SLU AT Student experiences diverse clinical opportunities at multiple clinical sites

By Brandon Pavon (MAT Class of 2024)

This summer I started my summer clinical rotation learning with Dan Herrin at Mercy Center for Performance Medicine as well as Marquette High school learning with Jessi Austin. Following the first couple of weeks I transitioned over to having experience with Elena Melillo and the SLU women's basketball team instead of Marquette High school. I am spending time alongside another athletic training student from Missouri State university while being at Mercy Center for Performance Medicine and alone with Elena at SLU. 

While spending time with Dan Herrin, I have gained experience in the clinical setting broadening my knowledge as to the realm of athletic training. While spending time with Elena at SLU I have gained more experience in the D1 setting with a different sport growing my knowledge in the world of athletic training, giving me new experiences to help find the best fit for me in the long run. I am beyond grateful for the privileges that have been given to me to help me grow as a future athletic trainer in order to help as many patients as I can as I come across a wide variety of patients over the following years.

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 amazing immersive clinical experience with Columbus Crew

By Grace Golembiewski (MAT Class of 2024)

This summer I had the opportunity to complete my clinical field experience with the Columbus Crew in Columbus, OH, under the guidance of my preceptor, Head Athletic Trainer, Chris Rumsey, MS, LAT, ATC. This unique experience has greatly improved my professional development in a variety of ways. For instance, I have learned the value of interprofessional healthcare collaboration due to the extensive sports performance and medical staff that ensures the safety, care, and physical and mental well-being of every athlete.

In addition, I have discovered a wide range of therapeutic modalities that complement my previous knowledge about therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation including new manual therapy techniques, shockwave, microcurrent, CareWear, etc. Overall, I am extremely grateful for the remarkable opportunity to learn from the entire sports performance and medical staff at the Columbus Crew, and I am excited to continue expanding my professional skills and knowledge throughout the summer 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 gains hands-on experience with Mississippi State University's football team

By Claire Love (MAT Class of 2024)

This summer I have been given the incredible opportunity to complete field experience with SEC west powerhouse Mississippi State University's Football Team. In just a short time here I have grown tremendously. I have had the opportunity to use new modalities such as Laser, Winback and hivamat. I have the opportunity to challenge athletes during rehabs by using machines such as the kineo, BFR, and hydroworx treadmill. But more than having the opportunity to use the newest and coolest modalities I have gotten to learn from my incredible preceptor Jake Goluszka, M.S., LAT, ATC and the entire MSU football athletic training staff. Everyday I truly get to see a collaborative team approach to athlete centered healthcare. Whether it is how can we challenge this person more during a rehab session? Or needing another set of hands and eyes doing an evaluation, our staff is completely bought to get the athletes back to 100%. And this is something that I have noticed not only in our athletic training staff, but our team doctors, our nutritionist, and strength and conditioning staff. It is truly a team effort and I am so lucky to be a part of it. 

Being in such a high profile and high paced environment has helped me to gain confidence in my clinical decision making and clinical reasoning skills while also challenging me to be more innovative and more creative with the vast amount of resources I have available. It is forcing me to always be ready and focus on the things that are most important. I have truly loved my time here in Starkville and I am excited to watch my skills and confidence continue to grow. 

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 incredible experience with Racing Louisville FC

By Caroline Miller (MAT Class of 2024)

For my summer field experience I got the incredible opportunity to grow my clinical skills with Racing Louisville FC. My time with the club the past few weeks has been nothing but a positive experience. I get to collaborate with my preceptor Tara Condon and assistant athletic trainer Izzy Clarke to provide the best care possible, but have also got to meet other amazing staff that have also been a huge part of improving my clinical skills.

This experience has helped grow my professional skills in numerous ways, from patient care to running an athletic training room. Skills I specifically struggled to pick up in class, I have been able to better understand and integrate into treatment plans for our athletes. I have also been able to get a glimpse of the aspects it takes to run an athletic training facility and what it is like being able to care for such a high level of athlete. My time with Racing Louisville has not been long, but I am looking forward to the next 6 weeks. I am forever grateful for being given the opportunity to complete my summer field experience here and have experiences that I will never forget. A huge thank you to the staff of Racing Louisville and the SLU athletic training department for making this amazing experience come to fruition.

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 amazing field experience with MLS club, Sporting Kansas City

By Justin Epperly (MAT Class of 2024)

This summer I have had the opportunity to support the MLS club Sporting Kansas City. I

spend my time with Eric Schawrtz MAT, LAT, ATC helping with rehab programs, training, and

game day setup and breakdown. I also support the Sporting’s second team with Rene

Arroyo-Cano MAT, LAT, ATC where I help with pre and post game treatment, training, and

game day operations. While there are no other SLU students with me, there are two athletic

training interns who are alongside me, both of which are also between their first and second year

of their program.

