SLU AT Student has Summer Clinical Experience with SLU Men's Basketball Program

By: Kris Koenig (MAT Class of 2025)

For my summer field experience, I have chosen to do my clinical rotation at SLU, specifically with the men’s basketball team. My preceptor is Jonathan Burth, ATC, aka “JB”. At the start of the fall semester of 2024, I will be joined by PY2 Jeremy, who is in the same cohort as myself.

My time with the SLU men’s basketball team has been immensely rewarding. The ATR offers a diverse array of state-of-the-art modalities, which I have had the privilege to utilize on student-athletes, further enhancing my knowledge and experience with various treatment methods. JB, along with the other AT who assists with different SLU teams, has been extraordinarily welcoming and supportive, facilitating a seamless transition and fostering an engaging environment.

I want to extend my gratitude to JB and the entire SLU training staff for permitting me to assist alongside them this summer. Their guidance and expertise have been instrumental in ensuring I obtain the most benefit from my summer field experience.

This is one of a series of posts authored by students enrolled in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program. The number of clinical sites, the quality and diversity of the clinical experience opportunities, and the contemporary expertise of our preceptors are strengths of the CAATE Accredited SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Student Participates in Multiple Hands-On Clinical Experience Opportunities

By: Tori Connelly (MAT Class of 2025)

This summer I have the privlegde of completing my summer clinical experience with Northwestern Medicine Orthopedics. I have/will be rotating between various preceptors and their doctors all summer. My main preceptor is Jay Sears and he works with Dr. Choi, he specializes in shoulder and elbow injuries. Other athletic trainers I have been with are Kari who works with Dr. Kenny a hand specialist and Tara who work with Dr. Kenny and Dr. Jain, a knee and hip specialist mainly focusing on patients over the age of 40. 

I have already seen so many different cases. A lot of these injuries are not sports related. There are a lot of falls, work injuries, and chronic injuries. One of the most interesting cases I’ve seen was a cutaneous horn. The patient had it removed however, the area it was removed from was the size of two quarters and was an open wound as there was no skin in the area to stitch together. I’ve also seen a 1.5 week post op knee replacement patient who was in to have their staples and post-op surgical dressings removed.

The athletic trainers at Northwestern mainly take the history, any notes, do splint/cast removal, brace fitting or wound care. The doctors are the ones primarily responsible for examination, special tests, and plan. I have been able to observe countless injections ranging from the shoulder all the way to the fingers. Some injections are cortisone injections to mainly help with pain relief while others are monovisc injections which are supposed to help with pain relief but also lubricate the joint with a series of three injections, typically done in osteoarthritis patients. 

I am excited to continue my internship with Northwestern! I am set rotate with; podiatry, health and wellness center, pediatrics, and all around sports medicine. I am extremely thankful for this rotation and hope I can take away different wound cleaning procedures, suture removals, casting, and brace fitting into my future practice!

Along with my Northwestern internship I also was also at Naperville North High School, my alma mater!

I was mainly with Assistant Athletic Trainer Dani Nolin LAT, ATC helping with the morning summer camps. I also helped in the evenings with preseason football with Head Athletic Trainer Jason Majchrowski LAT, ATC and Northwestern outreach Athletic Trainer Stef Poddock MAT, LAT, ATC.

Summer camps were ages 4th grade through 12th grade so there were varying levels of how they explain their mechanism of injuries and their pain. I enhanced my evaluation skills and learned more rehab exercises from Dani. Rehab is an area I enjoy learning from various preceptors as everyone always has different rehab exercises they use for athletes. This in turn helps me gain more for myself to always think of! With Mac and Stef at football we were busy with taping, a few evals, and watching the weather for either lightning or heat advisories. During preseason I was able to go through a full knee eval which I ended up helping diagnose as an ACL tear.

Overall, being able to go to NNHS now as a student AT feels really full circle. This is where I found my love and passion for Athletic Training and being able to now help with more than filling water is exciting. Additionally, being able to further my professional relationship with two Athletic Trainers I have known for going on 8 years is extremely valuable. In addition,  I was able to see a few of my previous coaches and other athletic department administrators who are always in my corner rooting for me! I always enjoy my time at Naperville North and am extremely thankful for being able to return when I am home to gain more experience!

