HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE SLU AT PROGRAM!

The faculty, staff and students of the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program wishes you a happy and successful New Year!

Last Year Fr. James Martin SJ posted "New Year's Resolutions for Absolutely Everyone"

We are reposting, because they are even more appropriate for 2017:

1.) Be Kind. That means...

2.) Always give everyone the benefit of the doubt. After all, why not? Everyone is carrying around some sort of burden. Usually one that you don't even know about. So give them a break. Even if they're being unreasonable....

3.) Especially when you're talking about them with someone else. Honor the absent, as the saying goes. Spiritually speaking, it's essential. It's part of charity. Practically speaking, it makes sense too. Why? First, because you'll feel crummy about yourself afterwards. Second, because the person you're complaining to will probably see you as negative. Finally, it will inevitably get back to them. More to the point, it's mean.

4.) Don't be a jerk. There is simply no need to be. At all. Zero. Just because you're having a rotten day doesn't mean you have to pass it along your misery to someone else. It's important to share your struggles with friends. Essential. But being in a bad mood is no excuse to be a jerk. If you feel your moving into that territory, ask yourself a simple question, "Am I being a jerk?" If you're somehow unable to discern that, the look on other people's faces will tell you.

5.) Give a call, pay a visit, or send a note to someone who is sick, lonely, struggling. It will cost you nothing, but will mean everything to them. Think of how you feel when someone reaches out.

6.) Release yourself from that grudge. In other words, forgive. It's ridiculous to hold onto things for so long. It eats away at you like a cancer, and it poisons the other person's life. It also, most likely, serves to turn them against you even more. You think you are justified in being mad? You probably are. People can be jerks. But there are probably people justified in holding a grudge against you, too. So just let it go.

7.) Stop being so sarcastic. A little of that goes too far. You may think you're being Oscar Wilde, but you're often just being mean. Sarcasm can be an effective antidote to pomposity, but sometimes it's just cruel.

8.) Listen patiently to someone who is long-winded, or boring, or, especially. complaining. They're usually insecure, lonely or in pain. Your listening is a gift to them. It may mean that you're the only person they have to talk to. Yes, it's hard. But God sees what you're doing. And, after all, people have to listen to you.

9.) Help someone who is really needy. A homeless person. A poor person. A refugee. A sick person. A grieving person. It's not hard to figure out how to do it. And if you don't know anyone like that, write a check. That's not so hard either. Helping doesn't require an advanced degree.

10.) Be kind. Did I mention that? It bears repeating, because if you are kind, then you'll make a lot of people happy in the New Year. Yourself too. And God.

LINK TO ORIGINAL POST:
https://www.facebook.com/FrJamesMartin/photos/a.139618381495.120357.46899546495/10153207099316496/?type=1&theater

SLU AT Students Conduct Toy and Book Drive for Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital

SLATS Annual Holiday Toy and Book Drive

By: Olivia Robinson and Sarah Haenchen (SLU MAT Class of 2017)

In the recent holiday seasons students in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Society (SLATS) has organized a toy and book drive to collect gifts for the children at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. Cardinal Glennon is a St. Louis area hospital that opened its doors in 1956 to children in need of medical care. Cardinal Glennon is a part of the SSM Health. SSM and the SLU Athletic Training Program enjoy a wonderful relationship ever since the beginning of our program.

  

Each year SLATS puts on a holiday toy and book drive to put a smile on the kids faces, and show how thankful our community is for the hospital that helps them. This was one of our best years yet. We collected an assortment of 50+ boys and girls toys.

  

This year our winners with the most donations were, Sarah Haenchen in first place, and Bridget Bushong and Emily Mott in a tie for second place. As always SLATS appreciates and thanks all of our donors. 

We are looking forward to another successful toy and book drive next year!

Happy Holidays from the SLU Athletic Training Program!

The faculty, staff and students of the 

Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program 

wish you God's blessings on this Christmas holiday!

