SLU AT Student Builds Knowledge and Skills Through Interprofessional Collaboration at Harris Stowe State University

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Harris Stowe State University

By: Katie Wissing (MAT Class of 2022)

For over a year, I have adjusted to taking things day-by-day due to the seemingly daily altering COVID-19 guidelines. This has been a time of great change for most, and those who have been most successful are individuals who face adversity head on. My student clinical experience has been unorthodox with constant adjustments and abrupt switches. This semester, however, returning to Harris Stowe State University has allowed some normalcy and consistency. 

With almost every sport in season this semester, I have been able to not only develop athletic training skills, but also gain more on-field experience. I have enjoyed time on the sidelines of men’s and women's basketball as well as women’s soccer. This increased, valuable time with the athletes, as well as Tim Herlihy, ATC, has allowed for a more trust and a solid relationship with these individuals, which in turn has given me more confidence in my skillset. Additionally, weekly visits from chiropractors from Logan Chiropractic Health Center has given me an added perspective on the approach to evaluation and rehabilitation of athletes. Overall, this opportunity has allowed my interprofessional relationships to establish and grow throughout this semester. 

Although I must still approach each week with some uncertainty of what is to come next, I have learned to treat each day as an opportunity of which must be taken advantage. I am able to appreciate the work and modifications athletic trainers put in place to better the care for their athletes. It is evident athletic trainers do not face the normalcy of some jobs; through the world altering event of the global pandemic, I better understand how to handle whatever obstacles may come my way.

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.