October 27, 2016

SLU AT Students Featured on Video Discussing Clinical Experiences

The Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program developed a video featuring students talking about their clinical experiences.  The SLU AT Program provides clinical education that takes students through an integrated developmental progression with dedicated preceptors. SLU also provides diverse and immersive experiences which contribute to the professional formation of our graduates.

We truly appreciate the participation of our fine clinical sites and outstanding preceptors!


The following students participated in the video:
  • Madeleine Hauck (SLU MAT Class of 2017), Chicago, Illinois
  • Alex Hubbs (SLU MAT Class of 2018), Liberty, Missouri
  • Abby Klosterman (SLU MAT Class of 2018), St. Louis, Missouri 
  • Amelia Meigs (SLU MAT Class of 2017), Issaquah, Washington 
  • Collin Peterson (SLU MAT Class of 2017), Shadow Hills, California 

October 24, 2016

SLU AT Students and International Exchange Student Learn Together at Westminster Christian Academy

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Westminster Christian Academy
By: Robbie Cassidy (Exchange Student-AIT), Ryan Dale (SLU MAT Class of 2018), Colin Peterson (SLU MAT Class of 2017)

Westminster Christian Academy (WCA) has given us a comprehensive athletic training experience applying the different domains of athletic training with a variety of high school sports teams.  Additionally the mix of an international student from Athlone Insitute of Technology (AIT) in Ireland and SLU students from two different cohorts provides an especially rich learning environment.
Hilary Orf MAT, ATC (SLU MAT Class of 2013), the athletic trainer at WCA, works for Athletico and cares for all fall sports teams including football, softball, soccer, cross country, field hockey, volleyball, and swimming.  She has been an valuable resource teaching us not only a variety of clinical skills, but also how to provide the best treatment possible while maintaining the balance of covering multiple teams.
We have improved and learned new preventive taping techniques, as well as focus on the use of manual therapy in rehabilitating athletes with a variety of injuries.  This semester has been a great experience for gaining further insight into assessing on-field injuries, deciding when an athlete can return to play, and providing acute wound care. There have also been opportunities to learn how to apply various braces and splints.

Westminster Christian Academy is the perfect clinical site to learn what it means to work in the high school setting after graduating from our program at SLU.

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.

October 22, 2016

SLU AT Student Gets Experience with Multiple Preceptors and Sports with SLU Athletics


SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Saint Louis University Athletics
By: Michael Milek (SLU MAT Class of 2018)

My clinical site for this semester is with Saint Louis University Athletics. SLU is an NCAA Division I school in the Atlantic 10 Conference, so there is plenty to do with all the fall sports in full go and the winter/spring sports starting to practice for their respective seasons.  I have the opportunity to work with Jonathan Burch ATC and all of the other 4 athletic trainers in the Chaifetz Arena Athletic Training Facility learning from each of them. I have been able work and treat athletes from the men's and women’s soccer teams, men's and women’s basketball teams, the volleyball team, and the field hockey team. 
While at SLU, I also access to the top of line modalities, including laser, and have had a ton of opportunities to use them. The best thing so far has been being able to the first-hand experience of working with the athletes and the athletic trainers. I have been able to interact with such high level athletes and be able to have an impact on their performance and if they are injured, their rehabilitation. It has been a very interesting and worthwhile experience so far.

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.

October 21, 2016

SLU AT Student Grows Clinical Skills at Christian Brothers College HS

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Christian Brothers College High School
By: Daniel Smith (SLU MAT Class of 2017)

This year, I have been able enhance my athletic training clinical practice at Christian Brothers College (CBC) High School. At CBC, I have been with the football, soccer, and cross-country teams. My clinical knowledge has expanded due to the tutelage of my preceptor Athletic Trainer Kristen Jeans ATC from Mercy Sports Medicine. Kristen’s expertise in the field has helped me to improve my clinical judgement and ability to provide patient-centered care.
In a typical day at CBC, I begin by helping Kristen evaluate injured athletes, assisting athletes with their rehabilitation programs, and applying preventative taping. Once our work in the athletic training room is complete, we prepare for the day’s practices and games. At the practices and games, I provide wound care and orthopedic evaluation to injured athletes. We also work to ensure player safety by monitoring the weather and keeping players hydrated. At the end of the day, we check on the athletes and inform the coaches about the injuries we have seen that day.