There is also an athletic training fellow who supports the first and second team.

During a typical day the athletic training staff will prepare waters and body armor for the team

before training and then do pre-training treatment on any of the athletes which ranges from ankle

and lower extremity taping to light flush massages and assisting in stretching. During training we

are there to keep the players hydrated and watch for injuries. Post training we do treatment on

any players who require it which is where I have had the chance to use new modalities such as

the Hivamat and Avazzia. Sporting Kansas City is partnered with the healthcare system

Children's Mercy Health.

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 engages in immersive field experience with Purdue University football team

By Marissa Uecker (MAT Class of 2024)

My summer field experience with the Purdue University football team has been a great learning opportunity. I am practicing many skills learned in the classroom including modality treatments, injury evaluations, taping, and manual therapy. I have also learned several new skills such as developing plans of care, using advanced therapeutic modalities like Hivamat, and applications for vision training with Senaptec strobe glasses.

My latest clinical experience has significantly impacted my professional development. I have been able to practice and refine previously learned skills, put new tools in my toolbox, and build my confidence. My preceptor, Alyse King, and the Purdue Sports Medicine staff have created a positive learning environment in which I can be creative and excel. I am grateful to Purdue University 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 has Immersive Experience at Southern Methodist University

By Mark Romeo (MAT Class of 2024)

I have had the pleasure to gain clinical experience at Southern Methodist University in Dallas Texas under the supervision of Ian Chennell. My time has primarily been the SMU football team during their summer workouts. This experience has been great because the staff in the athletic training department are eager to teach and allow me to grow as a student by providing as much hands-on experience as possible and pushing me to learn something new every day.

This site has also been great because it has allowed me to develop interprofessional skills with the full time athletic trainers, the intern athletic trainers, sports performance coaches, and another student. This experience has exposed me to new modalities, new rehabilitation techniques, and how a large staff collaborates to ensure that the athletes are safely competing at their highest potential. I would like to thank the SMU sports medicine staff for allowing me to gain experience this summer as well as for showing me their commitment to the care they provide for their athletes!

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 hands-on patient care in high school setting

By Alex Davis (MAT Class of 2023)

This semester, I returned back at Alton High School learning more from Andy Renner.  So far, we have been covering basketball and wrestling, helping athletes through their rehab, and I have been studying for the BOC exam.  This has been a great experience having Andy as one of my mentors.  He is a great teacher and a great athletic trainer that does not get many SLU students due to the distance between the school and campus.  These past few weeks have been exciting watching the girls’ basketball team work their way to sectionals and being able to help with the MVC tournament at Enterprise center last week with fellow SLU students.  

This experience has helped me become better at all my skills as a future AT and it has been great getting to experience this with Andy.  It is awesome getting to learn about how he came into the profession, and it is also a great to be with someone that is apart of an organization that I will so become a part of (IATA vice president).  He has helped me study for the BOC exam and helped me understand what I need to do for licensure and gave me suggestions on where to get my continuing education credits after I graduate.

This has been a wonderful school year getting to learn from Andy and being with the athletes at   Alton High School

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 gains clinical experience with D1 athletic programs

By: Alex Smith (MAT Class of 2023)

My name is Alex Smith, and I am a PY2 in the athletic training curriculum. My clinical site is at Saint Louis University. I am fortunate enough to collaborate alongside the preceptors in the athletic training facility at a division I collegiate level. My preceptor for this clinical experience is Elena Mellilo, ATC. 

I am fortunate to participate in athletic training duties with my preceptor that covers cross country, track and field, and women’s basketball. Each day, I am able to assist with therapeutic treatments on the patients, monitor practice, and then provide recovery regimens after. The experience has been nothing but exciting. New injuries that I have gotten little exposure of or have even seen have occurred while at my site. This experience has also helped me build my professional development as I can understand how to manage a division I level collegiate team. I obviously am thankful for all the patients that I have worked with and have understood my role. And a special gratitude to my preceptor, Elena, for giving me the opportunities to grow as a future athletic trainer. 

SLU Athletic Training Program Hosts MAT Capstone Day on May 5, 2023

Students in the Saint Louis University Master of Athletic Training Class of 2023 will be presenting their Capstone Projects in the Multipurpose Room of the Allied Health Professions Building on SLU's South Campus as well as virtually on-line on May 6, 2022 starting at 9:00 am.

The event is open to the public, and presentation of these projects mark the completion of their experience as students in the SLU Athletic Training Program.

