March 26, 2022

UCJC Student Reflects on International Clinical Exchange Experience at Saint Louis University


SLU AT International Clinical Exchange Spotlight - Universidad Camilo Jose Cela (Madrid)
By: Ramon Morales (UCJC Class of 2022)

As an international student from UCJC - Universidad Camilo Jose Cela Madrid -Spain. In my last clinical internship at Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program, I was immersed in the University's sports medical system (Chaifetz Arena sports medicine clinic) and High School (Webster Groves High School). I was given the instruction and practical clinical in athletic training with an intensive and continuous training process. The clinical rotation period in two different athletic training departments gave me a level of knowledge and approach to the injured athlete in the USA's day- to-day competitive and training sports at two different educational levels of athletes.
My first assignment at the Chaifetz Arena SLU Sports Medicine and Athletic Training department under my preceptor Gwyn Brown, ATC, represented two main things during my experience. One was taught by a great professional with daily dedication and facilitation, patiently coordinating at the same time the set of professionals who were dedicated to reinforcing and complementing my reasonable period in different clinical cases. In that way, I could then receive practice and clinical approach in softball, Volleyball, cross county and swimming, and women's basketball and field hockey with Elena Melillo ATC and Maddie Bozych ATC. My preceptor Gwyn Brown, ATC, was daily interested in reinforcing my clinical practice in the evaluation and specific treatment of the athlete, the interpretation and exploration of the rehabilitation programs, and in my learning in the use of the highest technology of the department (ALTER-G anti-gravity treadmill equipment, Laser, HiVAmat high frequency, Hydrotherapy treadmill, Game-ready, stim modalities, etc.,) as well as manual or instrumental techniques of daily application (Graston technique, Vacuum Cup, etc.). Also, the practice in the coverage and preparation of sports practices within the whole spectrum of Athletic Training.

From the beginning, the team led by SLU Head Athletic Trainer Johnathan Burch, ATC, gave me a warm welcome and worked with me based on getting the best experience. Immediately, colleagues such as Mike Markee, PT, ATC were concerned about incorporating observation and practical participation in important post-operative cases (ACL- Meniscus- Achilles' tendon repair), receiving updated scientific information and encouraging me to participate.

My second clinical sports rotation at Webster Groves High School was equally exceptional and exciting, guided and well received by a stimulating person, my preceptor Sean Wright, ATC. With the confidence previously gotten, I went directly to the clinical action, interaction, and immediate decision in clinical cases at the initial prevention level. Acute injuries in children and adolescents in plenty bone maturity, multiple patients, being my preceptor next to me asking me what you suggest and what you propose? Telling me; Perfect, ok go ahead, in full therapeutic action using your manual therapeutic and interpretative skills. It was a tremendous responsibility to give a solution to each case, besides having my colleagues students Alex Smith and Giovanna Charles (MAT Class of 2023). They bought their experience and daily support in practice collaborating with me at all times.

At the end of my experience as an international student, I feel like I must finally say it!!!! I have learned about the USA's institutional and administrative clinical management of ATs. The SLU and its Athletic Training program is a high-level institution where one feels protected with an exceptional and intensive agenda that immediately surrounds you, giving you multiple practical and educational tools. All its staff is attentive to you, making the most of your stay. I feel very grateful to all of you. Thank you, SLU, Professors Anthony Breitbach ATC, Katie Sniffen ATC, and Timothy Howell ATC, for this beautiful and unforgettable opportunity.