This is one of a series of posts authored by students enrolled in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program. The number of clinical sites, the quality and diversity of the clinical experience opportunities, and the contemporary expertise of our preceptors are strengths of the CAATE Accredited SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Student has Immersive Clinical Experience with DI Football

By: Jeremy Gries (MAT Class of 2025)

My clinical placement at the University of Washington has been an exceptionally enriching experience. Here, I have had the chance to apply a diverse array of skills learned in the classroom, including wound care, modalities, rehabilitation techniques, and taping. Working alongside my preceptor, Jaqulyn Carrell, M.ED, LAT, CKTP, I have actively engaged in contributing to a dynamic learning environment helping primarily with the University of Washington Football team.

This experience has highlighted the importance of quick decision-making, adaptability, and multitasking in the role of an athletic trainer. While these skills are not always explicitly taught in the classroom, they are honed through hands-on experience in a clinical setting. I am deeply grateful to the University of Washington and the SLU AT Program for providing me with the opportunity to refine these essential skills in such a supportive environment.

This is one of a series of posts authored by students enrolled in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program. The number of clinical sites, the quality and diversity of the clinical experience opportunities, and the contemporary expertise of our preceptors are strengths of the CAATE Accredited SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Students Share an Immersive Clinical Opportunity with the Gateway Grizzlies

By: Olivia Hiscox and Jacob Kidwell (MAT Class of 2025)

Our experience with the Gateway Grizzlies has been fulfilling and immersive. Our time has allowed us to showcase our skills that we have been building on over the past year, while also learning new skill sets and ways in which the knowledge we already have could be enriched. Working alongside our preceptor, Margaret Rall, LAT, ATC, we have been able to actively participate in both injury evaluation as well as rehabilitation strategies, these strategies include but are not limited to, modalities, manual therapy, and wound care. 

The team, managers, coaches, and our preceptor have all been extremely welcoming, offering anything that we may need to ensure that our time is well spent and that our learning is vast. These connections that we have formed allow us to learn many of the basic but essential skills required of an athletic trainer. Learning in such an environment is something that allows you to learn in an involved manner, as well as in ways that can’t be taught outright inside the classroom. We are extremely grateful to the Gateway Grizzlies, Margaret Rall, and the Saint Louis University Athletic Training program for providing the opportunity for us to improve as future athletic trainers in an environment that facilitates us as students.  

This is one of a series of posts authored by students enrolled in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program. The number of clinical sites, the quality and diversity of the clinical experience opportunities, and the contemporary expertise of our preceptors are strengths of the CAATE Accredited SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Student Immersed in Clnical Practice with the STL City2 Club

By: Krystal Kohenskey (MAT Class of 2025)

This summer I am provided the opportunity to learn under my preceptor Zach Hopkins, MAT, ATC, at STL City 2. All City programs use physicians associated with WashU. Being able to gain clinical experience at City 2 has been an amazing experience. Everything about the City program, both first team and second, has been extraordinary. Everyone is so nice and willing to help you navigate any obstacles you might encounter. All the staff go out of their way to know your name and get to know you. Sometimes the team even allows me to play with them during practice which is a lot of fun.  

So far this summer I have learned a lot and been able to apply knowledge of my skills in the athletic training room. We use a lot of modalities with our athletes, and this has exposed me to different methods and techniques I have not experienced before, like laser and KT tape. One of our athletes broke their fibula and I have been working with him on his rehab and progression this summer. That has been one of my biggest projects. I’ve gotten comfortable with my knowledge and ability to apply what I have learned to my practice. 

I am so grateful for this opportunity and to be able to expand my knowledge with Zach and all the other medical and professional staff I have gotten to learn from. I can’t wait to see what other knowledge I am able to obtain this summer.  

This is one of a series of posts authored by students enrolled in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program. The number of clinical sites, the quality and diversity of the clinical experience opportunities, and the contemporary expertise of our preceptors are strengths of the CAATE Accredited SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Student Immersed in Clinical Practice in a Physician's Office

By: Madison Wriborg (MAT Class of 2025)

During my summer field experience, I have had the opportunity of assisting Dr. Bayes and his medical staff at Bluetail medical group with regenerative and sports medicine. During rotations I assist aside Dr. Bayes with ultrasound guided injections ranging from steroidal injections to platelet-rich plasma and stem cell injections. During my time at Bluetail Medical Group I get to see a lot of different imaging like X-ray, MRI, and ultrasound guided treatments which has been great for testing my anatomy!

Another opportunity I get at Bluetail Medical Group is getting to have quality patient interactions with a wide variety of patient age ranges which has been informative and rewarding. Getting to work with Dr. Bayes has been such a great experience and even more fun working aside his medical staff, Paige Kasson, PA, Devon Guckes, ATC. Assisting in the clinical setting has really sparked an interest for my future career path as an athletic trainer.

