SLU AT Student Experiences a Person-Centered Approach to Health Care at Bishop DuBourg HS

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Bishop DuBourg High School

By: Mason Cotterel (MAT Class of 2022)

I have had the absolute pleasure of learning and developing my professional skills at my first clinical site, Bishop DuBourg High School. During my time at DuBourg, I have helped provide care to a variety of sports, such as Cross country, Girls volleyball, tennis, softball, and cheer. As well as Boys Soccer, and as we approach the winter months Boys Basketball too. Although different than most years, I have gained an amazing clinical experience thanks to my preceptor, Nathan Jarman, MAT, CES, ATC. 

Nate is an experienced Athletic Trainer who works for SSM Health Sports Medicine. He has established Athletic Training as a key component of the Athletics culture at DuBourg. All coaches and athletes know that the Athletic Training services he provides to them, has a person-centered approach that makes everyone know that they are in good hands. I have been amazed with the positive impact having a good relationship with athletes has had on their care. 

I could not have imagined having a better first clinical experience than the one at DuBourg. As a future Healthcare Professional, I am excited to take what I have, and will, learn at DuBourg to optimize my ability to provide the best possible care to future patients. 

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 Inducted into Alpha Eta Allied Health Honor Society

The Saint Louis University chapter of Alpha Eta, the National Honor Society for Allied Health Professions, held its annual induction ceremony virtually at Saint Louis University on November 12, 2020.

The society is named for the Greek letters equivalent to the first letters of Allied Health (AH), which are Alpha Eta.  The purpose of the Society is the promotion and recognition of significant scholarship, leadership, and contributions to the allied health professions.

The following SLU AT students were honored in this year's ceremony:

• Madelyn Cavanaugh - Carmel, Indiana (MAT Class of 2022)
• Amra Kardasevic - St. Louis, Missouri (MAT Class of 2022)
• Katie Wissing - Brookfield, Wisconsin (MAT Class of 2022)

Congratulations to this year's Alpha Eta honorees!

SLU AT Student Adapts to Changing Conditions to Learn at Multiple Clinical Sites

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Cardinal Ritter College Prep and Harris Stowe State University

By: Katie Wissing (MAT Class of 2022)

“Unprecedented,” “new normal,” and “fluid” are some phrases that are becoming more and more common during this COVID-19 pandemic. I would agree that my clinical experience has been unprecedented and fluid as I try to adjust to this new normal. Although the pandemic has created restrictions or delays in athletic seasons and protocols, Cara Bowton, ATC, MAT, at Cardinal Ritter College Prep and Tim Herlihy, ATC, at Harris-Stowe State University, have shown me what it means to be a flexible, efficient athletic trainer. 

Between the mundane tasks of COVID-19 screening and temperature checks, I have been able to develop my repertoire of rehabilitation exercises and interprofessional relationships. Tim has taught me the importance of focusing on the big picture of rehab; exercises need to encompass total body stability and strengthening. He not only focuses on the issue at hand, but ensures the athlete can address functional issues to reduce chances of reinjury. Cara has reminded me that rehab should be user friendly and accessible to anyone. Ensuring that the athlete can do all exercises at home without needing special, expensive equipment allows for a more complete rehabilitation that can be done anywhere. Athletic training truly is a collaboration with any other health-care providers (whether that be a team physician, chiropractor, physical therapist, or otherwise) and the athlete; this requires constant collaboration and communication. 

Additionally, with limited interactions due to the pandemic, I have learned how important it is to make lasting connections with your athletes. The trust that is built between an athletic trainer and her athlete is crucial to providing quality care; when face to face interactions may be limited, the opportunity to build this trust is expedited. Communication, especially during an uncertain time, is crucial; every day brings a new adjustment or protocol. Learning to work and connect with school administrators, the athletes, and parents has been an invaluable opportunity I get to experience every week at Cardinal Ritter College Prep and Harris-Stowe State University. 

