March 20, 2020

SLU AT Students Appreciate Learning with Multiple Preceptors at SIU-Edwardsville


SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
By: Conner Mongoven and Rachel Wilhelm (SLU MAT Class of 2020)

After completing our rotations with the women’s soccer and volleyball teams, the both of us moved on to being with the men’s and women’s basketball teams. We are fortunate to be able to continue moving around within the athletics and sports medicine departments which allows us to gain more experience with different certified Athletic Trainers and different sports. These opportunities are beneficial and integral to building our foundations and they are helpful as we will soon transition into certified professional practice.


Conner: 
This semester I have been with the men’s basketball team. I was excited to get my first experience with a college basketball team, and it was cool to do so at the Division I level. The Athletic Trainer for men’s basketball is James Mays, ATC. He has been at SIUe for 13 years and therefore had a lot to offer as my preceptor. In addition to getting to practice and learn more about evaluations, treatments and rehabilitation programs around this team, I was able to gain a lot of knowledge about the relationship between the Athletic Trainers and the Strength and Conditioning Coaches from James. He discussed with me how they work together and coordinate rehab plans and return to play protocols to ensure the best care and safety for the athletes. After basketball I will be returning to be with the women’s soccer and volleyball teams as I enjoyed them in the Fall.

Rachel: 
The sport I have spent most of my time with this semester is women’s basketball. I came in very excited to be with the team due to my growing interest in the sport and my goal of working with teams in the future. The Athletic Trainer for the women’s basketball team is Gerry Schlemer, ATC.  He is also the Head Athletic Trainer and has a lot of knowledge and experience under his belt that he is always willing to share with me. I was able to gain a lot of clinical experience with him as my preceptor. With this team I was able to practice my skills in completing musculoskeletal evaluations, using therapeutic modalities, and creating and teaching rehab protocols to athletes. With basketball season being over, I will now switch to help with the softball team with their Athletic Trainer, David Londo, ATC, who is a Graduate Assistant at SIUe. I have little experience with softball, so I am looking forward to all that I will be able to learn in my final clinical rotation.

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.

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