July 22, 2015

Supportive Preceptor Provides SLU AT Student with a Fun and Busy Summer at CBC High School


SLU AT Summer Field Experience Spotlight - Christian Brothers College High School, St. Louis, Missouri
By: Andrew Gomez (SLU MAT Class of 2016)

This summer I am doing my summer field experience at Christian Brothers College High School, also known as CBC. CBC is an all-boys LaSallian Catholic college prep school 20 minutes west of Saint Louis. My experience so far has been fun, and my preceptor, Kristen Jeans ATC, just adds to the fun.


CBC is home to many sports as well as many district and state championships. Coming off of 3 state championships in football, hockey, and baseball this year it’s easy to say they strive for excellence on the field year in and year out. Also, they have been named the St. Louis Post-Dispatch program of the year. It’s great to have the opportunity to be around great coaches, staff, and even parents who welcomed me in with open arms.

Summer on the other hand is a different story. There are a lot of kid’s camps going on both through each individual sport program, and also as part of summer classes. It’s really cool to see how such great programs train and teach these kids that range from age 5 to 13. These camps include basketball, football, and soccer. Another camp that I have the privilege to be a part of is a soccer camp called Dutch Touch, run by the head coach who brings in international coaches as well to teach all these kids.

Although the days are long, I’m learning a lot about myself as well as how to work with kids of different ages. I’m learning a lot not only from getting hands on experience, but also from their AT Kristen who has been nothing but encouraging and supportive. I’m looking forward to the rest of the summer here.

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

July 21, 2015

SLU AT Student Experiences a Unique Mix at Performance Orthopedic and Sports Therapy



SLU AT Summer Field Experience Spotlight - Performance Orthopedic and Sports Therapy, St. Louis, Missouri
By: Haylie Dehm (SLU MAT Class of 2016)

This summer I have had the opportunity to learn from Matt Leonard, DPT, CCSP, DC, CSCS, at Performance Orthopaedic and Sports Therapy. At POST we see a variety of patients from a wide variety of ages, but predominately I have worked with high school and early college aged patients. The clinic is located in the same facility as the St Louis Baseball and Fastpitch Academy, so we see a higher number of baseball and softball players, but have seen various other kinds of athletes and even people from the general population. 


One of the main focuses at POST is performance training. Matt’s initial evaluation of a new performance training client has allowed me to learn a lot. Part of the initial assessment includes a body composition scan that allows the patient to see an objective measure of their progress as they go through their training. Another tool utilized is the Functional Movement Screen. The use of FMS is helpful in this setting because it gives a good idea of what corrections and cueing we may need to use on a patient in the weight room and/or out on the lovingly nicknamed, Field of Screams. The performance training aspect of this experience has allowed me to observe and notice compensations for different movement patterns that are often associated with joint restrictions. We spend a lot of time with patients teaching them good form and body mechanics prior to having them perform intense lifts in the weight room.

I have had the opportunity to see general chiropractic evaluations on patients just about to go into high school all the way to patients on Medicaid. The most common trend I’ve seen is extension restriction in the mid-thoracic spine. Each patient’s restrictions though are a little different from the next and I have learned when it is appropriate to use a joint mobilization versus a manipulation on said restrictions. After the treatment, Matt will usually either start the patients on new exercises or go through previously assigned exercises with the patient to help them correct their poor habits that are causing their restrictions and/or pain.

I am thankful for this opportunity and look forward to continuing to learn and practice my skills at the POST!

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

July 15, 2015

SLU AT Student gets Athletic Enhancement Experience at Pursuit Fitness and Performance


SLU AT Summer Field Experience Spotlight - Pursuit Fitness and Performance, St. Louis, Missouri
By: Ryan Lilly (SLU MAT Class of 2016)
This summer I have the opportunity of interning at Pursuit Fitness and Performance (PFP). PFP is a relatively new and small gym in Maryland Heights just outside of Saint Louis. This innovative gym offers only personal and group training. Each client has an individual consultation outlining their fitness goals and lifestyle. Each client is also screened using the Functional Movement Screen to establish where each person is at and what movements they can perform safely. Based on all of this information, the staff of PFP works to create programs that include specific exercises, stretches, and tissue mobilizations for each individual. In addition to all of this, they go above and beyond most gyms by offering many extra programs and seminars to help their clients with their goals. These include weight loss programs, goal setting workshops, nutrition meetings, grocery store tours, and more.

