March 19, 2011

SLU AT Faculty Participate in District Meeting

SLU AT faculty members Tony Breitbach and Kitty Newsham made presentations at the Annual Meeting of the Mid-America Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA District V) on Friday, March 19th at the Doubletree Hotel in Omaha, Nebraska.

It was a great opportunity for professional development and fellowship with colleagues from the midwest.

Dr. Breitbach made the presentation, "Board of Certification Examination Candidates’ Perceptions of Exam Preparation Methods and its Relation to First-Attempt Success Rate" and Dr. Newsham made the presentation, "Perceptions of Reasonable Accomodations During Clinical Education for Students with Physical Disabilities".

March 07, 2011

SLU AT Student gets perfect birthday present - a kidney from Maryland

March 4, 2011
link to original article 

Contact: Mary Williams
314-286-0300   mlw2380@bjc.org


An emotional St. Louis University graduate student, Jacob Blasingame, from Collinsville, IL, was very thankful to receive a much needed and special birthday present from a stranger in Baltimore, MD.

Blasingame’s birthday wish came true when he received a kidney from a donor at John Hopkins Hospital, meaning he no longer has to rely on dialysis treatments to survive. His transplant was performed on his 23rd birthday, March 1. Washington University surgeon Jason Wellen, MD, surgical director of kidney transplant at Barnes-Jewish Hospital performed the surgery.

“It has been a rollercoaster ride but my faith, family and friends have supported me through these difficult times,” says Blasingame.

Although Blasingame experienced a life-changing birthday, he had to pass on an opportunity in the fall to work as an intern at the St. Louis Rams training camp. He worked with the Rams over the summer, but problems with his kidney changed his plans.

In April 2008, Blasingame’s kidneys failed. His uncle, James, donated a kidney to him at that time. However, that kidney eventually failed, and Blasingame needed another transplant.

“When I originally got on dialysis this past time, I was hoping to get a transplant in December or January, but it didn’t happen,” says Blasingame. “I knew I didn’t want to be on dialysis on my birthday so it was a blessing from God that things happened the way they did.”

Another uncle, John, also offered to donate. But Blasingame had developed too many antibodies from his first transplant, and his Uncle John was not a good match. In return for Blasingame getting the kidney from Johns Hopkins, Uncle John will donate his kidney to another transplant candidate – either at Barnes-Jewish or another transplant center. Testing to find the best match for John’s kidney is currently underway.

But, thanks John’s willingness to donate to someone other than his nephew and to the generosity of a donor in Maryland, Blasingame will graduate in May from St. Louis University with a master’s degree in athletic training.

And though he will always have a special memory of his 23rd birthday, he plans to spend future birthdays with family and friends – and not in the hospital.

March 04, 2011

The Madness Begins!


The SLU Athletic Training Education Program and SLUCare Physicians serve as the medical staff for the Missouri Valley Conference Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments.  We assist the team athletic trainers and also are there to help with other personnel such as spirit groups and officials.  It provides a great opportunity meet and learn from many other sports medicine professionals in an exciting environment.

SLU AT Student Geanie Butts; and faculty members Tony Breitbach and Jason Bennett assist Bradley University's medical staff members as they treat Jordan Prosser in game versus Drake University. (Photo provided by Jordan Prosser)

Family Medical School Event Provided a Fun Way to Learn About Sports Medicine

Students and faculty of the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training provided families interested in Sports Medicine classroom instruction and hands-on experience on Tuesday, March 1, 2011. This program took place at the Practical Anatomy & Surgical Education (PASE) of Saint Louis University and is co-sponsored by the St. Louis Science Center.

AT students Emily Grace, Meghan Gehrs and Libby Deiters lead a stretching session.

AT faculty member Tim Howell demonstrates lunge exercise. technique.

March 03, 2011

Celebrating National Athletic Training Month!