SLU AT Alums Return to Share their Experiences with Current Students

SLU Athletic Training Program Alumni Panel

By: Sarah Haenchen and Olivia Robinson (SLU MAT Class of 2017)

On November 28, 2016, the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Society (SLATS) hosted a panel of SLU athletic training alumni to talk to current athletic training students about their experiences and their jobs. Hilary Orf MAT, ATC (Class of 2013) works with Athletico at Westminster Christian Academy high school. Alex Sawyer MAT, ATC (Class of 2013) works in the college setting at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Kelly Peck MAT, ATC (Class of 2014) works in the industrial setting at Boeing with Work-Fit. 

It was fascinating to learn about the industrial setting because that is not a setting we are exposed to often. The AT students really enjoyed hearing the panelists talk about their clinical rotations as students and how our clinical rotations could lead to a job. The panelists also gave us great advice in the transition from being a student to a professional. This was a great event for the athletic training students to learn more about the different settings and prepare them for their future. 

Student from Ireland Enjoys a Semester-Long Experience in Athletic Training at Saint Louis University

International Clinical Exchange - SLU and Athlone Institute of Technology

By: Robbie Cassidy (Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy student – Athlone Institute of Technology, Ireland)

I have been working and studying at St. Louis University for 14 weeks now and moving into my last week here I feel that I have got the experience I was looking for. Working with Westminster Christian Academy and the SLU women’s basketball team I have learned and practiced many new techniques. I found working with the high school introduced me to a variety of new sports and the reality of injuries associated with them. Hillary Orf MAT, ATC, my preceptor at the high school, has helped me in every aspect of my work experience and has been a pleasure to work with. With the constant flow of athletes in and out of the athletic training room I have been able to evaluate multiple injuries in a comfortable environment before discussing the possible diagnoses with my colleagues and determining the right course of action allowing me to develop my clinical examination skills. Every day I have learned from my co-workers and have enjoyed every minute of it.

Women's Basketball practice starts at 6:00 A.M. in the incredible Chaifetz Arena, so we would usually be in the athletic training room by 5:30 A.M. to begin setting up for practice and taping the players. After practice I work with some of the players on their rehab programs or continue treatment with them. On game-day we will set-up the therapy table just off-court and will sit courtside with the team. The atmosphere and build-up for games is exciting and with the team being ranked #1 in the A-10 conference has really added to the overall experience. In short, working with the women’s basketball team has been a new experience as I have never worked with an elite team of the same calibre before. Lizzy Kienstra MAT, ATC and Kara Cummins-Ludwig MS, ATC, my preceptors at SLU, provided much in the way of mentoring and advice and for this I am grateful. 

When I arrived at SLU I was welcomed by Anthony Breitbach PhD, ATC, the Athletic Training program director, who took the time to show me around the city of St. Louis and helped me to get settled in. Coming to St. Louis alone was a bit overwhelming at first but Dr Breitbach went out of his way to make my initial couple of weeks here as easy and as comfortable as possible. We have kept in good contact the entire time I have been here and he has helped me out on numerous occasions. I was placed in two PY2 classes at SLU where I have learned a significant amount about the treatment and maintenance of athletes under excellent professors (Dr. Kitty Newsham, Dr. Mike Markee and Dr. Tim Howell) who have been a great help in and out of the classroom. 

It has not only been the professors here at SLU who have helped me in my studies, as I have also received assistance from my fellow students who have acted as mentors. One such student Collin Peterson, introduced to me through Dr. Breitbach, has been my guide in handling the program and swiftly became a friend that I could rely on here. He has helped me to adapt to the new culture and has introduced me to the social life of St. Louis.

I have really enjoyed my time at Saint Louis University and hope to keep up the relationships with all the new friends I have made.

Dr. Erik Swartz featured speaker for 6th Annual SLU AT Speakers Series - February 20, 2017

Erik Swartz, Ph.D., ATC, FNATA, will be the featured speaker for the 6th annual Saint Louis University Athletic Training Speakers Series and Recognition Ceremony this Spring. The event is presented by the Saint Louis University chapter of Iota Tau Alpha National Athletic Training Honor Society.