I have really enjoyed working with the athletes, coaches, and administrators at Christian Brothers College High School. I have seen how providing health care at the high school level involves not only treating injuries, but also educating the high school students about the skills and services that athletic trainers provide. It has been exciting to meet a few students whom are interested in pursuing an athletic training education in college. I’m excited to continue my clinical growth at CBC over the coming year.

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.

October 19, 2016

SLU AT Students Benefit from Hands-on Experience at NCAA Division I SIU-Edwardsville

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUe)
By: Brandi Burgett and Stephanie Ross (SLU MAT Class of 2017)

SIUe has been a fantastic site to learn and grow at for our final year as SLU athletic training students. We have the opportunity to work with division one athletes in top facilities. They have a wide variety of modalities that are available and multiple facilities to use. Our preceptors encourage us learn and grow into the professionals that we want to be. With hands on experience we are able have the opportunity to a relationship with the athletes in order to improve their quality in performance. We have different opportunities to work with multiple teams in a variety of athletic training rooms on campus, giving the athletes multiple places to go for help.


Stephanie Ross - Caring for Women’s Soccer team along side Ben Heimos MAT, ATC, the athletic trainer, has given me the opportunity to discuss treatment options not only for the injuries that we are currently in season with but also the baseball injuries. Ben is the athletic trainer with Baseball in the spring, and with my summer field experience being with a minor league baseball team has given me the chance to build upon my knowledge of shoulder injuries and treatment. Talking with Ben, I learned that he previously used to be with the Marlins affiliated teams. He started out working in low A baseball and then was able to move up to AA. With both his experience and my experience working with professional baseball teams I have been able to discuss a shoulder program that was done at my clinical site for the summer along with his view on what stretches for the shoulder are the best based on his experience.
Brandi Burgett -  My clinical rotation with the volleyball team and my preceptor Alex Sawyer MAT, ATC (SLU MAT Class of 2013) has given me a different fall sport experience than the normal football experience. I have really enjoyed working with volleyball more than I thought I would. Being a former volleyball player has really helped me connect with my athletes and build those relationships that I find so important in athletic training. I have been able to learn a lot from a former SLU AT student as well. We are able to discuss what we may have learned at SLU and how she has adapted it from her experiences since then.

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.

SLU AT Student Experiences the Initiation of a New Program at Bishop DuBourg HS.

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Bishop DuBourg High School
By: Olivia Robinson (SLU MAT Class of 2017)

This year I have been placed at Bishop DuBourg High School. I have been working with Nathan Jarman MAT, ATC, LAT, CSCS, CES/PES under our team physician Scott Kaar M.D. Nathan is an adjunct professor with the SLU Athletic Training Program that I have known for the past year. This is his second year with Bishop DuBourg. I admire his knowledge of everything athletic training and have enjoyed my time with him so far. Nathan was the first athletic trainer hired to be a part of a new Sports Medicine program through Saint Louis University Hospital that has partnered with four archdiocesean high schools in the St. Louis area, with DuBourg being one of them. 
A typical day at DuBourg consists of the usual after school rush. The kids come in to hang out before practices, with the occasional injury evaluation. We work mainly with athletes that have chronic conditions to help prevent re-injury, but we have had some more serious injuries to work with as well. Luckily everyone is getting back to being healthy and ready to go! My preceptor and I are also going to be implementing a strength and conditioning program for some of the off-season sports. DuBourg is one of the smaller schools I have worked with, but I really love the close community and how all of the students are truly one of a kind. 

Although I am mainly placed at DuBourg, my preceptor Nathan and I have cared for the other three schools in our system as well, St. Mary’s, Rosati-Kain, and Cardinal Ritter High School. It has been an interesting process to be apart of and has thrown me into a position that will benefit me as a professional once I graduate. I have learned what it takes to create a program from scratch, and how to work on a small budget and still do my job effectively. It has been an awesome start to my PY2 year, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of this year holds for us! 

