June 29, 2021

SLU AT Student Appreciates Immersive Experience with Pediatric Patients at Mercy Orthopedics


SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Mercy Orthopedics, St. Louis
By: Sydney Nash (MAT Class of 2022)

For my summer field experience I am at Mercy Orthopedics, Orthopedic Surgery. My preceptor Nadia Melton ATC, LAT has been an athletic trainer in Dr. Anderson's office for four years. In this clinic they work a lot with pediatric patients who have club foot, cerebral palsy, or hip dysplasia to name a few. During this clinical experience I have learned a lot about treatments for disorders I would not commonly encounter in your average athletic training setting.

While in clinic we see a variety of patients for pre-op, post-op, new patient, as well as casting. I have been able to experience observing cast removal as well as casting for club foot. I have also been gaining experience in taking a history on patients as well as interacting with different younger kids! Working with younger kids is very different than working with high schoolers and college athletes which I have had to adjust to, but I think it will allow me to communicate with patients better!

This has been an amazing experience so far and am excited to see what comes. I am learning so much from all the team members at the clinic and enjoy being able to see the changes in kids as we see them, most come weekly. This summer I have been able to intern with an amazing staff and amazing patients and want to thank everyone who has made it that way!

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.

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