Mi primera asignacion al Chaifetz Arena Saint Louis University Sport Medicine and Athletic Training department a cargo de mi preceptor Gwyn Brown, ATC junto dos cosas primordiales durante mi experiencia una ser instruido por un gran profesional con dedicación diaria y facilitación a la practica clínica coordinando con paciencia no solo mi formación si no a la vez al conjunto de profesionales que se abocaron a reforzar y complimentar durante mi periodo practico mi rotación en diferentes casos clínicos de esa manera pude entonces recibir practicas y enfoque clínico no solo en Soft ball,Volley ball ,Cross county y natación si no Basketball femenino y Hockey de la mano de Elena Melillo ATC and Maddie Bozych ATC. Mi preceptor Gwyn Brown, ATC estuvo diariamente interesada en reforzar mi clínica practica en la evaluación y tratamiento especifico del atleta , en la interpretación, exploración de los programas de rehabilitación y en mi aprendizaje en el manejo de la mas alta tecnología del departamento (ALTER-G anti-gravity treadmill equipment, Laser, HiVAmat hifg frecuency, Hydrotherapy treadmill,Game ready, stim modalities etc,) asi como técnicas manuales o instrumentales de diaria aplicación (Graston technique , Vacuum Cup, etc). De igual forma la practica en la cobertura y preparacion de practicas deportivas dentro de todo el espectro del Athletic Training.


Desde el inico el equipo dirigido por SLU Head Athletic Trainer Jonathan Burch ATC me dio una calida acogida y trabajo en función de mi mayor experiencia. De forma inmediata colegas como Dr. Mike Markee, PT, ATC se preocupo por incorporación a la observación,y practica participación en casos post operatorios importantes (ACL- Meniscus- Achilles tendón repair) recibiendo actualizada información científica y estimulándome a dar mi aporte y participación.

Mi segunda rotación clínico deportiva en Webster Groves High School fue igualmente excepcional y excitante, orientado y bien recibido por una estimulante persona mi preceptor Sean Wright, ATC y ya con la confianza ganada de la primera rotación , pase directamente a la acción clínica , interactuación y decisión directa en casos clínicos en el mas alto nivel preventivo y agudo de lesiones en niños y adolescentes en pleno desarrollo de madures ósea , multiples casos , situaciones directas de contusiones , estando mi preceptor al lado preguntándome ¿Qué sugieres tu?, ¿que propones ? ..muy bien, ok avanza.. en plena acción terapéutica utilizando tu capacidad manual terapeutica e interpretación propia , fue de una responsabilidad tremenda en darle solución a cada caso, además de contar con mis compañeros Alex Smith and Giovanna Charles (MAT Class of 2023) quienes compratieron su experiencia apoyo diario en la practica colaborando conmigo en todo momento.

Al final de mi experiencia  como estudiante internacional,  Siento que debo finalmente decirlo
!!!! he aprendido sobre el manejo clínico institucional y administrativo del AT en USA,La SLU y su programa de Athletic Training es una institucion de alto nivel donde uno se siente protegido e igual a todos, con una agenda excepcional e intensiva que te envuelve inmediatamente dándote multiples herramientas practicas y educativas , todo su personal esta atento a que tu aproveches al maximo tu estadia, me siento muy agradecido a todos Gracias SLU , gracias Profs. Anthony Breitbach, Katie Sniffen and Timothy Howell por esta maravillosa e inolvidable oportunidad.

March 22, 2022

SLU AT Students Experience the Importance of Communication in Health Care at Washington University


SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Washington University
By: Sydney Nash (MAT Class of 2022), Muharem Komic and Eldwin Neritani (MAT Class of 2023)

During this clinical experience at Washington University with preceptors Chris Schultheiss ATC, Amanda Luskey ATC and Jackee Hill ATC, we have already learned a lot. We have learned about how important the dynamic between athletic trainers in a collegiate setting like Wash U really is. Being able to properly communicate with and interact with your coworkers is a necessity to be able to establish any sort of proper dynamic and communication with the athletes. If none of the athletic trainers are on the same page, that makes giving proper healthcare to the athletes much more difficult than it needs to be.


The transition of care is also very important with there being a new hire and them being put in charge of a team that a previous athletic trainer oversaw. Seeing the transition of care was a learning experience because the new hire must build up trust with the athletes that the previous athletic trainer already had. Another characteristic picked up while at Wash U is trust. It is a very important aspect of the receival of care with an athlete. They tend to be more open about their healing process and how they are doing and be more honest with you. Overall, it has been a very educational experience and being exposed to a variety of modalities old and new to me was very intriguing. We have also experienced assisting in rehabilitation programs for injuries and just learning and picking up on all aspects of athletic training and adapting to it with what we already know.