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 Appreciates Support from Preceptor and Community at Westminster Christian Academy

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Westminster Christian Academy

By: Brittany Risko (MAT Class of 2022)

This fall semester so far, we have conquered so many things as a program, college, and university. I have had the opportunity this fall semester to participate in my first clinical experience in the SLU AT Program. I am thankful to have been placed at Westminster Christian Academy with Katherine Love, MAT, ATC, who works for Mercy Sports Medicine and is a graduate from SLU’s AT Graduate Program. It has been a great experience so far! We had a slow start at first due to only practices being held and the restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 Pandemic however, I liked being able to get the know the athletes and faculty better before heading into games. 

Katherine is a great preceptor I have learned a lot of skills professionally from her. She has a lot of knowledge to offer and is always there to answer questions. I am starting to get a lot more hands on in my experience with the help of Katherine pushing me to just try things out because it’s better to try and mess up a few times so that she can help teach me how to do it right or guide me in the right direction so that the next time that something similar arises I have the skills to take care of it. I have enjoyed the challenges that she gives me so that I can grow more confident in my skills and abilities as a student athletic trainer.  

The WCA community has been very welcoming with my service dog Penelope as well. Penelope has also had a great time working in her first clinical setting. Penelope’s favorite things include riding in the gator, waiting patiently for an ice cube out of the ice machine, and playing with the football players while they wait to get taped. One of Penelope’s best skill so far in her clinical experience is finding Katherine in the AT room. Overall, Penelope is having a pawesome time as well at Westminster Christian Academy. 

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 Benefits from Autonomy Provided by Preceptor at DeSmet Jesuit HS

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - DeSmet Jesuit High School

By: Joey Wenzl (MAT Class of 2021)

This semester at De Smet high school has been unlike any of my previous clinical rotations. While there have been practices going on the entire semester, we were unsure exactly what they were practicing for, as games were not being allowed to happen in St. Louis County. This made the practices seem meaningless, but I enjoyed getting to practice my skills in a situation where I had to get them back to playing as soon as possible and could be a little more methodical in my evaluation and any potential rehabilitation. Although, with the no games scheduled, the coaches had practices that were less intense and as a result there weren’t many injuries for me to evaluate. 

Most of the beginning part of the days was spent taking temperatures as a safety precaution and as the semester progressed, there was an app that all students had to complete as well that we checked to make sure they were symptom free. Not exactly the most exciting thing to do, but since it was mandated by the county we decided that it would be best to do. We have progressed to just relying on the symptom check that the athletes do before school now to suffice for our own checks. 

Now that there are games, practices have picked up in intensity and there are more opportunities for me to continue my growth and improve on my skills. In addition to this, some of the players and coaches are starting to trust me more and are allowing me to do more than I had been doing. My preceptor, Mercy Sports Medicine Athletic Trainer and SLU alum Dan Herrin MAT, ATC provides supervision and helps me along if I get stuck, but the trust from the players is a confidence booster and having them come to me with their problems and allowing me the first look is something that has helped my growth tremendously. 

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 Practice and Grow Clinical Skills in Positive Environment at John Burroughs School

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - John Burroughs School 

By: Kate Perko (SLU MAT Class of 2021) and Amra Kardasevic (MAT Class of 2022)

Activities are ramping up at John Burroughs as St. Louis County lifts COVID-19 mandates. John Burroughs School is a small, private, co-ed school serving 7th through 12th grade students. Burroughs has taken great precautions to bring students back to in person classes and sports activities safely. As games have begun, it is obvious that these precautions have been effective as we move into our 3rd week of contests.

Our preceptor Dean Tiffany, ATC is John Burroughs' athletic trainer, assistant athletic director, and wrestling coach. It has been eye opening to see how he balances his commitments and responsibilities effectively. With that, he has given us every opportunity, under his supervision, to step in and evaluate injuries, assign rehab, and determine return to play. During the first weeks of the semester, before contests were allowed, we used our time to practice taping techniques, modalities, lower extremity evaluations, and manual therapy techniques.

The community that John Burroughs has established among its students and athletes shines through after spending just one day with the people there. All of the staff and students are incredibly welcoming not only to us, but to each other as well. The amount of support and encouragement there is in the athletic training room among athletes creates a very positive environment that is essential for successful healing.

