Breitbach, PhD, ATC, Saint Louis University (Director, AT)

1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Learning Lab - The Scapula: Assessing Its Role in Shoulder Dysfunction
•             Kenneth Wilson, MHA, ATC, PT, PRORehab (Adjunct Faculty/Alum, PT & AT)

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
2012 NATA Foundation Lecture Exchange
ACSM Presentation
Use of Ultrasound Imaging in Sports Medicine
•             L. Tyler Wadsworth, MD, Saint Louis University (Medical Director, AT)


Thursday, June 28, 2012

9:15 am – 11:15 am
Ronnie Barnes Medical Case Studies in the NFL
Presented by the Professional Football Athletic Trainers’ Society
•             Aaron Borgmann,MPT, ATC, CES, Philadelphia Eagles/Novacare (SLU Alum)
•             Matthew Matava, MD, Washington University Orthopedics (Clinical Instructor, AT)

9:15 am – 11:15 am
Learning Lab - A Dynamic Approach to Management of Hamstring Strains
•             Randy Craig, MS, PT, ATC, PRORehab (Advisory Board, AT)

3:15 pm – 4:00 pm
Annual Members Meeting
General Session
•             NATA Service Award - Katherine Newsham PhD, ATC, Saint Louis University (Faculty, AT)

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
SLU AT Alumni Reception
The Dubliner

Friday, June 29, 2012
8:00 am – 9:45 am
Pinky Newell Scholarship & Student Leadership Breakfast
•             NATA Foundation Scholarship Recipient - Bridget Quirk, Saint Louis University (Student, AT)

8:15 am – 10:15 am
Upper Extremity Rehab Exercise Program with the Use of Global Stabilization
Presented by the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers’ Society
•             Gregory Hauck, MEd, ATC, CSCS, St. Louis Cardinals (Clinical Instructor, AT)

8:15 am – 10:15 am
Learning Lab - Eccentric Exercise Intervention for Tendinopathy
•             Mark Reinking, PhD, ATC, PT, Saint Louis University (Chair, PT & AT)
Lab Instructors:
o             Anthony Breitbach, PhD, ATC, Saint Louis University (Director, AT)
o             Katherine Newsham PhD, ATC, Saint Louis University (Faculty, AT)
o             Jason Bennett PT, PhD, ATC, Saint Louis University (Faculty, AT)
o             Timothy Howell EdD, ATC, Saint Louis University (Faculty, AT)
o             Jonathan Burch, ATC, Saint Louis University (Clinical Instructor, AT)
o             Theresa Panka, ATC, Saint Louis University (Clinical Instructor, AT)
o             Miya Sullivan, ATC, Saint Louis University (Clinical Instructor, AT)
o             Angie Wills, ATC, Saint Louis University (Clinical Instructor, AT)

1:15 pm – 3:15 pm
Providing Dental Coverage at Athletic Events – Be Prepared
Presented by the Academy for Sports Dentistry
•             Paul Nativi, DMD, Saint Louis University (Advisory Board, AT)
•             Anthony Breitbach, PhD, ATC, Saint Louis University (Director, AT)
Moderator: Jonathan Burch, ATC, Saint Louis University (Clinical Instructor, AT)

Free Communications Poster Presentation
The Effect of Surface Angle on a Six-Week Single Leg Squat Exercise Program
•             Katherine Newsham PhD, ATC, Saint Louis University (Faculty, AT)
•             Jason Bennett PT, PhD, ATC, Saint Louis University (Faculty, AT)
•             Timothy Howell EdD, ATC, Saint Louis University (Faculty, AT)

June 18, 2012

SLU AT Summer Internship - St. Louis Rams


Students in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Education Program have a required internship in the summer between their two professional years in the program.  The following blog post details a student's reflection on their internship experience.

By: Ryan Vallo (SLU MAT Class of 2013)

My name is Ryan Vallo and I am a Master of Athletic Training student at Saint Louis University.   This summer, I am completing an athletic training internship with the St. Louis Rams’ organization.  As an athletic training intern with a professional sports team, there are high expectations and I feel blessed to receive this opportunity.  In this position, I will assist in preparing the field for daily practices, prophylactic taping of players before practice, and assisting with rehabilitation.  Most importantly, I see this as a learning opportunity where I can gain hands on experience at an elite level where complete healthcare is provided.
SLU AT Student Ryan Vallo on the practice field at Rams Park in Earth City, MO.
The Rams’ currently have four full time certified athletic trainers and a year long athletic training intern.  This gives me the opportunity to interact with five other professionals in my field and utilize their knowledge and experiences.  Thus far, I have assisted with two mini camps and a few organized team activities (OTA).  Next week we have our final veteran and rookie mini camp.  I will be reporting to training camp July 23rd and will continue with the team through the end of preseason (August 30th).  I look forward to working with and learning from the athletic training staff of the St. Louis Rams.   I hope to leave a lasting impression on them and represent myself, Saint Louis University, and the athletic training profession in a positive fashion.