Wash U provides many experiences in not only the medical side of Athletic Training but the administrative side as well. During my experience here we have been immersed into the documentation side of athletic training with not only learning how to use the record system but also learning techniques to keep track of treatments and best way to do so. We have gained so many new methods for recording treatment as well as injury updates. Wash U provides experiences in all aspects of Athletic Training and is preparing us to become adept Athletic Trainers.

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.

March 18, 2022

SLU AT Student Learns from Preceptor/Alum in Outstanding Clinical Site at Pattonville HS


SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Pattonville High School
By: Emily Haley (MAT Class of 2023)

My first high school clinical assignment at Pattonville High School with preceptor and SLU grad Alex Hubbs MAT, ATC has been a wonderful and engaging experience so far. I have always known high schoolers are not my intended patient population, but I am learning a lot from this experience and truly look forward to going to clinical at Pattonville every day. The student athletes and coaches have been extremely welcoming and make each day lively and enjoyable. The environment is friendly and fun, but also super active and hands on. There are endless opportunities to practice my evaluation, diagnosing, and treatment skills. Alex is an amazing preceptor and pushes me to practice the things that I am most uncomfortable with and has helped me grow confidence in my skills immensely. 


It has been a big switch from working with collegiate football players last fall at Washington University to high schoolers involved in multiple sports, but I appreciate the opportunity to gain exposure to different sports. I experienced a wrestling meet for the first time earlier in the semester which was exciting, and I gained experience with basketball, swimming, and dance athletes during the winter season. For the spring, I am looking forward to working with even more sports such as soccer, baseball, and lacrosse, and to continue enhancing my skills and finding my flows for evaluations. 

It’s hard to believe that I am the first SLU student to ever be at Pattonville, and hopefully I won’t be the last as it is truly a top tier site for learning and clinical experience. Pattonville should always be considered for future clinical placements as Alex is an amazing teacher and mentor and the student athletes fully accept my role as a student and are interested in engaging with me clinically. 

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.

March 15, 2022

SLU AT Student Enjoys Support for Clinical Learning at Affton High School


SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Affton High School
By: Jordan Hyink (MAT Class of 2023)

Affton High School is the perfect clinical site for those who want to work with all types of sports and athletes. You are able to work with every sport including both girl’s and boy’s basketball, wrestling, volleyball. It gives you a wide variety of experience throughout they semester show casing a wide variety of injuries.


Becky Stigen ATC is the preceptor for this site and she allows her students to do everything and anything they are comfortable with. This gives you the freedom to really become fully hands on and learn as much as possible in the short amount of time that you are there. She always wants the best for her students and athletes so she always watches over you to ensure the best outcomes.

She wants her students to leave feeling confident in themselves. Throughout my time with her my confidence has increased exponentially and I feel like I am turning into the Athletic Trainer I hoped to be. If you are looking for a place to really increase your confidence in your skills and abilities, Affton is the place for you.

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.

March 14, 2022

SLU AT Student Enjoys Clinical Learning Experiences at DeSmet Jesuit High School


SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - De Smet Jesuit High School
By: Mason Remeis (MAT Class of 2023)

Since the start of the semester at De Smet Jesuit High School, I have witnessed a new atmosphere and approach to athletic training compared to the collegiate level I experienced last semester. The head athletic trainer, SLU alum Dan Herrin MAT, ATC from Mercy Sports Medicine, has formed relationships with the athletes, their families, and the coaches that creates an overall mutual respect between the different parties, and trust in his evaluation and care with the athletes. He has taught me that one of the most important characteristics to have as an athletic trainer is to be personable and make those close relationships with all people involved, so that you know you are trusted, and it will make communicating and decision making with the athletes and their families much easier. I have been able to learn more about what goes into the athletic trainer position just by simply talking with Dan and hearing about all his past experiences, and by questioning his reasoning for using different techniques why he does certain treatments for an athlete.