Even with a slow start to the semester, we have gotten to see quite a few interesting injuries, including a patellar dislocation and an ACL tear. As sports contests are starting to get back to “normal” we are excited to see how the rest of the semester will play out. We look forward to getting more opportunities to use our skills and being able to help the students play and feel their best!

GO BOMBERS!

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 Experience a Welcoming and Empowering Clinical Site at Webster Groves HS

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Webster Groves High School 

By: Iris Herrera (SLU MAT Class of 2021) and Michael Ryan (MAT Class of 2022)

We have been learning a lot at Webster Groves High School! Our preceptor Sean Wright ATC welcomed us with open arms and let us get hands on practice from the beginning. 

It’s been exciting to practice our clinical skills with the athletes that are allowed to practice and have games. This semester we have been doing a lot of evaluations and spending a lot of time planning and executing rehabilitation programs for injured athletes. we love being able to guide athletes from evaluations to return to play progressions. 

Being in the high school setting has been great! We've formed some great relationships with athletes. Hearing thank-you’s and even getting letters of appreciation has been heartwarming. Earning their trust and getting them to invest time into doing rehab has been really fulfilling.  Going into the rest of the semester we are excited to continue to practice evaluations, rehabilitation, and return to play decisions. 

Iris has also continued doing hours with Tom McGowan MEd, LAT, ATC at Children’s Hospital / Lou Fusz Soccer Club. At the soccer and lacrosse practices she's been able to evaluate athletes and make triage decisions. Since the summer, Tom has helped her become more and more confident in her skills. Towards the beginning of the semester she was able to join Tom in teaching the Lou Fusz coaches the FIFA11+ injury prevention warm up routine. Throughout the semester she has had practice in evaluating injuries, rehabilitating athletes, performing SCAT5’s, and talking to young athletes and their parents. 

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 Finds Value in Clinical Experience Caring for SLU Billikens Men's Soccer

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Saint Louis University Billiken Athletics

By: Jose Blanco (SLU MAT Class of 2021)

This semester I have had the opportunity to work closely with SLU Men's Soccer Team. Athletic trainer Benjamin Heimos, ATC, MS has been my preceptor and both my and him have been providing our best care to all their athletes. So far, I have enjoyed taking care of a hardworking team with great encouraging coaches at a high competitive level. Growing up in a big soccer culture has made me appreciate the intensity and effort that the whole team puts on each practice regardless of not having a set schedule yet. 

Times recently have been full of uncertainties regarding having a season or not due to the pandemic we are living in right now. However, the staff of his team has done a great job at maintaining their motivation. The players have shown a high physical preparation, and thus injuries have been minimal. For those players affected by injuries, we have treated these players with the highest efficiency that we can provide. 

This opportunity has been awesome so far and I am eager to see what the soccer world can bring us on the next weeks. 

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 Has Great First Clinical Practicum Experience at Rockwood Summit HS

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Rockwood Summit High School 

By: Maddie Cavanaugh (SLU MAT Class of 2022)

I’ve had a great first clinical experience in the SLU AT Program.  Although different this year, clinicals are still providing great learning experiences across the board.  I have been able to learn from Tony Mosello, MAT, ATC, LAT, who works for Mercy Sports Medicine and is a graduate from the SLU AT Program.  He is the Athletic Trainer at Rockwood Summit High School, a middle sized public high school in St. Louis County.  It has been a great experience getting to learn protocols of working in a pandemic that could carry on to future experiences should we have to deal with a similar situation in the future.

Every day I am able to foster relationships with the athletes to create a trusting atmosphere that includes myself that has already been strongly established by Tony.  I help tape the athletes before practice and aid with modalities to help prepare for practices and games.  As I start to learn more about evaluations in class, I am able to complete more evaluations on the athletes and start to put pieces of the puzzle together to create a more solid foundation.  

It has been a great experience so far getting to learn so much in a short time in an immersion setting and I can’t wait to continue to gain experience throughout my clinical practicums.  

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 Appreciates Preceptor's Approach in Clinical Experience at Bayless HS

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Bayless High School

By: Josh Hicks (SLU MAT Class of 2021)

During the Fall 2020 semester I am placed at Bayless High School. I was at this same location for the summer. My preceptor, Adam Krueger ATC, CSCS, SSM Health Sports Medicine, welcomed me back with open arms. The summer was very mild with injury compared to this fall semester. There was a day where we spent the day driving back and forth to the different facilities to deal with six or seven different injuries.