Dr. Swartz is a professor and the Department of Kinesiology Chair at the University of New Hampshire; he is also the creator of a new football tackling and blocking program designed to reduce head injuries in athletes. Dr. Swartz’s presentation – Changing the Paradigm: Can Taking Football Helmets Off Reduce Head Injuries? -  will take place Monday, February 20 at 7:00pm in the Huh Auditorium at the Center for Global Citizenship at Saint Louis University.

After the featured speaker, there will be a panel discussion addressing head safety issues facing the sport of football today. The panel will include: Washington University Athletic Training and former St. Louis Rams Athletic Trainer Jim Anderson, Super Bowl Champion and former St. Louis Rams Center Andy McCollum and Christian Brothers College (CBC) High School Football Coach Scott Pingel.

It will be proceeded by the Iota Tau Alpha Initiation Ceremony and be followed by a social sponsored by the SLU Athletic Training Society (SLATS).

Here is the link to the official announcement: http://www.slu.edu/doisy/doisy-news/2016/at_speakerseries_17.php

For more infomation email atep@slu.edu or call 314-977-8561.

The SLU AT Program Kicks Off the Third Year of the Roosevelt HS AT Club

2016-17 Roosevelt High School Athletic Training Club
By: Amelia Meigs (SLU MAT Class of 2017)

We had the first meeting of the 2016-2017 Roosevelt High School Athletic Training Club just two weeks ago. 

This is the third year of the RHS AT Club, which has been funded by an Ethnic Diversity Enhancement Grant from the National Athletic Trainers' Association Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee.  A new development this year is that RHS now has an Athletic Trainer, Kemba Noel-London MAT, ATC (SLU MAT Class of 2012), who is pursuing a PhD in Health Management and Policy with an assistantship sponsored by the Doisy College of Health Sciences.

We met at Roosevelt with a group of about 15 students, and first introduced Saint Louis University Kemba, Dr. Breitbach and our mentors (Morgan Jasperson, Amelia Meigs, Brandi Burgett). First, I presented about what an athletic trainer is, what could make a person a good fit for an athletic training career, and how to become an athletic trainer.

Then we discussed what matters to the RHS students—a large focus of our club this year. We are aiming to meet the students where they are to provide them with the tools for a successful career in sports medicine based on their interests. We want to allow them to develop professionalism before entering a program, and allow them to understand the process of becoming an athletic trainer.

Then we got on to the real fun—teaching the students how to tape an ankle! All the Roosevelt High School students were excited to learn this new skill. Some of the students have been in our club all 3 years, and those students were able to assist their classmates in taping. I’m always surprised and amazed at the quality of the tape jobs by these first-time tapers—many of them are athletes and have an intuitive understanding of athletic training, even though this is the first year Roosevelt High School has an athletic trainer. 

Still to come this semester is a meeting with a Dietitian from Saint Louis University, a SLU basketball game, and much more!

Happy Thanksgiving from the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program

The faculty, staff and students of the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program wish you a happy and blessed Thanksgiving holiday.  May you enjoy this opportunity to join with your friends and family and give thanks.  We hope that this spirit of appreciation sparks a light of kindness and gratitude in your actions moving forward!

Faculty and Students Utilize a "Crash Reel" to Help Students in the SLU Health Sciences Learning Community Learn about Athletic Training

TV shows often feature "Crash Reels" to highlight dangerous situations or high profile injuries.  The Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program utilized that format to help First Year Students in SLU's Health Sciences Learning Community.

This "Crash Reel Night", held on Monday, November 14, 2016 at the Reinert Residence Hall, was a great success!

Athletic Training students Sarah Haenchen, Amelia Meigs, and Stephanie Ross along with faculty member Kitty Newsham PhD, ATC showed the Health Science Learning Community videos of injuries and talked about how an athletic trainer manages an injury. Using the videos gave the participants a clear picture of the nature and the context of the injuries.

SLU Health Sciences Learning Community

This year we focused on an ankle sprain, one of the most common injuries an AT treats. The discussion encompassed acute care on the field, the assessment in the clinic, and then rehabilitation for an ankle sprain. We had some hands-on activities such as functional tests to evaluate balance and proprioception which inform return to play decisions.

The athletic training students have been busy this November and we are excited for our future events!