2023 MAT Capstone Day Schedule

9:00 AM - Mason Remeis

Eccentric Exercise and Its Effect with Pain Reduction in Athletes Suffering from Patellar Tendinopathy Injuries: A Critically Appraised Topic

9:15 AM - Olivia Mani

The Effects of Caffeine Consumption on Athletic Performance in Endurance and Strength Activities: A Critically Appraised Topic

9:30 AM - Alex Smith

Traumatic Partial Patellar Tendon Tear in a Female Basketball Player: A case report 

9:45 AM - Lauren Swords

The Influence of Joint Mobilizations on Chronic Ankle Instability: A Literature Review

10:00 AM - Giovanna Charles

The Emotional Health of a Secondary School Multi-Sport Athlete: A Case Study

10:15 AM - Alex Davis

The Effectiveness of Blood Flow Restriction Training During Postoperative ACLR Rehabilitation: A Critically Appraised Topic

10:30 AM - Stacie Galo 

Rehabilitation Considerations for use of Allograft in the Surgical Repair of Osteochondral Lesions Combined with ACL Reconstruction: A Case Study 

10:45 AM -  Emily Haley

Nutritional Supplementation Use in the Management of Concussion: A Literature review

11:00 AM - Muharem Komic

Effectiveness of Plyometric Training on Vertical Jump Power in Female Basketball Players: A Critically Appraised Topic

11:15 AM - Eldwin Neritani

The Effectiveness of Nordic Hamstring Exercises in Reducing Recurrent Hamstring Strain Injuries in Elite Level Athletes: A Critically Appraised Topic

11:30 AM - Mary Margaret Cannatella

Post-Operative Outcomes and Return to Play in Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Literature Review 

11:45 AM - Jordan Hyink

Effectiveness of Kinesiotape on Scapular Dyskinesis in Asymptomatic Overhead Athletes: A Critically Appraised Topic

12:00 NOON - RECOGNITION CEREMONY/PROGRAM AWARDS

Online Access via Zoom: 

https://slu.zoom.us/j/98891121987?pwd=L2xLcHY0R2ZZZ1VsMjNBRFpLbENOdz09

Meeting ID: 988 9112 1987

Password: 495404

For more information email Dr. Anthony Breitbach, Vice Dean and MAT Capstone Course Coordinator at anthony.breitbach@health.slu.edu.

SLU AT Student returns to alma mater for athletic training clinical experience at Fontbonne University

By: Lauren Smith (MAT Class of 2024)

My clinical experience at Fontbonne University has been going very well so far. I have enjoyed being able to come back to my alma mater and help provide the care that I once received as a former student athlete myself. It is also nice to see friends and familiar faces around although my role is different now.

Within the past couple months, I have already learned so much and built upon my skillset. I have done countless evals, treatments, and carried out multiple rehab plans. I have gotten to experience and do so many different things like E-stim, ultrasound, cupping, Graston, and GameReady. It’s been great to apply prior knowledge and skills that I learned in labs and also get the opportunity to learn new skills at the same time.

Although there is a lot more to improve on, I have noticed a huge change in my confidence level. I attribute a lot of that to my preceptors Samantha Hochmuth, MAT, LAT, ATC and Clay Thebeau, MAT, LAT, ATC. They always give me the go to look at an athlete who comes into the AT room with an injury and I jump at the opportunity. It’s been fun learning from Sammy and Clay, and I’m looking forward to even more learning experiences as the semester goes on.

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 valuable hands-on clinical experience at Rockwood Summit High School

By: Jennifer HasslerMAT Class of 2024)

This semester I am completing my clinical rotation at Rockwood Summit High School with my preceptor and SLU alum Tony Mosello MAT, ATC, LAT. As a PY1 that transferred into SLU mid-year, Tony is phenomenal at not only fostering a learning environment but also making me feel welcome to the SLU family. While I have only been here a short amount of time, I can already see an improvement in my taping and evaluation skills. 

Rockwood Summit boasts many MSHSAA spring sports such as water polo, baseball, boys’ volleyball, and girls’ lacrosse which provides numerous opportunities for me to improve my skills with both lower and upper body injuries while also witnessing new sports. My preceptor allows me to take the lead during patient interactions, but is always available to provide positive criticism and talk through different scenarios afterwards. This style of teaching has allowed me to gain more confidence in myself and has renewed my excitement for my future career as a certified athletic trainer. I’m grateful for the warm welcome I have received from everyone at Rockwood Summit and the patience the athletes show as we work through various learning moments. I am looking forward to the remainder of the semester and my continued growth under Tony’s direction. 

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 utilizes clinical placement at Maryville University to enhance professional development.

By: Marissa Uecker (MAT Class of 2024)

My clinical assignment at Maryville University has been a positive learning experience. At Maryville, I practice many skills learned in the classroom including wound care, modalities, taping, and manual therapy. I also perform injury evaluations and assist my preceptor, Chris Donner, MEd, ATC, with rehabilitation. I have come to build strong relationships with the athletes that I treat every day. These relationships are one of my favorite parts of athletic training. My experience at Maryville has positively impacted my professional development. For instance, my preceptor allowed me to practice being in charge for a day. 