June 16, 2012

SLU AT Summer Internship - Nutriformance


Students in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Education Program have a required internship in the summer between their two professional years in the program.  The following blog post details a student's reflection on their internship experience.

By: Katie Schneebeck (SLU MAT Class of 2013)

My internship is with Nutriformance this summer. It is a small business and work out center, owned by Ellie and Dale Huff. They have a large and varied fitness team which includes: dieticians, physical therapists, athletic trainers, personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, and massage therapists. I have the opportunity to work with Heidi Frey, MA, ATC, CSCS. She is my clinical instructor for the summer. I am also working with one of my fellow classmates, Hilary Orf.  The three of us meet once a week to lay out a plan for the week. 
Back row: Nutriformance employees Randy Leopando and Heidi Frey
Front row: SLU AT students Katie Schneebeck and Hilary Orf
Our weeks involve: observing speed and agility classes and pulling athletes out that need extra coaching, following the progression of clients who work with ATs and PTs, taking part in group fitness classes, leading dynamic warm-ups and post-stretches, and getting to know each of the clients who walk through Nutriformance’s doors.  What sets Nutriformance apart from other fitness centers is that it has a Cheers kind of feeling, “where everybody knows your name.” It is very much like a family here at Nutriformance, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for us this summer. To pass the time, I’m working with Hilary on a presentation for a Nutriformance team meeting on ACL prevention programs. We are also working on creating our own work out circuits, based on our weaknesses and fitness goals as well. 
One of the more unique aspects of this internship is being able to perform tests on Hilary and myself. While at Nutriformance, we will have the opportunity to have our resting metabolic rate taken using a Korr Metabolic Rate Analysis machine (in the photo), our VO2MAX tested, a digital video analysis of our running mechanics taken, and a personal nutrition session to discuss our nutritional status.
I feel very much at home at Nutriformance. This experience is opening my mind to a different side of rehabilitation, maintenance, and strength and agility programs. I’m happy to have this opportunity to meet some of the most encouraging people and be inspired by their constant flow of ideas as a team.

AT Faculty, Staff and Students Cover National Events on SLU Campus

The week of June 7-10, 2012 was a busy one on the Saint Louis University campus and the SLU Athletic Training faculty, staff and students were mobilized to participate in the events!


The top men's and women's gymnasts in the USA competed in the VISA Championships at Chaifetz Arena to determine who goes on to the US Olympic Trials.  Local coverage for the event was sponsored by SLUCare and coverage was coordinated by SLU Head Athletic Trainer Jonathan Burch.  SLU Sports Medicine physicians and SLU AT faculty, staff and students worked with the USA Gymnastics Sports Medicine team to provide coverage for the event.


Meghan Gehrs ATC (SLU MAT Class of 2011) and Katie Schneebeck (SLU MAT Class of 2013) at the balance beam.


For the 13th straight year, Nike has hosted the top 100 high school freshman and sophomore boy's basketball players in the Simon Recreation Center at SLU.  Over the years, this camp has included many future college and NBA players and the SLU AT Program provided medical coverage for the event. SLU AT Program Director Tony Breitbach served as the Medical Coordinator for the event.


SLU MAT Class of 2013 students pictured during a break at the Nike Elite 100 Camp: Vice DiRenzo, Ryan Vallo, Sarah Schaefer, Bridget Quirk, Adriana Black, Alex Sawyer and Rachel Cocek.

The busy camp provided the students with many great learning opportunities!

June 03, 2012

SLU AT Program Director Presented With Award at MoATA Meeting

Dr. Anthony Breitbach, Director of the Athletic Training Education Program at Saint Louis University, was presented with the Glenn L. McElroy MD Distinguished Service Award by the Missouri Athletic Trainers Association at the MoATA Annual Meeting at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, MO on June 2, 2012.
Dr. Breitbach making remarks at the MoATA Awards Luncheon.
Dr. Breitbach was the 2011 recipient of the award, but was unable to attend that ceremony, so he was presented the award in 2012 along with the 2012 MoATA award recipients.  Stefanie West (Columbia) was honored as the 2012 McElroy Award winner and Michelle Padgett (St. Louis) was honored as the 2012 Missouri Athletic Trainer of the Year.
Award recipients Stefanie West, Anthony Breitbach and Michelle Padgett.
It was also announced that the 2013 MoATA Annual Meeting will be hosted on the campus of Saint Louis University on May 31st and June 1st next year.