SLU AT Students Enjoy Engaging with the Community at the St. Louis Science Center's HealthFest

We had a great time again at HealthFest this year!  Every year students from the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program  participate in this event, hosted by the St. Louis Science Center, to help children and families experience health and science with hands-on experiences.

We had tons of fun running through an obstacle course created with various rehab tools. Children ran through an agility ladder, cones, mini hurdles and worked on balance. Not only did the children have fun, but parents were able to try some of the rehab activities as well. We were able to educate the parents on how to incorporate some of our activities in their children’s life and make it enjoyable for the family.

A team of athletic training students from freshman to PY2 years were able to work collaboratively to teach HealthFest 2016 attendees about athletic training and run through the obstacle course with the children. 

Plans are already in the works for next year's HealthFest, which will be rebranded as "Healthy U", next year!

SLU AT Student Appreciates a Special Opportunity at the ASAHP Annual Meeting

Professional Development Experience at the ASAHP Conference in New Orleans

By: Collin Peterson (SLU MAT Class of 2017)

I recently had the privilege of attending the National Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions (ASAHP) conference in New Orleans this October.  Thanks to the nomination and sponsorship from my Program Director, Dr. Anthony Breitbach, and the Dean of the Doisy College of Health Sciences, Dr. Mardell Wilson, I was selected as one of seven students from various health professions and universities to develop a plan and infrastructure to start a national ASAHP student organization.  I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity that the SLU Doisy College of Health Sciences has made possible. This experience has also helped shape my career path as a future athletic trainer.

It was extremely rewarding to be a part of such a select group of highly motivated students and to see the overwhelming support and enthusiasm the ASAHP Board of Directors gave us for our efforts developing the ASAHP Student Assembly.  As the only athletic training student in the group, I enjoyed seeing how my athletic training experiences go beyond the clinical site and have helped shaped my collaboration and problem solving abilities.  

In addition to working with my team, I moderated presentations that included great work on Interprofessional Education from SLU’s Dr. Leslie Hinyard, Eileen Toomey and Dr. Breitbach. I also listened to several inspirational speakers on the future of healthcare education and networked with accomplished professors and deans such as Dr. David Perrin and Dr. Chris Ingersoll, former editors of the Journal of Athletic Training.

Seeing all the great research being done and interacting with leaders in higher education so passionate about helping students, it reaffirmed my recent decision to pursue a Ph.D. so that I can contribute valuable research and impact students the way the SLU Athletic Training Program has impacted me. I want to reiterate my gratitude to the Doisy College of Health Sciences for giving me such an enlightening and influential opportunity that has helped shape my professional future as an athletic trainer.            

SLU AT Students Inducted to National Allied Health Honor Society

The Saint Louis University chapter of Alpha Eta, the National Scholastic Honor Society for Allied Health Professions, held its annual induction ceremony in the Multipurpose Room of the Allied Health Building at Saint Louis University on November 2, 2016.

The Society is named for the Greek letters equivalent to the first letters of Allied Health (AH), which are Alpha Eta.  The purpose of the Society is the promotion and recognition of significant scholarship, leadership, and contributions to the allied health professions.

The following SLU AT students (MAT Class of 2018) were honored in this year's ceremony:

Jenna Ginsberg

Abigail Klosterman

Michael Milek

Emily Mott

Congratulations on this prestigious and well-deserved honor!

SLU AT Students Featured on Video Discussing Clinical Experiences

The Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program developed a video featuring students talking about their clinical experiences.  The SLU AT Program provides clinical education that takes students through an integrated developmental progression with dedicated preceptors. SLU also provides diverse and immersive experiences which contribute to the professional formation of our graduates.

We truly appreciate the participation of our fine clinical sites and outstanding preceptors!