While I am at PFP I am mainly working under their head personal trainer Adam. He helps with new client orientations, designs every client’s workout as well as the group fitness workouts, and leads training several days a week. The first couple of weeks I shadowed Adam and learned about how he creates the group fitness and personal training workouts. For the personal training workouts I learned why he choose each exercise for every individual and how he customized every workout to meet the needs and goals of each client. I also shadowed Adam as he led personal and group training workouts. He walked me through all the exercises and the workout structure before the sessions and then taught me more as when he could through the sessions. This way I saw how things were supposed to go and then how they actually went. I have learned the different mistakes that people make during exercises and the major cues that help people to put things together in their mind so that they perform the exercise correctly. Adam taught me with physical and verbal cueing so that I could easily correct all the different mistakes that people make. After learning all of the basics I began to learn how to lead the workout sessions. Adam worked with me so that I could explain every exercise in great detail and demonstrate it to the clients so that they knew how to do it. He also went through everything I am supposed to do during the sessions so that I could effectively lead the sessions. This week and for the next several weeks until I am finished with my internship I will be leading some of the workout sessions under the supervision of the trainers at PFP. The trainers are providing me with feedback as I go through the sessions and at the end. I will also still be observing some of the sessions so that I can compare myself to the other trainers and see where it is that I need improvement. 
There are many other things I have learned and am learning at PFP as well. I am learning how to take clients through the FMS and what each section and the results means. I have learned the corrective exercises for each section of the FMS and what exercises should be avoided if they do not get the proper score. I am learning a lot about breathing and posture and how the two can be related. I have also read the Baseline Training Certification manual and taken the Baseline Training Certification Test to establish a good base for training clients and providing advice while I am at PFP. The Baseline Training Certification manual allowed me to brush up on anatomy, exercises, coaching tips and cues, and nutrition. I have been able to observe several of their workshops and have learned many different ways to help others reach their goals inside and outside of the gym. Through this I have seen how it is important to accomplish both in order to live a healthier and better life. I have enjoyed my experience so far at PFP and I am looking forward to the rest of my time there. I can’t wait to find out what I will be learning next!

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

July 13, 2015

SLU AT Student Discovers Dynamic and Fun Learning Experience with Saint Louis FC

SLU AT Summer Field Experience Spotlight - Saint Louis Football Club, St. Louis, Missouri
By: Lauren Scalise (SLU MAT Class of 2016)

I’ve been playing soccer since I was 3 years old and to have the opportunity to intern with Saint Louis’ newest professional soccer team is an amazing opportunity. There’s nothing like walking into an athletic training room where everyone welcomes you with arms wide open. The atmosphere in the athletic training room with Saint Louis Football Club is filled with great opportunities and new learning experiences.  


Working with the head athletic trainer, Nathan Burney ATC has been a blast so far! A few times a month, I am given mini homework assignments. This includes rehab plans for injured athletes, SOAP notes, and reviewing certain special test for assessment.  He has provided me with multiple learning opportunities, and under his guidance I have been able to assess some of the athletes for injuries as well as provide my own rehab plan for them. Given the responsibility to look after and assess these athletes has allowed me to gain a great amount of confidence in the athletic training room. 

The approach with rehab at this site is not focused on modalities such as stim and ultrasound, but rather manual techniques, such as muscle release, massage, and simple rehab exercises, which allow the athletic trainer to spend one on one time with the injured athletes. I think that this provides for a greater sense of care and communication between the athlete and the athletic trainer. I can honestly say that getting up early in the morning to come here is no hassle and I’m always excited to see what the day will bring.  I can’t wait to continue at this site for the rest of the summer and see what other learning opportunities this experience has to offer!