I feel my time at Bluetail Medical Group has already improved so many skills needed for my professional development. I have gotten the chance to work on my patient communication and assessment skills along with honing in on my knowledge of anatomy and physiology which are major steps to fostering my professional development. I feel very supported when I am assisting at Bluetail Medical Group and want to thank Dr. Bayes, Paige Kasson, Devon Guckes, and all of Bluetail Medical Group for such a great summer of learning and growing! 

This is one of a series of posts authored by students enrolled in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program. The number of clinical sites, the quality and diversity of the clinical experience opportunities, and the contemporary expertise of our preceptors are strengths of the CAATE Accredited SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Student Empowered During Basketball Season

By: Yu-Heng (Stanley) Hu (MAT Class of 2024)

    My time at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville has been exceptional. This semester, I started my clinical experience at SIUE. Even though it is a 30-minute commute from SLU, it is totally worth it. As SIUE is an NCAA Division 1 college, many athletes come to the training room every day, providing me with a great opportunity to practice and gain hands-on experience. This is also my first time being with a D1 basketball team, which is an exciting experience watching and assisting in high-intensity games. Additionally, I have gained confidence in my clinical skills, such as assessing injuries, making treatment decisions, and conducting rehabilitation with athletes, because my preceptor Lupe and other athletic trainers at SIUE trust me to perform. Overall, I am grateful for such a valuable clinical experience in my final semester.

This is one of a series of posts authored by students enrolled in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program. The number of clinical sites, the quality and diversity of the clinical experience opportunities, and the contemporary expertise of our preceptors are strengths of the CAATE Accredited SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Student Embraces Clinical Opportunities

By: Lauren Smith (MAT Class of 2024)

    My clinical rotation at Alton High School has been going great so far this semester. My preceptor Andy Renner ATC, LAT, gives me a lot of freedom to evaluate athletes, provide treatment, and take athletes through therapeutic exercises. I am also very fortunate to have access to various therapeutic modalities like Marc Pro, cupping, and Graston tools. All the opportunities that have been provided to me have allowed me to adapt and get creative with my skillset. There is always the chance to grow in my knowledge and skills when I am at Alton, which has been beneficial as I prepare for my future as a clinician. I am very grateful for Andy and the dynamic we share. I am looking forward to the rest of the semester as spring sports start up and the many more learning experiences to come.  

This is one of a series of posts authored by students enrolled in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program. The number of clinical sites, the quality and diversity of the clinical experience opportunities, and the contemporary expertise of our preceptors are strengths of the CAATE Accredited SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Student Expands Clinical Abilities With Mentorship From Alumni

By: Marissa Uecker (MAT Class of 2024)

    My clinical assignment with Pattonville High School has been a great learning experience. My

preceptor, Alex Hubbs, has given me the opportunity to expand and develop my skills through

hands-on practice with injury evaluations, therapeutic intervention, and patient education. Alex

treats me almost as if I am a third certified athletic trainer at Pattonville. He gives me the

autonomy to make clinical decisions regarding rehab and injury evaluations and provides

feedback to help me learn and grow. This experience has significantly impacted my professional

development. While challenging, this incredible opportunity has helped me build confidence in

myself and prepared me to start my career as an athletic trainer. Alex Hubbs, Emily Haley, and

the Pattonville staff have all been wonderful to interact with, creating an overall positive learning

environment. I am grateful to Pattonville and the SLU AT Program for providing this

professional development opportunity.

This is one of a series of posts authored by students enrolled in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program. The number of clinical sites, the quality and diversity of the clinical experience opportunities, and the contemporary expertise of our preceptors are strengths of the CAATE Accredited SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Student Embraces Diversity at Clinical Site

By: I-Chen (Hugo) Lee (MAT Class of 2024)

    This is my final clinical rotation before graduation, and I am delighted to be assigned to SIUE. SIUE boasts a wealth of athletic trainers who offer diverse perspectives. What I appreciate most is that all the preceptors treat us as colleagues. They encourage us to tackle tasks we feel confident in, and when there's a shortage, they offer advice in a remarkably polite manner. Fortunately, there are two AT graduates from SLU here, so they truly understand our needs. I want to extend special thanks to our main preceptor, Lupe. She consistently provides us with opportunities to conduct evaluations and treatments under her kind supervision, while also allowing flexibility in our schedules.