The following students participated in the video:

• Madeleine Hauck (SLU MAT Class of 2017), Chicago, Illinois
• Alex Hubbs (SLU MAT Class of 2018), Liberty, Missouri
• Abby Klosterman (SLU MAT Class of 2018), St. Louis, Missouri 
• Amelia Meigs (SLU MAT Class of 2017), Issaquah, Washington 
• Collin Peterson (SLU MAT Class of 2017), Shadow Hills, California 

SLU AT Students and International Exchange Student Learn Together at Westminster Christian Academy

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Westminster Christian Academy
By: Robbie Cassidy (Exchange Student-AIT), Ryan Dale (SLU MAT Class of 2018), Colin Peterson (SLU MAT Class of 2017)

Westminster Christian Academy (WCA) has given us a comprehensive athletic training experience applying the different domains of athletic training with a variety of high school sports teams.  Additionally the mix of an international student from Athlone Insitute of Technology (AIT) in Ireland and SLU students from two different cohorts provides an especially rich learning environment.

Hilary Orf MAT, ATC (SLU MAT Class of 2013), the athletic trainer at WCA, works for Athletico and cares for all fall sports teams including football, softball, soccer, cross country, field hockey, volleyball, and swimming.  She has been an valuable resource teaching us not only a variety of clinical skills, but also how to provide the best treatment possible while maintaining the balance of covering multiple teams.

We have improved and learned new preventive taping techniques, as well as focus on the use of manual therapy in rehabilitating athletes with a variety of injuries.  This semester has been a great experience for gaining further insight into assessing on-field injuries, deciding when an athlete can return to play, and providing acute wound care. There have also been opportunities to learn how to apply various braces and splints.

Westminster Christian Academy is the perfect clinical site to learn what it means to work in the high school setting after graduating from our program at SLU.

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their preceptors. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Student Gets Experience with Multiple Preceptors and Sports with SLU Athletics

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Saint Louis University Athletics

By: Michael Milek (SLU MAT Class of 2018)

My clinical site for this semester is with Saint Louis University Athletics. SLU is an NCAA Division I school in the Atlantic 10 Conference, so there is plenty to do with all the fall sports in full go and the winter/spring sports starting to practice for their respective seasons.  I have the opportunity to work with Jonathan Burch ATC and all of the other 4 athletic trainers in the Chaifetz Arena Athletic Training Facility learning from each of them. I have been able work and treat athletes from the men's and women’s soccer teams, men's and women’s basketball teams, the volleyball team, and the field hockey team. 

While at SLU, I also access to the top of line modalities, including laser, and have had a ton of opportunities to use them. The best thing so far has been being able to the first-hand experience of working with the athletes and the athletic trainers. I have been able to interact with such high level athletes and be able to have an impact on their performance and if they are injured, their rehabilitation. It has been a very interesting and worthwhile experience so far.

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their preceptors. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Student Grows Clinical Skills at Christian Brothers College HS

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Christian Brothers College High School
By: Daniel Smith (SLU MAT Class of 2017)

This year, I have been able enhance my athletic training clinical practice at Christian Brothers College (CBC) High School. At CBC, I have been with the football, soccer, and cross-country teams. My clinical knowledge has expanded due to the tutelage of my preceptor Athletic Trainer Kristen Jeans ATC from Mercy Sports Medicine. Kristen’s expertise in the field has helped me to improve my clinical judgement and ability to provide patient-centered care.

In a typical day at CBC, I begin by helping Kristen evaluate injured athletes, assisting athletes with their rehabilitation programs, and applying preventative taping. Once our work in the athletic training room is complete, we prepare for the day’s practices and games. At the practices and games, I provide wound care and orthopedic evaluation to injured athletes. We also work to ensure player safety by monitoring the weather and keeping players hydrated. At the end of the day, we check on the athletes and inform the coaches about the injuries we have seen that day.

I have really enjoyed working with the athletes, coaches, and administrators at Christian Brothers College High School. I have seen how providing health care at the high school level involves not only treating injuries, but also educating the high school students about the skills and services that athletic trainers provide. It has been exciting to meet a few students whom are interested in pursuing an athletic training education in college. I’m excited to continue my clinical growth at CBC over the coming year.