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

July 09, 2015

SLU AT Student Finds a Welcoming Community at Vianney High School



SLU AT Summer Field Experience Spotlight - St. John Vianney High School, St. Louis, Missouri
By: Krystin Haas (SLU MAT Class of 2016)

I have been at Saint John Vianney High School now for a little over three weeks. I have enjoyed my time here so far, as it is a wonderful environment to be in. The coaching staff is very friendly in all sports I have dealt with, along with all of the other staff at the school. They were welcoming from day one, which makes coming into a new place a little bit easier. It also makes me a little more confident that they will trust me and encourage my learning. My preceptor is Tim Trupiano ATC and he has also been a wonderful help thus far. He is very knowledgeable and encourages learning, as well as instilling a sense of trust in myself. I believe that him being so comfortable with letting me do anything from the get go, helps the coaches and athletes trust me more. 


The dynamic of an all boys, catholic high school is slightly different than that of a public coed school, so it is different than what I have experienced before. The summer time is also different at a high school because you are caring for camps, where you get to see little kids at too. This broadens the area of learning to a whole other age group. I look forward to finishing the summer here and am glad that I have gotten this experience.

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

July 08, 2015

SLU AT Student Returns to her Hometown for a Summer Field Experience at Vanderbilt University



SLU AT Summer Field Experience Spotlight - Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
By: Erika Cook (SLU MAT Class of 2016)

My field experience this summer is at Vanderbilt University. I spend most of my time with the football team, but occasionally I will get the chance to work with both basketball teams and women’s swimming. Vandy has 15 varsity sports that are all in their non-competitive seasons except baseball, who is playing in the College World Series. Go Commodores! 

Vandy has two Athletic Training rooms at Memorial Gym; one of them is temporary while a new AT Room is being built at the McGuin center across the street Memorial Gym. My preceptor is Sara Melby ATC, she primarily works with women’s soccer. She got her undergraduate degree at University of North Dakota, and she completed her graduate degree at Marshall University.


During the summer, all the ATs take on all the sports together, so I interact with many other ATs other than Sara. So far I’ve worked with seven different AT’s plus Sara; one of those seven is Miya Sullivan ATC who worked at SLU until last August. The other seven ATs I work with also cover lacrosse, men’s basketball, women’s track and cross country, and women’s swimming and diving in addition to covering football. They are all very friendly, and they have all taught me something new in the three weeks that I have been there.


For the football team, the month of June is fairly routine. Workouts consist of lifting and conditioning, and the guys have 7on7 twice a week. We are present at conditioning workouts or any other workouts outside to make sure the they stay hydrated and be on the lookout for any heat illnesses. The football athletes are only lifting and running, and fortunately there have not been many injuries. The primary rehab experience has been taking care of tight hamstrings or hip flexors working to prevent any muscle strains. In the month of July, things will start to pick up, so there will be more and more things to do before and after practices and workouts. I’m looking forward to the rest of this summer because I will get to see what it is like to be an AT in the Southeastern Conference.


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

July 07, 2015

SLU AT Student Builds Rehabilitation Knowledge and Skills at Peak Sport and Spine


SLU AT Summer Field Experience Spotlight - Peak Sport and Spine, Crestwood, Missouri
By: Andrea Strebler (SLU MAT Class of 2016)

For my summer field experience I chose to do a clinic-based athletic training setting. I am working with Ted Yemm PT, ATC and the staff of Crestwood Peak Sport and Spine in a Physical Therapy rehabilitation clinic. Ted Yemm, a Saint Louis University alum, is dual-credentialed as a physical therapist and athletic trainer. We see a wide range of patients; from age to diagnosis.


The clinic is fully equipped and extremely functional for the wide variety of rehab plans that are fulfilled daily. In the clinic we use more physical activity as a warm up rather than modalities, although there is a Hydrocollator and moist heat packs available. There is an arm bike and treadmill that are used very often as warm up techniques.


Ted has a balanced mixture of manual, assisted and active techniques that work together to make enhanced rehab plans. The patients seem to enjoy the many different techniques during their rehab sessions; it keeps them engaged and motivated to continue on their rehab course. The patients have expressed to me their feeling of support and enthusiasm from the physical therapist at the Peak Sport and Spine rehab center Crestwood. One patient stated, “I feel as if you care about my progress and how I am doing all together”. I am about half way through my summer professional experience, I feel as if my knowledge and skills of rehabilitation techniques have already improved significantly.