Fear the Cavalier!

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.

October 17, 2016

SLU AT Student Appreciates Experience with SLU Alum/Preceptor at Parkway Central HS

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Parkway Central High School
By: Sarah Haenchen (SLU MAT Class of 2017)

This year I am at Parkway Central High School working with Michael Aaron, ATC (SLU MAT Class of 2015). I have been very fortunate to continue working with Mercy Sports Medicine and at another Parkway school. I am also lucky to work with another Saint Louis University Athletic Training alum. Michael also helps Dr. Kitty Newsham teach the PY1 students in musculoskeletal assessment lab at SLU. When we reflect back to our time as a PY1 student, it amazes us on how much we learned. I enjoy and am thankful for the challenges and opportunities that Michael provides me in order for me to become a better clinician.
My time at the Mercy Sports Medicine clinic over the summer has helped me become confident in evaluating and rehabbing dysfunctional movement patterns. I am able to use those skills at PCH. While time is limited at the high school setting, Michael and I take advantage when we have down time to go through Selective Functional Movement Assessments (SFMA) on athletes who could benefit from this assessment. It is also helpful that I know what goes on in the clinic especially if we have to refer an athlete for additional therapy. This helps with collaborating care and making sure the athlete is getting quality care.
Parkway Central is a great place for my clinical experience as it is the setting I want to work in after I graduate. I enjoy the challenges of working at a large school with a variety of sports. This setting provides me with several opportunities to practice my skills of emergency care, evaluation and treatment, injury prevention and administration. The PCH community has been very welcoming, and there is a lot of team spirit during game days. I always look forward to going to PCH to provide the best care to the athletes and growing as a professional. I am excited for the winter sports season to start up and hope that our fall sports do well with the rest of their season. Go Colts!

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.

SLU AT Students Collaboratively Learn about, from and with AT Students at Lindenwood-Belleville

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Lindenwood University-Belleville
By: Madeleine Hauck (SLU MAT Class of 2017) and Donielle Francis (SLU MAT Class of 2018)

Throughout our experiences, it can be challenging to work with your peers even when they are within your own program.  Our clinical site this semester has not only challenged us to work collaboratively and helpfully as first (PY1) and second (PY2) year professional students from the SLU Athletic Training program, but to also work with Athletic Training Students from a different program.  This was definitely a daunting thought when we first arrived at Lindenwood-Belleville, but from the first day any fears we had were calmed.

The Athletic Training Staff, consisting of faculty and Graduate Assistants, were very welcoming. They wanted us to feel comfortable and that we are one of them rather than an outsider.  Gathered in a room full of Lindenwood Athletic Training students, they all made an effort to have conversations with us, introduce themselves, and let us in on the banter. Within a few days, we were able to feel at home and we are very grateful for that.

Our experience has been very unique due to this dynamic.  We can learn from the Lindenwood students, and we hope they have been able to learn from us.  It is great to see what a different perspective or learning technique can do to enhance your own knowledge and abilities.  All of our preceptors are somehow involved in the education process at Lindenwood, which makes them great advocates for our learning and enhancement of skills.  They ask us questions, give us feedback, and teach us new techniques on a daily basis.

Working with Football comes with its own set of challenges, but we feel we have been able to meet those well.  When we look past our experience as just being long hours and many injuries, we can see that it is actually a great opportunity for exposure to a multitude of treatments.  We have been able to come up with rehab plans, tape, brace, apply modalities, work with acute care situations, and help with documentation.  We are really excited about the opportunities we have had to grow as students and professionals.

From a PY2 perspective, I (Mada) have had more autonomy this year than in the past.  The staff at Lindenwood gives me space to show my skills and abilities.  These new responsibilities have helped my confidence in clinical decision making grow.  It is also helpful in my development of relationships with the athletes as they now feel more comfortable coming to me because they trust my decisions to help them.  I have been able to see patients through the whole rehab process, formulating and modifying treatments as we go.  I am very happy and thankful this sense of autonomy and professionalism.