A unique experience I have gained while at Bayless is concussion rehab. I have been other places where they asked the athlete to exercise on a bike and asked them if they had symptoms. At Bayless my preceptor showed me the daily questionnaire and had a program of exercises that we made sport specific. 

Keeping the athletes motivated is another skill I have picked up on at Bayless. For example, there is a softball player with a jones fracture that warms up and sits near the dugout during practice. While we are checking in on softball, we take the injured athlete through drills that she can do to maintain her softball skill. My preceptor is always keeping an eye out for activities the team is doing that the injured athletes can participate in. 

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 Builds Knowledge and Clinical Skills at Christian Brothers College HS

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Christian Brothers College High School

By: Sydney Nash (MAT Class of 2022)

This semester I have been placed at Christian Brothers College (CBC) High School for my clinical site. During this clinical experience at CBC I am caring for soccer, football, and cross country. My preceptor Kristen Jeans, ATC, LMT works through Mercy Sports Medicine for CBC and has made this first clinical experience exciting and knowledgeable.

During this time of craziness with COVID-19 Kristen has helped guide me through all the unknowns that have come from the ever-changing ways of sports in the time of a pandemic. During this clinical experience I have learned a lot of new and exciting ways in taping patients and new ways to implement rehabilitation without having access to modalities or the athletic training room. 

Kristen has been a great in teaching me things to look for and things to ask when assessing a patient to be able to help them best. CBC has been an amazing experience so far with the welcoming staff and players. 

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's Confidence Grows Through Preceptor's Support with SLU Billiken Athletics

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Saint Louis University Billiken Athletics

By: Gabby Herod (MAT Class of 2021)

Being at Saint Louis University has opened my eyes to so much with athletic training. The behind the scene work that Petra Knight, MS, ATC, CES is responsible for is intense and I wasn’t aware that ATs would have to do all of what she does. Being there since July, has given me a great chance to become comfortable with how things work at SLU and with basketball since that will be our main sport this year. Petra has given me a lot of freedom already with evaluations, rehab, and daily treatments with athletes. This has really increased my confidence in all those areas since this is the first time that I have really been able to do what I want to do. I have gotten very comfortable with documentation now that I see athletes for all injuries. She knows that is the area of work I want to be in after I am finished with this program and I look forward to getting better each day. 

We have been primarily with the Women’s Basketball Team since Covid has shut down fall sports. Being with them everyday is a dream come true. Since this sport is my passion I am ready and willing to learn from this team. It has been very different again because of Covid but we are managing the best we can. Everything that Covid has brought is still showing and teaching me that communication is the most important thing with this job.

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 Focuses on Athlete Safety in Clinical Experience at Christian Brothers College HS

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Christian Brothers College High School

By: Gabby Herod (MAT Class of 2021)

During this summer at Christian Brothers College (CBC) High School, Kristen Jeans ATC, LMT, from Mercy Sports Medicine, has again given me a unique experience.  During this COVID-19 pandemic, the typical athletic training experience was not possible.  But Kristen made sure that I saw the side of athletic training that isn’t shown on a typical day. 

Being the summer in St. Louis, it can get very hot and dangerous for athletes. I gained more experience in using a wet bulb and cold water tank and what it really means to make the right decision for the safety of everyone. Demonstrating interpersonal communication with the coaches, athletic director, and parents with this information is very important.

While at CBC, we also discussed COVID and what was needed for the sports teams to operate safely. Dealing with safety policies that will provide the best experience for everyone involved has been a challenge. The work that Kristen has shown me that is necessary to have everything in order hopefully run smoothly during the school year happens during this time. Administration is a part of this profession that should be greatly praised for everything that has to happen. 

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.

SLU AT Students Enjoy Summer Clinical Experience with the Billikens

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Saint Louis University Billiken Athletics

By: Maddie Bozych and Kaylla Juarez (MAT Class of 2021)

Saint Louis University Athletic Training Students have made adjustments to the changing conditions during the Summer of 2020.  Maddie Bozych and Kaylla Juarez discuss their common, but separate and socially distanced, immersive clinical experience with SLU Billiken Athletics.

