SLU AT Student Gains Valuable Interprofessional Clinical Experience in Physician Practice at Sports and Orthopaedic Specialists

SLU AT Summer Field Experience Spotlight -  Sports and Orthopaedic Specialists, Minneapolis, MN

By: Sarah Menzuber (SLU MAT Class of 2019)

This summer I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of healthcare providers at Sports and Orthopaedic Specialists.  I am gaining many hours of experience from shadowing orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, physician assistants, athletic trainers, and physical therapists in the clinic setting.  I have observed the collaboration between all medical providers and how they all truly value the specific skill set each profession offers. 

In addition to observing in an orthopaedic clinic, I am fortunate to scrub in to watch surgeries as well.  Being in the OR has been such a neat opportunity and learning experience.  Many of the cases I see in clinic and surgery are common chronic injuries, such as, arthritis, rotator cuff pathologies, or meniscus damage.  The patient population I have seen this summer presents with much different injuries than I am used to seeing from the typical high school or collegiate athlete.  I am learning a lot in terms of prevention to these common degenerative orthopaedic injuries, treatment options, and how other medical conditions play a major role in orthopaedics. 

Lastly, I have been helping with various administrative and research projects, such as reviewing literature, working on blog posts, and formatting letters and rehab protocols. 

I am excited to take my knowledge and new way of viewing athletic training to my new clinical experience starting this fall.

Students in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program have an immersive field experience in the summer between their two professional years in the program. This blog post details a student's reflection on their experience.