SLU AT Student experiences diverse clinical opportunities at multiple clinical sites

By Brandon Pavon (MAT Class of 2024)

This summer I started my summer clinical rotation learning with Dan Herrin at Mercy Center for Performance Medicine as well as Marquette High school learning with Jessi Austin. Following the first couple of weeks I transitioned over to having experience with Elena Melillo and the SLU women's basketball team instead of Marquette High school. I am spending time alongside another athletic training student from Missouri State university while being at Mercy Center for Performance Medicine and alone with Elena at SLU. 

While spending time with Dan Herrin, I have gained experience in the clinical setting broadening my knowledge as to the realm of athletic training. While spending time with Elena at SLU I have gained more experience in the D1 setting with a different sport growing my knowledge in the world of athletic training, giving me new experiences to help find the best fit for me in the long run. I am beyond grateful for the privileges that have been given to me to help me grow as a future athletic trainer in order to help as many patients as I can as I come across a wide variety of patients over the following years.

This is one of a series of posts authored by students enrolled in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program. The number of clinical sites, the quality and diversity of the clinical experience opportunities, and the contemporary expertise of our preceptors are strengths of the CAATE Accredited SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Student has amazing immersive clinical experience with Columbus Crew

By Grace Golembiewski (MAT Class of 2024)

This summer I had the opportunity to complete my clinical field experience with the Columbus Crew in Columbus, OH, under the guidance of my preceptor, Head Athletic Trainer, Chris Rumsey, MS, LAT, ATC. This unique experience has greatly improved my professional development in a variety of ways. For instance, I have learned the value of interprofessional healthcare collaboration due to the extensive sports performance and medical staff that ensures the safety, care, and physical and mental well-being of every athlete.

In addition, I have discovered a wide range of therapeutic modalities that complement my previous knowledge about therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation including new manual therapy techniques, shockwave, microcurrent, CareWear, etc. Overall, I am extremely grateful for the remarkable opportunity to learn from the entire sports performance and medical staff at the Columbus Crew, and I am excited to continue expanding my professional skills and knowledge throughout the summer semester.

This is one of a series of posts authored by students enrolled in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program. The number of clinical sites, the quality and diversity of the clinical experience opportunities, and the contemporary expertise of our preceptors are strengths of the CAATE Accredited SLU AT Program.

SLU AT Student gains hands-on experience with Mississippi State University's football team

By Claire Love (MAT Class of 2024)

This summer I have been given the incredible opportunity to complete field experience with SEC west powerhouse Mississippi State University's Football Team. In just a short time here I have grown tremendously. I have had the opportunity to use new modalities such as Laser, Winback and hivamat. I have the opportunity to challenge athletes during rehabs by using machines such as the kineo, BFR, and hydroworx treadmill. But more than having the opportunity to use the newest and coolest modalities I have gotten to learn from my incredible preceptor Jake Goluszka, M.S., LAT, ATC and the entire MSU football athletic training staff. Everyday I truly get to see a collaborative team approach to athlete centered healthcare. Whether it is how can we challenge this person more during a rehab session? Or needing another set of hands and eyes doing an evaluation, our staff is completely bought to get the athletes back to 100%. And this is something that I have noticed not only in our athletic training staff, but our team doctors, our nutritionist, and strength and conditioning staff. It is truly a team effort and I am so lucky to be a part of it. 

Being in such a high profile and high paced environment has helped me to gain confidence in my clinical decision making and clinical reasoning skills while also challenging me to be more innovative and more creative with the vast amount of resources I have available. It is forcing me to always be ready and focus on the things that are most important. I have truly loved my time here in Starkville and I am excited to watch my skills and confidence continue to grow. 

This is one of a series of posts authored by students enrolled in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program. The number of clinical sites, the quality and diversity of the clinical experience opportunities, and the contemporary expertise of our preceptors are strengths of the CAATE Accredited SLU AT Program.