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their preceptors. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Students Benefit from Hands-on Experience at NCAA Division I SIU-Edwardsville

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUe)
By: Brandi Burgett and Stephanie Ross (SLU MAT Class of 2017)

SIUe has been a fantastic site to learn and grow at for our final year as SLU athletic training students. We have the opportunity to work with division one athletes in top facilities. They have a wide variety of modalities that are available and multiple facilities to use. Our preceptors encourage us learn and grow into the professionals that we want to be. With hands on experience we are able have the opportunity to a relationship with the athletes in order to improve their quality in performance. We have different opportunities to work with multiple teams in a variety of athletic training rooms on campus, giving the athletes multiple places to go for help.

Stephanie Ross - Caring for Women’s Soccer team along side Ben Heimos MAT, ATC, the athletic trainer, has given me the opportunity to discuss treatment options not only for the injuries that we are currently in season with but also the baseball injuries. Ben is the athletic trainer with Baseball in the spring, and with my summer field experience being with a minor league baseball team has given me the chance to build upon my knowledge of shoulder injuries and treatment. Talking with Ben, I learned that he previously used to be with the Marlins affiliated teams. He started out working in low A baseball and then was able to move up to AA. With both his experience and my experience working with professional baseball teams I have been able to discuss a shoulder program that was done at my clinical site for the summer along with his view on what stretches for the shoulder are the best based on his experience.

Brandi Burgett -  My clinical rotation with the volleyball team and my preceptor Alex Sawyer MAT, ATC (SLU MAT Class of 2013) has given me a different fall sport experience than the normal football experience. I have really enjoyed working with volleyball more than I thought I would. Being a former volleyball player has really helped me connect with my athletes and build those relationships that I find so important in athletic training. I have been able to learn a lot from a former SLU AT student as well. We are able to discuss what we may have learned at SLU and how she has adapted it from her experiences since then.

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their preceptors. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Student Experiences the Initiation of a New Program at Bishop DuBourg HS.

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Bishop DuBourg High School

By: Olivia Robinson (SLU MAT Class of 2017)

This year I have been placed at Bishop DuBourg High School. I have been working with Nathan Jarman MAT, ATC, LAT, CSCS, CES/PES under our team physician Scott Kaar M.D. Nathan is an adjunct professor with the SLU Athletic Training Program that I have known for the past year. This is his second year with Bishop DuBourg. I admire his knowledge of everything athletic training and have enjoyed my time with him so far. Nathan was the first athletic trainer hired to be a part of a new Sports Medicine program through Saint Louis University Hospital that has partnered with four archdiocesean high schools in the St. Louis area, with DuBourg being one of them. 

A typical day at DuBourg consists of the usual after school rush. The kids come in to hang out before practices, with the occasional injury evaluation. We work mainly with athletes that have chronic conditions to help prevent re-injury, but we have had some more serious injuries to work with as well. Luckily everyone is getting back to being healthy and ready to go! My preceptor and I are also going to be implementing a strength and conditioning program for some of the off-season sports. DuBourg is one of the smaller schools I have worked with, but I really love the close community and how all of the students are truly one of a kind. 

Although I am mainly placed at DuBourg, my preceptor Nathan and I have cared for the other three schools in our system as well, St. Mary’s, Rosati-Kain, and Cardinal Ritter High School. It has been an interesting process to be apart of and has thrown me into a position that will benefit me as a professional once I graduate. I have learned what it takes to create a program from scratch, and how to work on a small budget and still do my job effectively. It has been an awesome start to my PY2 year, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of this year holds for us! 

Fear the Cavalier!

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their preceptors. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Student Appreciates Experience with SLU Alum/Preceptor at Parkway Central HS

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Parkway Central High School

By: Sarah Haenchen (SLU MAT Class of 2017)

This year I am at Parkway Central High School working with Michael Aaron, ATC (SLU MAT Class of 2015). I have been very fortunate to continue working with Mercy Sports Medicine and at another Parkway school. I am also lucky to work with another Saint Louis University Athletic Training alum. Michael also helps Dr. Kitty Newsham teach the PY1 students in musculoskeletal assessment lab at SLU. When we reflect back to our time as a PY1 student, it amazes us on how much we learned. I enjoy and am thankful for the challenges and opportunities that Michael provides me in order for me to become a better clinician.

