SLU AT Student Gets a Physician Extender Internship Experience

Summer Internship Blog Post - Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
By:  Connor Doherty (MAT Class of 2015)

This summer I have had the incredible opportunity of working with Amy Schork, ATC, Dr. Tyler Wadsworth, and Dr. Jason Browdy as well as the rest of the staff at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.  They operate an orthopedic medicine practice that sees a variety of patients, from young athletes to geriatric patients.  At their location they have a variety of tools at their disposal, including x-ray machines, various injections, and a physical therapy clinic that is stationed right next door to them.  Dr. Wadsworth and Dr. Browdy are the respective team physician and orthopedic surgeon for Clayton High School, Ladue High School, and Webster University.  Dr. Browdy also serves as the orthopedic surgeon for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Connor Doherty and Amy Schork ATC

During my time here I have learned a ton about the importance and role of certified athletic trainers working in the role of a physician extender.  In this role they take on many responsibilities in the office, and act as an extension of the physician, to increase quality and effectiveness of health care provided.  I had the great opportunity of not only observing and assisting Dr. Wadsworth during patient visits, but also was able to observe Dr. Browdy in the operating room.  This summer I have learned a great deal about the field of sports medicine and how certified athletic trainers can contribute to it in a non-traditional way through the role of the physician extender.

Students in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training 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.