This is one of a series of posts authored by students enrolled in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program. The number of clinical sites, the quality and diversity of the clinical experience opportunities, and the contemporary expertise of our preceptors are strengths of the CAATE Accredited SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Student Practices Collaboratively Among Peers and Members of the SLU Medical Staff

By: Justin Epperly (MAT Class of 2024)

During the spring semester of 2024, I have been assisting Elena Melillo ATC, MAT, LAT. My prime responsibility has been coverage of the SLU women’s soccer team. This previous season, the fall of 2023, the women’s team won their 6th consecutive A-10 championship and achieved a historic playoff run, reaching the sweet 16 of the NCAA College Cup. The furthest the team has reached in SLU history. It was an amazing honor to serve not only the players, but coaches, team physicians, physical therapists, and all other members of our interprofessional team along the way. This experience has been extremely rewarding and exciting.  My preceptor has helped build my confidence by putting me in direct charge of patient care and pushing me to build personalized rehabilitation plans for injured athletes. A skill that I hope to utilize as I aspire to work in the MLS post-graduation.

I am very grateful for this experience as it has built up so much confidence in my abilities. I would not be where I am today without the help and guidance from my preceptor Elena Melillo, Erik Schwartz, Hannah Daily, and Scott Kugler.

This is one of a series of posts authored by students enrolled in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program. The number of clinical sites, the quality and diversity of the clinical experience opportunities, and the contemporary expertise of our preceptors are strengths of the CAATE Accredited SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Student Develops Clinical Autonomy Through Practice

By: Jennifer Hassler (MAT Class of 2024)

This semester I am fortunate to be completing my clinical rotation at Lutheran High School South with my preceptor, Laura Shellaberger MHS, ATC, LAT, CES. This is my second semester here and being able to experience the transitions between seasons at the same site has allowed me to gain experience with several administrative tasks that I am not usually a part of as a student. As a PY2 that will graduate in a few short months, Laura provides me with autonomy to grow my confidence and practice making decisions by giving me space to complete the first evaluation. I’m frequently given the opportunity to create rehabilitation programs while also learning new techniques from Laura. The student-athletes, coaches, and staff have accepted me as part of the day-to-day and respect me throughout evaluations and various communications. I am appreciative for their welcoming attitudes and patience as I learn and develop skills for my future practice. I have enjoyed my time at Lutheran South and I am excited to finish the remainder of my clinical experience here. I look forward to incorporating what I have learned from this experience into my practice and having the confidence that was fostered through Laura’s guidance to become an entry-level clinician.

This is one of a series of posts authored by students enrolled in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program. The number of clinical sites, the quality and diversity of the clinical experience opportunities, and the contemporary expertise of our preceptors are strengths of the CAATE Accredited SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Student Enjoying the High School Clinical Setting at WGHS

By: Claire Love (MAT Class of 2024)

For my final clinical rotation I am at Webster Groves High School with long time SLU AT preceptor, Sean Wright, ATC. Spending my last semester here at Webster has been exactly what I need as I prepare to transition from student to certified. From the very moment I walked in Sean has challenged me in every possible way. He gives me freedom to evaluate, create rehabs, and have conversations with coaches. But he is always there to encourage me, and help me if I have any questions or come across something I am not sure how to handle. He has been an incredible preceptor for me and I am so thankful to have the opportunity to learn from him everyday. 

One of my favorite memories this semester was recently the ATR was pretty busy and  I remember doing manual therapy on one person, correcting a rehab exercise on another, and then somehow also finishing an injury eval on someone else. I was in the zone and having so much fun and I looked up and Sean was like “ Do you even need me?” and I said “of course I do!” in which he responded with “well then tell me what to do then.” And I just stared at him with an absolute blank face. For one of the first times it hit me that I am only a few months away from being a certified athletic trainer (hopefully). In just a few months I am going to be doing this on my own. And to have a preceptor who has recognized that and has challenged me to lean into that has helped my confidence grow tremendously. He has absolute confidence in me, and it helps me to find that confidence within myself. 

As winter sports have finished and we head toward the spring I am excited to continue to build relationships with the athletes, coaches, and the entire Webster community. This place has been instrumental in my growth as a clinician and I am so grateful for the way that they have welcomed me into the community.

This is one of a series of posts authored by students enrolled in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program. The number of clinical sites, the quality and diversity of the clinical experience opportunities, and the contemporary expertise of our preceptors are strengths of the CAATE Accredited SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Student Refines Clinical Skills with STL City Academy

By: Caroline Miller (MAT Class of 2024)

For my final clinical experience, I was given the opportunity to further my athletic training skills with

STL City Academy teams. Going into this experience, I told preceptors Cam Cripe and Nate

Maynard my goals for my final rotation, and they have done nothing but help me achieve them. I am

given autonomy in everything I can do from creating rehab plans to evaluating field injuries. Rehab

especially was an aspect of athletic training that I went into this experience feeling unconfident in

and it has become an area that I feel extremely comfortable in. I have grown my skills in this area by

understanding why I select each exercise and knowing my goals for each stage of the process. 