From a PY1 perspective, I (Donielle) have been able to utilize what I am currently learning in the classroom and have started to immediately use those skills. When you can learn something in the classroom during the day and see it in the training room that evening, the puzzle pieces really start to come together! Most importantly, I have a better understanding as to what it is like to be an Athletic Trainer in a collegiate setting. There is collaboration taking place between your own staff, team doctors, coaches, players, opposing Athletic Trainers, Emergency Personnel and referees, just to name a few. Lindenwood University Belleville has been a very beneficial clinical site to aid in my development as an athletic training student.

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.

October 16, 2016

SLU AT Student Enjoys Learning in a Busy Setting at Marquette HS

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Marquette High School
By: Madeleine Bresnahan (SLU MAT Class of 2018)

This semester I get the opportunity to spend a bunch of my time at Marquette High School. My preceptor is their knowledgeable athletic trainer Mathew Petersen, ATC from Athletico. I’ve been able get experience in their athletic training room and got to know the workings of a busy high school. I’ve also been able to work with and get to know many of the athletes.
I’ve learned a lot this semester so far. I’ve learned how to evaluate athletes and their injuries. My preceptor is constantly teaching me new special tests and always explaining things to me as I watch him during an evaluation. I’ve had a lot of experience looking at different athletes and their injuries. I am also constantly practicing my taping skills. I get to tape ankles and wrists daily. My preceptor has showed me new taping techniques that I have been able to put to use.

I love my clinical site. I’ve already learned so much. It will be hard to leave next semester.

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.

October 15, 2016

SLU AT Students Find a Great Teacher and Role Model in Their Preceptor at Kirkwood HS

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Kirkwood High School
By: Stephanie Uhrich (SLU MAT Class of 2017) and Jenna Ginsberg (SLU MAT Class of 2018)

Kirkwood High School’s atmosphere has been very welcoming and friendly from the start. Our preceptor, Denise Grider ATC, Head Athletic Trainer, is a great teacher and resource for us as we expand our knowledge and skills in the clinical setting. The rest of the staff and students are equally as supportive and kind. Kirkwood High School offers us the opportunity to interact with athletes from a wide variety of sports and allows us to take part in the evaluation and treatment of a wide variety of injuries, aches, and pains. There are new skills and information to be learned every day, and watching our preceptor fly through perfect tape job after tape job inspires us to rise to our highest potential and not be satisfied with our current skill set.
There is no substitute for clinical experience, and we feel so fortunate to be able to learn at Kirkwood.  This experience has been amazing, and we look forward to everything that we will learn in the future.  Kirkwood has made an imprint in our path to becoming certified athletic trainers, and it continues to help us reach our fullest potential everyday.  The patient athletes, kind staff, and our intelligent and devoted preceptor have shaped our experience in such a way that makes Kirkwood more than just a place for learning but also a place we enjoy going to day after day.

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.

October 14, 2016

SLU AT Students Enjoy Learning Through Collaboration at Washington University

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Washington University Athletics
By: Max Alander, Bailey Draheim and Brianna LaBarbera (SLU MAT Class of 2017); and Emily Mott, Patrick O'Neill and Wyatt Whitegoat (SLU MAT Class of 2018)

Thus far, Washington University (WashU) in Saint Louis has been an experiential and knowledgeable clinical site for both Saint Louis University’s Professional Year (PY) I and II students. At WashU, Athletic Training students are able to apply knowledge gained from a lecture based environment to a hands-on role, including wound care treatment, modality treatment, and injury assessment. In addition, PY I and II students are able to develop and guide a rehabilitation program that allows an athlete’s return to play getting the athlete back to play quickly but not before they are fully healed.


