SLU Pre-professional AT Student from Japan Learns About the Importance of Professional Communication in Health Care

New AT Student Blog Post - Haruka Ikeda (SLU MAT Class of 2020)

My first experience of Directed Observation (DO) hours was at John Burroughs High School with Dean Tiffany ATC, Caitlin Gibson (PY2), Danielle Jabczynski (PY1). It was also my first experience to look around a high school in the United States, and actually I am so lucky to have John Burroughs School as my first one. They have clean, orderly AT room and every student athlete respects Dean and also PY students.

The most impressed DO experience for me is a Spring Soccer Tournament at Lou Fusz Rams Park and Fenton Soccer Park. That was the largest soccer tournament for young athletes at St. Louis and there were more than 5 soccer fields inside and outside. At Fenton Soccer Park, SLU Alum Kelly DeGreeff MAT, ATC was with me telling me the importance to have communication with not just athletes or patients, but also coaches and referee, who relates to a game. Young athletes are more sensitive and emotionally unstable than grown athletes, so that’s why ATs need to be more careful and keep an eye out for them. The communication makes us easier to understand athletes condition or a background that should be considered when ATs treat patients.

To be honest, I was quite nervous to do DO hours because of the language barrier, but at the same time I was excited that I got an opportunity to feel the reality of ATs in sports field in my bones. Since I was a student athletic trainer when I was in japan, which was 2 years ago, one of the reasons why I came to the US is to feel the difference between the countries. All of my DO experiences including John Burroughs HS, SEC Gymnastics Championships, Washington University, Track meet at SLU, and the Spring Soccer Tournament were absolutely great opportunities for me to feel and understand the difference.

Thank you all the preceptors and older students, and I also want to thank all of my friendly classmates.

This is one of a series of blog posts written by students entering the professional phase of the SLU AT Program as a part of MAT 3000 - AT Student Development II.

Multiple Preceptors with Billiken Athletics Create Varied Experiences for SLU AT students

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Saint Louis University Athletics

By: Dustin Jamboretz, Ryan Lily and Alissa Beeman (MAT Class of 2016)

In the spring of 2015, we were fortunate enough to have our spring clinical placement at Saint Louis University. This setting was unique in regards to how our rotations worked. Typically every two weeks, we would alternate preceptors. This meant that we were exposed to a variety of different sports, teaching styles, and treatment strategies. At the time of this blog post, we have worked closely with four different preceptors and have helped with treatments for athletes from the following teams at Saint Louis University: track and field, volleyball, tennis, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, field hockey, and currently baseball and softball. 

Last semester our clinical rotation was in a high school setting. We thought that there would be a really big transition from the high school level to this university setting. But surprisingly, we found that there is not that much of a difference in regards to how athletic training is practiced. Both settings have the same emphasis on professionalism, patient centered care, preventative measures, and rehabilitation protocol. But there is a difference that is blatantly evident. Obviously the budget at the university setting is much larger than that of a high school. This allows for the sports medicine department to have newer, more expensive modality machines, gadgets like a SwimEx, the use of expensive tape, and an easier ability to obtain imaging and doctors appointments. 

Dustin Jamboretz

By having the opportunity to work with multiple preceptors, we are constantly gaining new experiences. Every athletic trainer has developed their own way of doing things. One of the benefits of this is learning that there is always more than one way to reach the same result. It has allowed us to open our minds to different ideas and think outside of the box. We have widened our skill set this way, and look forward to further increasing our knowledge throughout the remainder of the semester. 

Kelley DeGreeff MAT, ATC, Alissa Beeman, Tori Lycett and Ryan Lilly

In regards to injuries, we have not had to provide any sort of emergency medical services yet. We have on the other hand been doing a lot of treatment for chronic, overuse injuries. Because we have started our first rehabilitation class this semester, it is interesting to apply what we have learned in class to a clinical setting. Thus, as a result of working with the sports medicine team at Saint Louis University, our knowledge and skills related to athletic training continue to increase tremendously. We are especially grateful to our preceptors who take the time out of their day to teach us new lessons. 

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 Get a Wide Variety of Experiences with the Billikens

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Saint Louis University
By: Connor Doherty, Mike Griffith and Tori Lycett (MAT Class of 2015)

Saint Louis University has offered the three of us: Connor Doherty, Mike Griffith, and Tori Lycett, as PY2 students, a multitude of opportunities and diverse experiences. Currently for the fall season Connor is working under Angie Wills ATC with the men's soccer team; Mike is helping with Volleyball under Tammy Pastor ATC; Tori is assisting with women's soccer under Lizzy Kienstra ATC. We also interact with two other AT's at SLU:  Jonathan Burch ATC and SLU AT Program alum Kelley DeGreeff ATC. Each of our placements have offered us first hand experience work in the D1 setting.

Connor: "This year for my clinicals I am at Saint Louis University and have been gaining experience with Angie Wills, ATC.  We have been working with the Men’s Soccer team as well as the Men’s Baseball team.  The Men’s soccer team has enjoyed a great start to their season while the Baseball team has been preparing for the start of their season.  During practices and games I have gained experience with assessment and treatment of various injuries.  So far this semester I have been able to work on rehabilitation with a number of athletes using the great facilities that SLU Sports Medicine possesses as well as communicating and working with SLU Physical Therapists.  I am looking forward to a great rest of this season with Angie and the rest of the SLU Sports Medicine Staff."