Now that the academy spring season has started, I am now transitioning into experiencing game days

with the team. In a few weeks I am even traveling to an away game with the teams! I would like to

thank not only Cam and Nate, but the STL City Academy staff and athletes for warmly welcoming

me into the team and allowing me the space to continue to learn and refine my clinical skills.

This is one of a series of posts authored by students enrolled in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program. The number of clinical sites, the quality and diversity of the clinical experience opportunities, and the contemporary expertise of our preceptors are strengths of the CAATE Accredited SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Student Gaining Confidence Through Clinical Opportunity

By: Brandon Pavon (MAT Class of 2024)

So far this semester I have had the privilege of gaining experience with the Women’s basketball team at Saint Louis University under the preceptorship of Alaine Rhodes. This experience has been fantastic so far as I have had plenty of learning opportunities thus far as well as having the opportunity to sharpen my skills in clinical evaluation, use of modalities, and rehabilitation treatment. These experiences help me gain confidence in my ability as well as grow off of past experiences to help me become a more well rounded professional in order to benefit my future patients. I would like to thank my clinical coordinator Tim Howell as well as my preceptor Alaine Rhodes for their support and encouragement throughout this semester.

This is one of a series of posts authored by students enrolled in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program. The number of clinical sites, the quality and diversity of the clinical experience opportunities, and the contemporary expertise of our preceptors are strengths of the CAATE Accredited SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Students Share Clinical Experience with Saint Louis University Men's Basketball

By: Mark Romero (left) and Carlton McDonald-Jordan (right) (MAT Class of 2024)

Our PY2 year has allowed us the opportunity to grow and learn in a competitive Division 1 environment alongside our preceptor Jonathan Burch. We are grateful for the relationships we’ve made with SLU Men’s Basketball players and staff, and those formed with the entire Athletic Training staff at SLU. This season has given us ample opportunity to tackle physical and mental challenges that prepare us as future healthcare professionals. Now, nearing the end of the road, we can attest that our confidence in our clinical skills and practice has grown tremendously. The SLU Men’s Basketball experience will be remembered as one filled with lots of excitement and teachable moments that we will carry over with us after our time at SLU is finished. 

Learning in such a challenging environment, we have seen vast amounts of growth in our clinical skills throughout the season. Our preceptor JB has done a terrific job of providing the best clinical experience possible while tailoring to our goals as individual clinicians in practice. Through his teachings, JB has encouraged us to tackle difficult tasks using sound critical-thinking and decision-making skills. The great number of hands-on opportunities have furthered our knowledge in each of the domains of athletic training, pushing us one step closer to becoming competent ATs in practice. We have appreciated the added benefit of collaborating within and across various healthcare professions because of its impact on health outcomes. We would like to thank JB, SLU Sports Medicine, and SLU Men’s Basketball for the opportunity to gain such a quality experience this season. Roll Bills!

This is one of a series of posts authored by students enrolled in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program. The number of clinical sites, the quality and diversity of the clinical experience opportunities, and the contemporary expertise of our preceptors are strengths of the CAATE Accredited SLU AT Program.

SLU Athletic Training Student Explores a High School Clinical Experience with Program Graduate

By: Nia Callion (MAT Class of 2024)

This semester I have had the opportunity to complete my clinical rotation at Clayton High School. I was ecstatic to hear that I would be able to have a rotation at Clayton, especially since my preceptor Amara is a recent graduate of the athletic training program at SLU. The day-to-day tasks at Clayton include a mad rush of students after class lets out; it’s always a fun rush getting them in and out of the athletic training room as efficiently as possible. After the rush, I am usually able to spend longer one-on-one time with the athletes doing their return-to-play rehab. 

One of my favorite parts about this experience is the rehab and how the athletes, especially those who are more advanced, give me the challenge of being creative with the rehab exercises I choose. I have also gotten a chance to be even more hands-on with the documentation process; I’m grateful for that because documentation is one of my weaker skill sets, however, the more I practice it the better I have gotten whether that be hands-on navigation of documenting systems or hoe I may plan to document in my future endeavors. I am thrilled about the opportunity and knowledge I have gained from this experience and the fact that I still have the rest of the semester to continue my growth. 

This is one of a series of posts authored by students enrolled in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program. The number of clinical sites, the quality and diversity of the clinical experience opportunities, and the contemporary expertise of our preceptors are strengths of the CAATE Accredited SLU AT Program.