An athlete’s return to play is achieved with the collaboration of athletic training students and the interaction of certified athletic trainers. The certified staff at WashU includes Head Athletic Trainer, Rick Larsen ATC, and three assistant Athletic Trainers, Jim Anderson ATC, Jacob Blasingame ATC, and Mary Tarzon ATC. Working under and in collaboration with all four Athletic Trainers has definitely been one of the unique and beneficial aspects of being placed at Washington University for our clinical experience. For instance, certified athletic trainers allow PY II’s to refine and incorporate skills learned from previous clinical sites while learning new approaches for treatment. In addition, certified athletic trainers, with the assistance of PY II’s, allow PY I students to mold, obtain, and apply new methods of diagnosing, evaluating, and taping; so that, students are able to incorporate to future clinical sites and practice.

Furthermore, beyond the collaboration of students and certified athletic trainers, the sport (either Football or Soccer) that the Athletic Training students are assigned provides a variety of exposure to injuries, either acute or chronic. Thus, enhancing students immediate application of hands on experience to injuries gained from class and prior clinical sites. In addition, WashU’s brand new and innovative athletic training room obtained with a variety of equipment (LASER, AlterG, Underwater treadmill, and a rehabilitation area) allows students to apply and gain a variety of skills for future practice.

Overall, WashU is an incredible clinical site that aids in our growth and development as athletic training students by always teaching us new, yet diverse, ways to practice our skills.

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.

October 13, 2016

First and Second Year SLU AT Students Learn Together as a Team at Affton HS

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Affton High School
By: Ali Graham (SLU MAT Class of 2017) and Ben Wildman (SLU MAT Class of 2018)

The fall semester at Affton High School kicked off to a great start. We have been working with the football teams, soccer teams, volleyball teams and other fall sport athletes that frequent the athletic training room. Becky Stigen ATC, our preceptor, has allowed us to have a hands on experience at Affton High School. We have been working with athletes to overcome injuries and get back on to the field. Some of the treatments we have been performing are electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and muscle energy techniques. We have also have had the opportunity to formulate rehabilitation protocols and then implement these in the athletic training room.


Football this year has been very fun and exciting. We have been sharpening up our taping and first aid skills as the Cougars face their opponents each week. We have been able to perform on field assessment. Becky has allowed us to evaluate players, and then we collaborate on our thoughts and come to a possible diagnosis of each athlete. We have also been applying protective padding and splints for players in order to keep their extremities protected during competition.

Affton High School is great secondary school rotation for us. Each day we are learning and seeing new things, while improving on skills we already possess. It is nice to have both a PY1 and PY2 at Affton because we are able to help each other out and teach each other new skills and knowledge. The fall at Affton has been a great one so far and we are excited for what is to come this semester.

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.

SLU AT Student Learns More than Clinical Skills from Preceptor at Missouri Baptist University

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Missouri Baptist University
By: Killian Hollo (SLU MAT Class of 2018)

This semester’s clinical experience at Missouri Baptist University has not only expanded my Athletic Training skillsets, but also my understanding of the profession itself. I work with MOBAP’s Football team. The Athletic Trainers arrive in the morning to do paperwork and things of that nature. Three hours before practice, the Athletic Trainers do rehab with the athletes. Before practice, we do water, base set up, and taping. We watch over the players during practice. Finally, we do treatments until two hours after practice. I mention this daily routine because before this experience I didn’t know what college football ATs’ days looked like.  My Preceptor Michael Nolan ATC told me that his job is a selfless devotion to student athletes. At this Catholic university I am humbled to be a part of this progressive and spiritual environment.
My first day at the site, I was alarmed by how many individuals wanted to be taped. As a dozen players entered the room at once, my preceptor looked at me and said, “Do you know how to tape?” I jumped right into the mix. The athletes were trying me on for size, watching every rip of tape and asking questions with skeptical mindsets. This is when I learned my first lesson of Athletic Training.

Confidence is a key component to gain respect of patients. I know a breadth of knowledge that would assist these individuals with injuries, but I had to radiate it to be given the opportunity. This type of attitude enabled early opportunities. After only a week, my preceptor had handed off a chronic ankle injury case to me during rehab. My preceptor actually let me implement some rehab activity homework on my own. Little by little word of mouth spread through the players that there was another trustworthy person to visit about an injury and my days became even more interesting.  I was capable, but over the next six weeks, the confidence, communication, and repertoire would improve.
I am fortunate to be able to treat these players with a variety of therapeutic modalities. On a daily basis I could be found doing treatments with ultrasound, different variations of electric stimulation, combo (electric stimulation and ultrasound), hot packs, ice, Normatech (compression therapy), Game Ready (cryotherapy and compression), and Paraffin. For a few weeks I really had to just assist other trainers as they applied treatments. Now I know how to function the machines and calibrate them properly.  As our Modalities class has progressed, I have better learned the concepts of this science.