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

July 06, 2015

SLU AT Student Spends the Summer Getting Hands-on Experience with Soccer in Michigan



SLU AT Summer Field Experience Spotlight - Michigan Bucks, Rochester, Michigan
By: Alissa Beeman (SLU MAT Class of 2016)

I’ve been doing my summer field experience in Rochester, Michigan with the Michigan Bucks semi-professional soccer team. So far this has been a very cool experience for me, it’s been very interactive and eventful. The athletes at this level are much more independent in regards to their injuries than any prior athletes I have worked with before. 


I have been given a lot of independence and freedom while working here which has helped me strengthen my skills and build my confidence in this profession. There have been a few different situations where my preceptor allowed me to take the lead and demonstrate my skills. I was able to steri-strip an athlete with a laceration on his eyebrow on the sideline, he then returned to the game. Another athlete had an avulsion of his hamstring. I felt the divot in his affected muscle and tenderness on the ischial tuberosity. Finally, an athlete had a fracture of his distal tibia. I splinted him with a SAM splint and we sent him to the ER.  It was the first time I was able to splint an injured athlete. 


One interesting thing that we do with these athletes is run a regeneration practice after games. I think it’s a cool way as an athletic trainer to utilize other skills that we hone other than simply managing injuries. We work with them on stretching and cool-down exercises to help regenerate their muscles after competitions. 

I’m very happy with the amount of hands on experience and learning that I have been exposed to throughout my internship thus far. I believe that it is an extremely effective way of learning, for me especially. I look forward to continuing my work this summer and building my knowledge base for my future career. 

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

July 05, 2015

SLU AT Student Gets a Rich and Varied Experience at Nationwide Children's Hospital


SLU AT Summer Field Experience Spotlight - Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
By: Rachel Spika (SLU MAT Class of 2016)

This summer, I have the privilege of being a pediatric sports medicine athletic training intern for Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, OH. Under the direction and supervision of thirty certified athletic trainers and twelve physicians, I work in the Sports Medicine Department, housed within eight outpatient clinics in the greater Columbus area. I rotate between clinics throughout the week, as do the athletic trainers and physicians on staff. Rarely does anyone work in the same clinic every single day. Sports Medicine clinics are either concussion clinics or musculoskeletal clinics, and there we can see patients as young as five years old up through those that are in their twenties. I would say that the majority of patients we see, however, are adolescents.
Although all of the staff athletic trainers contribute to my learning, my official preceptors are Meredith Dotson, MEd, AT, ATC, and Ashley Minnick, MSAH, AT, ATC. They both have been incredibly welcoming and have scheduled me in clinics that will expose me to a wide range of sports-related injuries and conditions. They also make it a priority to give me learning experiences specifically tailored to my interests and goals for the summer. Not only are they involved in assigning my learning experiences, but I also get to work alongside them in clinics and when NCH coordinates and carries out PPE’s at Columbus area high schools. I am very fortunate to have preceptors who go out of their way to answer my long list of questions, challenge me with questions of their own, and make sure that I am gaining all of the skills and knowledge I set out to develop and more. 
Up until this point, a typical day for me has consisted of either working in concussion clinic or musculoskeletal clinic under the direction and supervision of a certified athletic trainer and the physician he/she is working with for the day. I am learning how to do everything that a clinical athletic trainer does, and that includes rooming patients, taking their initial history, documenting everything, and then briefing the physician before he/she goes into the exam room. Most of our physicians have let me also go into the room and observe their patient exam. One of my favorite parts has been when the physician shows me how to interpret radiographs and quizzes me on anatomy and what I think the diagnosis may be. I have learned a lot this way, and I have also really enjoyed seeing the physician’s role in patient care.  Once the physician is finished with his/her exam, I get to go back in with the athletic trainer and help fit the patient for any braces, orthotics, crutches, etc. that may have been ordered by the physician. I have also gotten to be involved in helping our young patients learn how to do their home exercise programs and understand how the HEP will help them return to activity pain free as soon as possible.
One of the best parts of this internship is how it provides me with so many extra opportunities to be exposed to different types of athletic health care with the pediatric population. I spend a lot of my free time learning about pediatric sports-related injuries and conditions by reading a binder my preceptors gave me full of research journal articles. The articles have supplemented my clinic learning extremely well. I have also gotten to be involved with performing arts medicine and event coverage as well as specific analysis of swimming strokes, and I have learned how poor mechanics contribute to injuries and slow healing. 
I am really looking forward to the rest of the summer and the learning opportunities it will bring. I get to observe surgery and then spend an afternoon with the radiology department learning how to interpret all kinds of imaging, I am going to be working with our registered dietitian on some sports nutrition projects she has coming up, and in July I will be working alongside other NCH athletic trainers at the Central Ohio Top Gun football camp. Lastly, this week I will begin working in our Functional Rehab, or FRehab, department. It is one of the things I have been most excited to do this summer, and I cannot wait to get started. 