Maddie Bozych 

I had a great summer experience getting to be involved with the SLU Men’s basketball team! While it was a different type of summer, it was just as interesting! I got to learn from Jonathan Burch, ATC, who not only has great expertise on being a Division 1 basketball athletic trainer, but also as the director of sports medicine. It was a great experience to see all the conversations that went into making a safe summer for the basketball team among a pandemic. Some of the Covid precautions I was a part of were figuring out how to reconfigure the athletic training room to make it as safe and distances as a possible, and taking temperatures. 

My daily routine consisted of getting all the supplies ready for weight training, and once we progressed to practices, taping. Once the players were taken care of, I got a look into all of the paperwork it is important for athletes to have at the start of every year, and practice logging it into the software.  

Aside from seeing some of the behind the scenes of what a director of sports medicine and AT does during a pandemic, I did get to do some rehabbing! I was fortune to also get to learn from Mike Markee, PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, ATC and be a part of the post-op rehabs of one of our athletes. It was great interprofessional experience as I got to go to physical therapy session and learn the exercises, and then take the athlete through them on off days. Having this bridge role was a great experience for a PY2. I learned a lot in a short time! 

Kaylla Juarez

This summer I was able to get clinical experience with SLU’s Men’s Basketball team with my preceptor Jonathan Burch ATC (JB), Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine.  During my time at SLU, I was able to get back into practicing taping skills that I have not been able to do in a few months.  I was able to learn new taping skills through JB and get a better understanding of why we tape our basketball players the way we do.  

I also got to look at the administration side of athletic training that I did not get a lot of experience with at my other clinical sites.  With us still being in a pandemic, there was a lot of paperwork that had to be done before the rest of the student athletes returned back to campus. It was nice to understand all aspects of athletic training and administration work is something I often forget comes along with this career. SLU will be my clinical site for the 2020-2021 school year, and I am excited to see what else I can learn from my preceptor JB and other preceptors I come across in the SLU athletic training room. 

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.

SLU AT Student Integrates Prior Learning with Immersive Clinical Experience at Bayless HS

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Bayless High School

By: Josh Hicks (MAT Class of 2021)

During this very abnormal Summer field experience of 2020 I was at Bayless High School. My preceptor was Adam Krueger ATC, CSCS, SSM Health Sports Medicine. This was Adam’s first year at Bayless and he did awesome. With all of the uncertainty of having a new job and a pandemic, Adam still made my learning experience a priority. I learned from many discussions, demonstrations, and practice.

Outside of screening for COVID, a majority of Adam’s and my time was spent discussing topics and practices in athletic training. These discussions often led to demonstrations and new knowledge and practice. For example, I have learned about joint mobilizations and stretching through classes, but Adam showed me how to combine the two properly. Bayless had few injuries. I was able to do the initial assessment of each injury and Adam would monitor. I was also included in coming up with the rehab programs and I took the student athletes through them. 

At Bayless High School I felt like an athletic trainer. I was part of the team and treated as such. 

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.

SLU AT Student Returns to a Familiar Place to Adapt and Learn New Skills

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Cardinal Ritter College Prep

By: Jose Blanco (MAT Class of 2021)

This summer I had the opportunity to return to Cardinal Ritter College Prep. I had my first clinical experience on Fall 2019 and now our paths crossed again in summer, which consisted of a different dynamic compared to the regular year. My preceptor was Cara Bowton, MAT, LAT, ATC, SSM Sports Medicine Athletic Trainer and SLU alum, and she gladly helped me achieve the best possible experience for about two months.

Living while a worldwide pandemic is happening made us adjust to necessary changes to follow a required protocol to provide care to these athletes. I had to understand the importance of following these protocols since the first day, since ensuring the safety of the athletes was our primary goal. However, I still had the opportunity to treat athletes as they needed it. From screening for COVID-19 every player before letting them play to treat them after a practice.