From this experience, I learned the importance of making decisions, thinking critically, and multitasking as an AT. These skills are not always taught in the classroom. Instead, they are often best developed with practice in a clinical setting. I am grateful to Maryville and the SLU AT Program for providing me with this opportunity to develop my skills in a hands-on 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 Student gaining valuable clinical experience at Kirkwood High School

By: Nia Callion(MAT Class of 2024)

    My name is Nia Callion and I am a Saint Louis University PY1 athletic training student. My clinical placement site this semester is Kirkwood High School. I was really excited to be placed at Kirkwood High School. I played on the women’s lacrosse team when I went to school here. It has been so nice to come full circle and see everything from the athletic training point of view. I have also enjoyed seeing coaches and faculty that knew me in high school when I first thought about athletic training see me actually accomplish those goals. I have learned and grown a lot in the past two months and I am so excited to see how much more I will accomplish before the semester is over. I have enjoyed my time at Kirkwood this semester and I am so grateful to be learning and growing in this environment, and have learned so much in such a short time. I came into the semester with high hopes and my expectations were exceeded. 

            This semester my preceptor is Kelsy Cunningham; She is a licensed athletic trainer ATC, LAT. Kelsey received her bachelors of athletic training at Truman State University. Kelsey is a member Athletico as one of their athletic trainers and she is contracted to be the head athletic trainer of Kirkwood High School. Kelsey has been at Kirkwood for a little over a year now and she works with every team on campus, so her days are typically busy but she loves it. She has really embraced me as a member of the athletic training room, and has pushed me out of my comfort zone making sure everything I do in the athletic training room has a purpose. 

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 site and experience at Washington University - St. Louis

By: Mason Remeis (MAT Class of 2023) and Mark Romero (MAT Class of 2024)

This semester at Washington University in St. Louis, there are two of us assigned to this site for our clinical experience. We are currently gain clinical experience alongside three full-time athletic trainers employed by Washington University, and our role is to assist them with any needs they may have with their respective teams.  Once spring sports fully start up, we will begin to focus on athletes with specific sports more, rather than simply whoever comes into the athletic training room.  It is somewhat more challenging to situate ourselves with the winter sports that are currently going on since we were not a part of a good majority of their season since they began late last semester and through winter break.  That being said, all the athletes are very welcoming to us providing care for them.

            So far this semester we have been mostly helping with men’s and women’s basketball as their seasons wrap up.  We help with gameday setup and assist the head athletic trainer for each team with any treatments or athlete care that may take place.  On non-gamedays, our roles consist of helping with anything in the athletic training room such as evaluating an athlete who comes in with a new injury, setting up modalities for treatments, assisting an athlete through their injury rehabilitation plans, or anything else that our preceptor and other athletic trainers may need assistance with.  Most of the treatments we administer consist of GameReady, electrical stimulation, instrument-assisted soft tissue massage, and ultrasound.  We will begin to see an increase in our responsibilities and time spent at our clinical site with the spring season inching closer.  Since it hasn’t been too busy currently, we have been split up between days as there isn’t the need for both of us there at the same time.  We’re looking forward to being a part of more home sporting events and getting to experience new and different sports.  We have begun treating athletes who play spring sports as they prepare for their upcoming seasons, so there should be a very easy transition once those seasons begin.

We have been able to gain the trust of the athletes and the athletic trainers on staff and we are respected within the athletic training room.  Our preceptor truly values the aspect of us learning the most that we can when we come in each day and giving us the opportunity to practice skills we have learned.  We are provided with opportunities to not only learn from our preceptor, but also from physical therapists from an outreach clinic that some of the athletes are sent too, as well as the doctors that come into the athletic training room each week.  Throughout the remainder of the semester, we will continue to grow with our skills and knowledge of athletic training, and it will shape us into being better professionals in the future.

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 gain valuable experience with NCAA DI Basketball Program

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Saint Louis University Athletics - Men's Basketball

By: Anastasia Galo and Eldwin Neritani (MAT Class of 2023)

We have been fortunate to gain a fantastic clinical experience with the SLU Men’s Basketball team. Learning from our preceptor Jonathon Burch, ATC, has allowed us to grow as PY2s and as future health professionals.

Under JB’s supervision, we have multiple opportunities to work with patients on our own, handling treatments, doing rehab, or performing evals. We also had the opportunity to work alongside one of SLU’s team doctors, Dr. Kaar, MD, with various injuries such as concussions and working with the patient on their return to play. It has positively impacted our development into future ATs to be trusted by JB to work independently with our patients. We are always encouraged to think for ourselves and are reminded that “we will be doing this on our own in a few months”. It has been great to see our confidence in our practice grow.

We have learned so much on daily practice and how to carry ourselves as future health professionals. We have been so grateful to learn as much as we have under JB and are excited to see what the future holds.

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.