These hands on opportunities are valuable as a PY1. I am excited to have been a part of the Indianapolis road win (42-43) which was MOBAP’s first win in two years. They also won the following game this past week in overtime marking the first time MOBAP football has ever earned back to back wins. After many losses the teammates had lost faith in each other. These past two weeks have really brought the team together. I am eager to see what the coming weeks will bring.

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.

October 12, 2016

SLU AT Student Gets a Wide Variety of Experiences at Parkway West HS

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Parkway West High School
By: Amelia Meigs (SLU MAT Class of 2017)

For my final year at SLU, I have the privilege of working with athletes at Parkway West High School under Matt Berning, ATC from Mercy Sports Medicine. With over 500 athletes for fall sports, Parkway West is constantly busy. The athletic training room is constantly filled with athletes needing care. Typically we make the rounds each day after the initial after-school rush by visiting each team that is practicing or has a game. The variety of sports at West has allowed me opportunity to learn about sport-specific return to play for sports I have not previously worked with such as tennis, field hockey, and swimming.
This semester we have had a wide variety of injuries and situations that have aided my professional development. It is a pleasure to work with the staff members and Matt each day. Matt and I have collaborated to work with several coaches on sport-specific prevention plans and with specific athletes. We have gotten to work closely with coaches and the athletic director, allowing me to see a new side to athletic training.

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.

October 11, 2016

SLU AT Student Inspired by Preceptor's Knowledge and Passion at Triad HS

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Triad High School
By: Adam Beck (SLU MAT Class of 2018)

I am currently at Triad High School in Troy, Illinois and have the honor of having Jack Edgar, ATC, as my preceptor there. He is a very knowledgeable man and has a great passion for athletic training. He is usually in before lunch starts to see all his athletes that have rehab needs, and is usually the one to close up at night. I look forward to coming into the athletic training room everyday to a new challenge.  If the AT room is slower than usual Jack will try and give me certain situations to consider and ask how I would handle the situation. He likes to use any possible time to be better.
Jack has shown me how much work an athletic trainer can possibly do in one day. I usually get into the AT room after their lunch and homeroom period is over, but on occasion I make it during that time and help with athletes’ rehab. Jack has injured athletes in his room during this time to get some extra rehab completed. Triad HS has an electrical stimulation/ultrasound machine, whirlpool, and other rehab tools. With it being football season, everyday is filled with things to do. Whether it’s getting ready for practice, setting up for game day, or taking care of injured athletes we are always doing something.

Jack is very good about letting me get hands on in every situation I can. He allows me to help with rehabs of ACL repairs, diagnose injuries, and how to treat those injuries. He is always there during these processes in case I need some assistance. This fall we covered football, soccer, and cross-country. Yet, I think one of my favorite things about Triad is the feeling in the training room on a Friday afternoon into the night. We don’t seem to stop until well after the game is over and I have to be on top of my game to help Jack make everything go smoothly throughout the night.

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.

October 08, 2016

SLU AT Program Director has a Memorable Week of Scholarship and Professional Development in England


My International Interprofessional Experience in the United Kingdom
By: Anthony Breitbach PhD, ATC, Associate Professor/Program Director

The month of September 2016 was memorable for me both personally and professionally.  I had the special opportunity to present a workshop and conduct research at the "All Together Better Health (ATBH) VIII" Conference in Oxford, United Kingdom.  The ATBH Conferences are held every other year and bring together the top scholars in Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice from all over the world.  This year's conference had delegates from over 30 countries and was hosted on the campus of Oxford University.  As a faculty member dedicated to interprofessional teaching and scholarship, this was an opportunity of a lifetime!