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

July 04, 2015

SLU AT Students Experience Collaboration and Teamwork with the St. Louis Rams


SLU AT Summer Field Experience Spotlight - St. Louis Rams Football Club
By: Dustin Jamboretz, CJ Spink and Brad Bunten (SLU MAT Class of 2016)

Our time this summer with the St. Louis Rams has been an amazing experience.  Even though we’ve only been here for a short time, we have learned so many new things and continue to learn new things every day.  Our day at Rams Park starts earlier than most, as it is our responsibility to prepare the athletic training room for the day.  This includes getting the therapeutic modality machines set up, ice bags made, preparing the recovery room for HRV (heart rate variability) readings, and placing the GPS units inside the players’ uniforms for practice.  From there, we monitor the recovery room during HRV readings, lend a hand with any treatments and rehabilitations that may be happening that day, assist with running the vision board for vision training, then start setting up the field before practice and breaking it down after practice.  Afterwards it’s back inside for more treatments and doing just about anything else that may need to be accomplished to help things move as smoothly as possible for both the athletes and athletic training staff.  Through times of observation, asking questions, and some hands-on experiences we have gained more expertise in the areas of new treatment protocols, rehabilitation techniques, performance enhancements, and sports-specific progressions, and there is still so much more learn. 


Previous to this clinical experience, each of us worked in the high school and collegiate athletic training setting. Obviously, it is no surprise that the resources that the Rams organization possesses are far greater than that of our prior clinical sites. As you can imagine, it did take us a little bit of time to orient ourselves and become comfortable with the location of their inventory. Working with the Rams has also allowed us to use a wide variety of modalities that we may not have had an opportunity to use with another organization. These types of resources may play an important role in our career, as exposure to the best equipment will allow us to become technically savvy with nearly everything we could come across in the future.


It is been interesting to witness that although the Rams sports medicine staff does have access to more resources than other settings, the profession that is athletic training is still practiced in the same manner; with the main priority being patient-centered care. The time we have spent in the Rams athletic training room has taught us that although we have access to a multitude of resources (expensive modalities, rehab equipment and training aids); the fundamental aspect to this profession is treating our patients with respect and dignity. In conjunction with that, we have noticed that the other employees at Rams Park have the same attitude.  From the coaching staff to the building maintenance crew, each individual gives and receives the same amount of respect to each person that walks in the door. The athletic trainers value our role as health care professionals who can help improve their quality of care rather than only assigning busy work that they don’t want to do, which we gladly do anyway. This type of environment provides a feeling of a community in the workplace which you enjoy coming to your job each day.

We cannot give enough praise and thanks to the athletic training staff which consists of the head athletic trainer Reggie Scott ATC, assistant athletic trainers James Lomax ATC, Byron Cunningham PT, ATC, Tyler Williams ATC, and 2015 SLU alum Hilary Stepansky ATC for all of their willingness and patience to teach us new things and explain what they’re doing, even with their busy schedules.