There have not been any major injuries that have happened yet this semester and most injuries that are present are mostly ones I have seen in previous clinical work. It has been pretty slow up to this point since the winter sports season is ending and the spring sports are just now starting up. Even though it has been slow, I have been able to get insight on a lower back injury and with it learn how to use cupping as a modality. I have also gotten to work with massaging as a treatment to reduce swelling and break up scar tissue. Now that I have gotten experience with more hands-on treatment and constant repetition of taping practices and modalities set-ups, I have seen growth in myself and a benefit from my experiences at De Smet.

What I find important from my experience though is seeing how different athletic trainers do the same treatments, since each AT tends to do them in their own ways. I continue to learn something new each time I go into clinical, even if there is a day where there are no new athletes coming in for treatment. I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to get experience observing and having guidance from a preceptor who has solidified himself as a trustworthy and well-respected individual in the school athletics program, and from this I have a better idea on what it is that I need to do in order to make sure that I am a successful trainer in the future.

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.

March 13, 2022

SLU AT Student Values Connection with Preceptor at Fontbonne University


SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Fontbonne University
By: Lauren Swords (MAT Class of 2023)

This semester my clinical rotation has been at Fontbonne University with my preceptor Sammie Hochmuth ATC. Coming from my last rotation at Affton High School I was definitely nervous to enter the collegiate level, but it has been an amazing experience. 

Currently, Sammie is the only AT for Fontbonne, so I’ve had the opportunity to work with all sports that are in season. This includes the men’s and women’s basketball teams who I have been able to work with throughout their playoff season and going into championships. I am also working with baseball, softball, cheer, dance, and men’s volleyball as they start their seasons.

At Fontbonne I have been working with a lot of modalities such as electrical stim, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, and muscle cupping. Muscle cupping is something I had not used clinically prior to Fontbonne so its been really fun learning this new technique. My confidence in all of these modalities has grown exponentially so I’m super grateful for Sammie being patient when I still had a lot of questions.


One of my favorite things about Fontbonne is Sammie’s connection with the athletes. I have had multiple conversations with athletes and coaches telling me Sammie is the best AT they’ve had at Fontbonne. They feel their voice is heard and she works with the athletes to give them the best treatments. I hope in my future, my athletes will talk about me in this way, and I am learning from Sammie how to make that happen.

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.

March 12, 2022

SLU AT Students Appreciate the Learning Opportunities at Webster Groves HS


SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Webster Groves High School
By: Alex Smith and Giovanna Charles (MAT Class of 2023)

Webster Groves High School has been an exciting experience for the both of us. We both enjoy learning from our preceptor, Sean Wright, ATC,  as well as our fellow Spanish students from Universidad Camilo Jose Cela, Blanca Muntaner and Ramon Morales. Each member in the group brings unique traits and expertise in the clinical site. The historic high school brings lots of unique experiences while also more common experiences as well. Experiences that include dislocated teeth, common ankle sprains, and lots of bloody noses or epistaxis. 


Upon our arrival at Webster Groves, we got right into the thick of it, covering wrestling and basketball games on our first days and weeks there. The plan for the rest of the year is to cover soccer and other sports that need our attention. We both get a chance to evaluate athletes, whether it be new material or old material from class, as well as tape athletes who need it. Then, once the after school rush ends, we help in the rehabilitation aspect for the athletes and provide on-field (or court) assistance to the team’s games. 

Each day has brought new experiences and memories for us to remember for our future. As we have gotten more comfortable at Webster Groves, more athletes and coaches understand our role. Even when we get stuck at times, Sean is always there to help us in order to guide our thought process with each athlete. The experience has been exciting since our arrival, and it's only going to get even better throughout the rest of the semester from here. 

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.