September 01, 2020

SLU AT Student Appreciates the Benefit of Multiple Immersive Clinical Experiences


SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Orchard Farm High School and the Young Athlete Center/Lou Fusz Athletic
By: Iris Herrera (MAT Class of 2021)

This summer I had the privilege of having both Olivia Robinson, MAT, LAT, ATC and Tom McGowan, MEd, LAT, ATC as preceptors. I was able to have a well-rounded experience, where I learned about all of the domains of athletic training. In the mornings I would screen athletes for COVID at Orchard Farm High School with Olivia. While there I was able to create, edit, and implement an emergency action plan. I had exposure to pre-participation documents, physicals, and even inventory. 


With preceptor Tom McGowan I was able to have experiences at the Young Athlete Center (YAC) and Lou Fusz Athletic. At the Young Athlete Center, located inside of the Children’s Specialty Care Center, I observed and assisted with ACL return to play testing. I was also able to observe a functional movement screen. Tom showed me how to use a BIODEX and motion sensors to analyze movement and even let me try them out! At Lou Fusz Athletic I was able to join Tom for soccer practices and a lacrosse tournament. Throughout the summer, Tom set up several evaluations for me to do on athletes. He also guided me through case study cases where he pretended to be my patient.


Overall, I loved my summer field experiences! In the morning I was able to gain more understanding about the administrative component of athletic training and in the afternoon, I was able to be more hands on with patients. I am appreciative of Olivia and Tom for giving me such amazing opportunities to learn from them. 

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

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