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

July 03, 2015

SLU AT Student Experiences "Game Day" Every Day at EXOS in Phoenix

SLU AT Summer Field Experience Spotlight - EXOS, Phoenix, Arizona
By: Demeisha Crawford (SLU MAT Class of 2016)

I’ve had the opportunity to complete my summer internship in Phoenix at EXOS, formerly known as Athletes’ Performance. The mission of EXOS is “To provide the finest systems, specialists and facilities, seamlessly integrated to efficiently and ethically enhance our athletes’ performance.”
EXOS aims to provide high quality, individualized physical therapy, nutrition and training for elite athletes. Since I have been a part of the EXOS team, I have seen this mission played out in each aspect of the athletes’ experience. I am thankful to have been part of a team that provides exceptional care to athletes. 


Each week I have learned something new about their methodology to improve an athlete’s performance and how to incorporate that into a physical therapy program. In addition to weekly education, I have had hands on experience. I have been introduced to cupping, dry needling and soft tissue mobilization to name a few. Each of the new techniques that I have been exposed to have allowed me to work with patients independently and receive feedback to improve my skills. 


I continue to improve each day by being challenged by my preceptor and the other physical therapist at EXOS. Each contributes different styles of teaching and point of views to enhance my learning experience. I have also continued to improve my patient interactions by receiving continuous feedback from them . The importance of documentation has also been stressed. Each day I enter new patients into the online patient database. I have also been taught how to document in the form of a SOAP note after initial evaluations and daily notes after treatments. 

I have been encouraged to research new techniques to be used in the clinic to enhance patient care. The environment at EXOS promotes continuing education to improve patient care and I have had the opportunity to implement new techniques into patient programs. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities to advance and improve as an athletic training student. I am thankful for the great opportunity to work with Tony Mikla, DPT, Kara Shull, DPT and my preceptor Ashley Rice, ATC.

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

July 02, 2015

SLU AT Student Gets Field Experience with Rugby "Down Under" in Australia


SLU AT Summer Field Experience Spotlight - Manly Marlins, Sydney Australia
By: Cara Bowton (SLU MAT Class of 2016)

For my summer internship I decided to go for an opportunity I might not normally have.  I am with the Manly Marlins located in Manly, which is on northern beaches of Sydney, Australia.  The Marlins are a club semi-professional rugby union team.  I get to work with 4 grades of over 20’s teams as well as 4 colts teams which ages range between 16 and 20.  This is roughly 160 athletes all together. Rugby union is a lifestyle for the community of Manly and I am grateful to be a part of it this season. 


Learning the rules of the game was my first challenge but with guidance from the athletes, coaches, and the entire staff I am able to get a good grasp of the game. Working with the sport physiotherapists as well as the entire club staff has been an absolute pleasure. Everyone is more than welcoming and I have come to love the sport.  My first week the boys taught me to throw properly which is much harder than they make it look but by the end of the winter season I hope to improve.  

Bioathletic Sports Injuries and Performance is the clinic right across from manly oval, which cares for the club teams.  I spend my morning in clinic taking athletes and patients alike through rehabilitation and treatments.  Then I head to the gym to assist in training and at nights we head out to practice. Saturdays are a big day with four matches back to back.  I get to see multiple injuries everyday and I have the unique experience of learning a whole new health care system.  The staff I have the honor to work with include Alison Donnan (physiotherapist), Rachel Underwood (physiotherapist), James Brodie (strength and conditioning coach), Richard Andjelkovic (first aid), and many others.  


There are multiple new and interesting techniques I am lucky to learn here that I will be able to take with me for future practice.  In rugby there is an abundance of shoulder injuries such as AC sprains, rotator cuff dysfunction, and impingement and I get hands on experience helping each athlete return to play.  I also have the opportunity to sit in on a knee menisectomy surgery of one of our athletes as well as an ACL repair.  

I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with such an amazing staff.  Each and every one of them pushes me to learn and allows me to ask questions.  My time here has already made a huge impact on my education and my skills as an athletic training student. I get to take the lead during some of the matches which forces me to truly rely on what I’ve learned in classes and develop an intuition of managing injuries appropriately and efficiently.  I will remember this as one of the most incredible experiences of my life.  I could not have asked for a better clinical placement and group of people to work with.  

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