Although at first I had a lot of doubts and concern about this summer, we manage to deliver the best preventative measurements and treatment to athletes that were preparing for their summer. This opportunity taught me interventions to prevent the spread of diseases which is an area that I never thought I would find myself in. It also taught me that health care professionals should keep trying to deliver the best care to overcome this pandemic so that hopefully in our early future we can find ourselves in our normal practice duties.

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.

SLU AT Student Gets Unique Learning Experiences with Preceptor's Support at Bishop DuBourg HS

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Bishop DuBourg High School

By: Kate Perko (MAT Class of 2021)

My immersive field experience this summer was spent with Nathan Jarman, MS, CSCS, ATC at Bishop Dubourg High Schools morning sports camps. Though it was not the summer I had anticipated, I am appreciative of the opportunity to learn from Nate. He has so much knowledge to share and kept me on my toes. The administration of Bishop Dubourg were wonderful and immediately treated me as if I was one of their own. 

Nate is an Athletic Trainer with SSM Health Sports Medicine and a key member to the schools COVID-19 response team. On my second or third day at the high school I was invited to sit in on a COVID-19 task force meeting with Nate. It was impressive to see and be part of the “can do” attitude. Instead of focusing on how normal policies are not going to work, administration had to brainstorm new policies that could work instead. I was pleased to be able to offer my two cents into the problem solving. 

Bishop Dubourg is a great clinical site and Nate is an awesome preceptor and mentor. The students at Bishop Dubourg were respectful and receptive to having a SLU AT student. 

I wish the best for the students and teachers as they navigate this new normal. Go Cavaliers!

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.

SLU AT Student Appreciates the Benefit of Multiple Immersive Clinical Experiences

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Orchard Farm High School and the Young Athlete Center/Lou Fusz Athletic

By: Iris Herrera (MAT Class of 2021)

This summer I had the privilege of having both Olivia Robinson, MAT, LAT, ATC and Tom McGowan, MEd, LAT, ATC as preceptors. I was able to have a well-rounded experience, where I learned about all of the domains of athletic training. In the mornings I would screen athletes for COVID at Orchard Farm High School with Olivia. While there I was able to create, edit, and implement an emergency action plan. I had exposure to pre-participation documents, physicals, and even inventory. 

With preceptor Tom McGowan I was able to have experiences at the Young Athlete Center (YAC) and Lou Fusz Athletic. At the Young Athlete Center, located inside of the Children’s Specialty Care Center, I observed and assisted with ACL return to play testing. I was also able to observe a functional movement screen. Tom showed me how to use a BIODEX and motion sensors to analyze movement and even let me try them out! At Lou Fusz Athletic I was able to join Tom for soccer practices and a lacrosse tournament. Throughout the summer, Tom set up several evaluations for me to do on athletes. He also guided me through case study cases where he pretended to be my patient.

Overall, I loved my summer field experiences! In the morning I was able to gain more understanding about the administrative component of athletic training and in the afternoon, I was able to be more hands on with patients. I am appreciative of Olivia and Tom for giving me such amazing opportunities to learn from them. 

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.

Saint Louis University Recognizes 2020 Master of Athletic Training Graduates with Program Awards

Each year, the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program recognizes Master of Athletic Training graduates with awards recognizing service, academic and clinical excellence.  

The following members of the SLU MAT Class of 2020 were recognized with program awards:

Allison Stefan MAT

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE - Allison Stefan MAT

This recognition is awarded to the graduate who has the highest grade point average in professional phase courses.

Gwyneth Brown MAT

CLINICAL EXCELLENCE - Gwyneth Brown MAT and Maria Lingardo MAT

These graduates are nominated by faculty, staff or preceptors in recognition of outstanding achievement in their clinical practicum experiences.

Maria Lingardo MAT

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE - Allison Stefan MAT and Caitlyn Thomas MAT

These graduates are nominated by faculty or staff for significant participation in service to the profession through entire academic career. 

Caitlyn Thomas MAT

COMMUNITY SERVICE - Allison Stefan MAT

These graduates are nominated by students, faculty or staff for significant participation in community service through entire academic career. 

Congratulations to Allison, Gwyn, Maria, Caitlyn and all of our 2020 graduates!