My time at the Mercy Sports Medicine clinic over the summer has helped me become confident in evaluating and rehabbing dysfunctional movement patterns. I am able to use those skills at PCH. While time is limited at the high school setting, Michael and I take advantage when we have down time to go through Selective Functional Movement Assessments (SFMA) on athletes who could benefit from this assessment. It is also helpful that I know what goes on in the clinic especially if we have to refer an athlete for additional therapy. This helps with collaborating care and making sure the athlete is getting quality care.

Parkway Central is a great place for my clinical experience as it is the setting I want to work in after I graduate. I enjoy the challenges of working at a large school with a variety of sports. This setting provides me with several opportunities to practice my skills of emergency care, evaluation and treatment, injury prevention and administration. The PCH community has been very welcoming, and there is a lot of team spirit during game days. I always look forward to going to PCH to provide the best care to the athletes and growing as a professional. I am excited for the winter sports season to start up and hope that our fall sports do well with the rest of their season. Go Colts!

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their preceptors. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Students Collaboratively Learn about, from and with AT Students at Lindenwood-Belleville

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Lindenwood University-Belleville
By: Madeleine Hauck (SLU MAT Class of 2017) and Donielle Francis (SLU MAT Class of 2018)

Throughout our experiences, it can be challenging to work with your peers even when they are within your own program.  Our clinical site this semester has not only challenged us to work collaboratively and helpfully as first (PY1) and second (PY2) year professional students from the SLU Athletic Training program, but to also work with Athletic Training Students from a different program.  This was definitely a daunting thought when we first arrived at Lindenwood-Belleville, but from the first day any fears we had were calmed.

The Athletic Training Staff, consisting of faculty and Graduate Assistants, were very welcoming. They wanted us to feel comfortable and that we are one of them rather than an outsider.  Gathered in a room full of Lindenwood Athletic Training students, they all made an effort to have conversations with us, introduce themselves, and let us in on the banter. Within a few days, we were able to feel at home and we are very grateful for that.

Our experience has been very unique due to this dynamic.  We can learn from the Lindenwood students, and we hope they have been able to learn from us.  It is great to see what a different perspective or learning technique can do to enhance your own knowledge and abilities.  All of our preceptors are somehow involved in the education process at Lindenwood, which makes them great advocates for our learning and enhancement of skills.  They ask us questions, give us feedback, and teach us new techniques on a daily basis.

Working with Football comes with its own set of challenges, but we feel we have been able to meet those well.  When we look past our experience as just being long hours and many injuries, we can see that it is actually a great opportunity for exposure to a multitude of treatments.  We have been able to come up with rehab plans, tape, brace, apply modalities, work with acute care situations, and help with documentation.  We are really excited about the opportunities we have had to grow as students and professionals.

From a PY2 perspective, I (Mada) have had more autonomy this year than in the past.  The staff at Lindenwood gives me space to show my skills and abilities.  These new responsibilities have helped my confidence in clinical decision making grow.  It is also helpful in my development of relationships with the athletes as they now feel more comfortable coming to me because they trust my decisions to help them.  I have been able to see patients through the whole rehab process, formulating and modifying treatments as we go.  I am very happy and thankful this sense of autonomy and professionalism.

From a PY1 perspective, I (Donielle) have been able to utilize what I am currently learning in the classroom and have started to immediately use those skills. When you can learn something in the classroom during the day and see it in the training room that evening, the puzzle pieces really start to come together! Most importantly, I have a better understanding as to what it is like to be an Athletic Trainer in a collegiate setting. There is collaboration taking place between your own staff, team doctors, coaches, players, opposing Athletic Trainers, Emergency Personnel and referees, just to name a few. Lindenwood University Belleville has been a very beneficial clinical site to aid in my development as an athletic training student.

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their preceptors. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Student Enjoys Learning in a Busy Setting at Marquette HS

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Marquette High School
By: Madeleine Bresnahan (SLU MAT Class of 2018)

This semester I get the opportunity to spend a bunch of my time at Marquette High School. My preceptor is their knowledgeable athletic trainer Mathew Petersen, ATC from Athletico. I’ve been able get experience in their athletic training room and got to know the workings of a busy high school. I’ve also been able to work with and get to know many of the athletes.