September 4, 2016
I left St. Louis and flew to London through Detroit, Michigan on an overnight flight.  The fortune cookie I received with my meal in Detroit was quite prophetic: "You will discover and unexpected treasure this week.".  


September 5, 2016
I arrived at Heathrow Airport in London and traveled via bus to Oxford.  Oxford University, home to the Rhodes Scholarship, is made up of several colleges which date back to the 1200's.  I stayed on the campus of the New College School, which was founded in 1379.  

The gate to the ancient walls of Oxford on the campus of New College School in Oxford.
September 6, 2016
After using the previous day to recover from jet lag, I was ready for the start of ATBH.  I participated in a pre-conference workshop during the day and the conference opened in the historic Sheldonian Theatre.  After the Opening Ceremony there was a Welcome Reception at the Oxford Union, home to the legendary debating society that has helped hone the skills of some of Great Britain's most prominent figures.

Sheldonian Theatre

Oxford Union
September 7, 2016
This marked the first full day of the conference.  The workshops were held in the Examination Schools at Oxford University.  I served as a session chair/moderator, attended workshops and plenary sessions.  I also met with my research collaborator Dr. Scott Reeves, from Kingston University-St. George's University of London, to finalize preparation for our workshop which was to held the next day.

Tablet at the Examination Schools.
September 8, 2016
Dr. Reeves and I presented our workshop entitled "Utilizing Sport to Study and Improve Global Interprofessional Collaborative Health Care" using the World Cafe method.  The workshop had 26 participants from 10 different countries and was an incredible scholarship opportunity!  In the evening, we had the ATBH Conference Dinner at Balliol College, the oldest of all of Oxford University's colleges.  The dinner took place in the hall that was featured as Hogwart's Great Hall in the Harry Potter movies.

At the Conference Dinner in Balliol College.

With Dr. Scott Reeves at our workshop.
September 9-12, 2016
The conference wrapped up on Friday and I went to London for a couple days of sightseeing.  The highlight of my weekend was going to the Fulham FC vs Birmingham City soccer match on Saturday at the historic Craven Cottage Stadium.  It was fun attending my first international soccer match and connecting with Billiken great Tim Ream, who now plays for Fulham. An unexpected surprise at Fulham was prior to the match where Fulham sponsored a #ManMorning event to promote men's health and physical activity. They welcomed me to join them in the event, which made for a fun day that I will never forget!

With Billiken great Tim Ream
#ManMorning group photo
Overall this trip was a great collaborative scholarship opportunity, enabling me to grow professionally and personally.  I hope to take these experiences back to SLU to help grow our program and the profession of Athletic Training in the area of Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice.


October 04, 2016

SLU AT Students Have a Fun and Successful Homecoming Weekend


Showing our Billiken Pride on Homecoming Weekend!
By: Jenna Ginsberg (SLU MAT Class of 2018)

On Saturday, September 24th, I was part of a group of SLU AT students, who also included Stephanie Ross, Collin Peterson and Olivia Robinson, provided athletic training services at the Cheryl Cavallo Hustle for your Health 5K. The Physical Therapy department organized the annual race as part of SLU’s Homecoming festivities. Along with Dr. Breitbach, the athletic training students contributed to this event by following the crowd of racers through the course on a golf cart, ready to pick up or care for anyone that may need assistance. 


We were also present at the finish line to hand out water and administer first aid as needed. The course led the participants all throughout SLU’s medical campus, and the sunny but mild morning was perfect race weather. This event also proved to be a great way for a potential SLU student to see what the Athletic Training program is all about, as she got to mingle with us and ask questions, as well as witness us applying our knowledge in a practical setting. 


After the race there was a pancake breakfast and an open house in the Allied Health Building.  The AT Program hosted our visitors in the Modalities Lab.


The Athletic Training program also took part in the Homecoming Float parade that afternoon. Freshman students Kacie Frost and Maddie Bozych stepped up to the task of decorating our cart, and the results turned out great. 


All in all, it was a very successful Homecoming weekend, and I enjoyed being part of it.