I’ve learned a lot this semester so far. I’ve learned how to evaluate athletes and their injuries. My preceptor is constantly teaching me new special tests and always explaining things to me as I watch him during an evaluation. I’ve had a lot of experience looking at different athletes and their injuries. I am also constantly practicing my taping skills. I get to tape ankles and wrists daily. My preceptor has showed me new taping techniques that I have been able to put to use.

I love my clinical site. I’ve already learned so much. It will be hard to leave next semester.

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their preceptors. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Students Find a Great Teacher and Role Model in Their Preceptor at Kirkwood HS

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Kirkwood High School
By: Stephanie Uhrich (SLU MAT Class of 2017) and Jenna Ginsberg (SLU MAT Class of 2018)

Kirkwood High School’s atmosphere has been very welcoming and friendly from the start. Our preceptor, Denise Grider ATC, Head Athletic Trainer, is a great teacher and resource for us as we expand our knowledge and skills in the clinical setting. The rest of the staff and students are equally as supportive and kind. Kirkwood High School offers us the opportunity to interact with athletes from a wide variety of sports and allows us to take part in the evaluation and treatment of a wide variety of injuries, aches, and pains. There are new skills and information to be learned every day, and watching our preceptor fly through perfect tape job after tape job inspires us to rise to our highest potential and not be satisfied with our current skill set.

There is no substitute for clinical experience, and we feel so fortunate to be able to learn at Kirkwood.  This experience has been amazing, and we look forward to everything that we will learn in the future.  Kirkwood has made an imprint in our path to becoming certified athletic trainers, and it continues to help us reach our fullest potential everyday.  The patient athletes, kind staff, and our intelligent and devoted preceptor have shaped our experience in such a way that makes Kirkwood more than just a place for learning but also a place we enjoy going to day after day.

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their preceptors. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Students Enjoy Learning Through Collaboration at Washington University

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Washington University Athletics
By: Max Alander, Bailey Draheim and Brianna LaBarbera (SLU MAT Class of 2017); and Emily Mott, Patrick O'Neill and Wyatt Whitegoat (SLU MAT Class of 2018)

Thus far, Washington University (WashU) in Saint Louis has been an experiential and knowledgeable clinical site for both Saint Louis University’s Professional Year (PY) I and II students. At WashU, Athletic Training students are able to apply knowledge gained from a lecture based environment to a hands-on role, including wound care treatment, modality treatment, and injury assessment. In addition, PY I and II students are able to develop and guide a rehabilitation program that allows an athlete’s return to play getting the athlete back to play quickly but not before they are fully healed.

An athlete’s return to play is achieved with the collaboration of athletic training students and the interaction of certified athletic trainers. The certified staff at WashU includes Head Athletic Trainer, Rick Larsen ATC, and three assistant Athletic Trainers, Jim Anderson ATC, Jacob Blasingame ATC, and Mary Tarzon ATC. Working under and in collaboration with all four Athletic Trainers has definitely been one of the unique and beneficial aspects of being placed at Washington University for our clinical experience. For instance, certified athletic trainers allow PY II’s to refine and incorporate skills learned from previous clinical sites while learning new approaches for treatment. In addition, certified athletic trainers, with the assistance of PY II’s, allow PY I students to mold, obtain, and apply new methods of diagnosing, evaluating, and taping; so that, students are able to incorporate to future clinical sites and practice.

Furthermore, beyond the collaboration of students and certified athletic trainers, the sport (either Football or Soccer) that the Athletic Training students are assigned provides a variety of exposure to injuries, either acute or chronic. Thus, enhancing students immediate application of hands on experience to injuries gained from class and prior clinical sites. In addition, WashU’s brand new and innovative athletic training room obtained with a variety of equipment (LASER, AlterG, Underwater treadmill, and a rehabilitation area) allows students to apply and gain a variety of skills for future practice.

Overall, WashU is an incredible clinical site that aids in our growth and development as athletic training students by always teaching us new, yet diverse, ways to practice our skills.

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their preceptors. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction are major assets for the SLU AT Program.