Connor Doherty and Kelley DeGreeff ATC

Mike: “My rotation at Saint Louis University has been a great experience for me in my education and development as an Athletic Training student. This past month I have had the priveledge of working and learning under Tammy Pastor ATC as we manage the Women’s Volleyball team. Working in the Division 1 setting has been a great change of pace for me as I have found that the Athletic Training staff plays a much greater role in the overall success of a competitive sports program such as the Billikens. At Chaifetz, I have had the chance to improve upon my rehabilitation knowledge thanks in part to the level of attention that is able to be afforded to each team, allowing a more comprehensive study of an athlete’s injury and how to bring them back to play. I am extremely happy with my setting this year, and look forward to what the rest of the year has to offer.”

Lizzy Kienstra ATC and Tori Lycett outside Chaifetz Arena

Tori: "Transitioning from my internship at Georgetown University to Saint Louis University, I have been privileged to be able to compare my experience at the two collegiate settings. This year I am working under Lizzy Kienstra ATC, a former SLU MAT graduate. Currently we are aiding the Women's Soccer team through their season. I have been able to help treat, evaluate and rehab many of the girls. I have even had the opportunity to become more familiar with the SwimX and utilize it in facilitating rehabs. Even though it is soccer season, Lizzy also manages Swimming and Diving, and Softball so I have been able work with a diverse group of student athletes.

In addition to working with the athletes, I have also been able to observe the interprofessional practice. At each of the games there is always a SLU physician. In addition to the physician there are also doctors such as Orthodontists, Dermatologists, and many other specialists that work directly with the SLU athletic trainers. Rehab is also a way I have observed the interprofessional interactions. There are several PTs that are part of the Sports Medicine staff; Several of the women's soccer players utilize their services that they provide. The PTs keep good communication with the Athletic Training staff throughout the athletes rehabilitation and progressions. Having an interprofessional approach to a Sports Medicine staff helps to ensure primacy of the patient, and SLU is a good example of how it positively impacts the athletes."

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 Clinical Site Spotlight - Saint Louis University Athletics

It’s great to be a Billiken!
By: John Runde, Dan Herrin, and Kelley DeGreeff (MAT Class of 2014)

Saint Louis University is a great clinical opportunity for any athletic training student. Not many students have the opportunity to work with multiple NCAA Division 1 sports, while also being able to be involved with treating these high level athletes. There are three PY2's (second year professional students) that work under 5 athletic trainers.

Miya Sullivan ATC, Dan Herrin, Jonathan Burch ATC and Kelley DeGreeff

Dan Herrin is with Jonathan Burch ATC, SLU Head Athletic Trainer, and the Men's Basketball team. Practicing at their facilities in Chaifetz Arena, their season is just getting underway and they are looking forward to another successful season like that of 2012 with the care of the athletic training staff

John Runde is with Angie Wills ATC and Men’s Soccer; Baseball; and Men’s & Women’s Tennis. The soccer teams compete at Robert R. Hermann stadium, while the baseball plays next door at The Billiken Sports Center. These teams have had successful seasons that they look forward to building upon.

Kelley DeGreeff is with Miya Sullivan ATC and she had this to say about her experience at SLU:

“Working at SLU has been such an awesome experience. I have been working under Miya Sullivan with women's soccer, women's basketball, and swimming. Miya has been at SLU for 11 years, so she knows the ropes! I have learned so much from her and am grateful for the opportunity to work with such amazing people. I love the continuity of working with Division I sports. I see these athletes every day and really feel like they trust me -- I hope!! The soccer team had a rough season injury wise and we worked hard trying to keep the girls off the bench and in play. Now with basketball starting, it’s a whole new set of injuries to consider. I feel like I get to see it all from ACL tears to metacarpal fractures. Being able to put the skills I've learned over the past year into practice is such a rewarding experience. I am proud to work for SLU's outstanding athletic program.”

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 Clinical Site Spotlight - SIU-Edwardsville

Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville, Home of the Cougars!
By: Emily Grace and Blake Hudspeth (MAT Class of 2014)

SLU AT students Blake Hudspeth, Kelley DeGreeff and Emily Grace with Ben Heimos ATC & Miya Sullivan ATC at SIUe-SLU Women's Soccer game.

For the 2013-14 school year, we have the luxury of working with the athletic training staff at a NCAA Division I institution at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. Under the guidance of head athletic trainer Gerry Schlemer ATC, assistants James Mays ATC and Ben Heimos ATC, and graduate assistants MacKenzie Liko ATC, Brittany Lowell ATC, and Kaitlin Adams ATC, we have been able to practice and strengthen our skills in the field of athletic training.  Each of these individuals have been very helpful and supportive in our learning process, answering any questions that we have and allowing us to work with their athletes one on one in the athletic training room.

During the fall season we have spent most of our time working with James, Ben, and the men’s and women’s soccer teams.  We saw a number of injuries involving the hip, knee, ankle, and foot. It was fun working with these athletes throughout their seasons and assisting in the various rehab activities that they performed in order to get healthy and back onto the field. From the typical ice and e-stim treatments to the range of motion and strengthening exercises, it has been a long and fun ride in the athletic training room at Korte Stadium. Now that soccer has come to an end, we are looking forward to working with the men’s and women’s basketball teams and the wrestling team for the upcoming winter season. Gerry and his staff have done a wonderful job in making us feel welcome and we are very thankful for this opportunity to work with all of them at SIUE. Go Cougars!

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 Experiences a Summer in the Big Leagues with the St. Louis Cardinals

St. Louis Cardinals Summer Internship

By: Kelley DeGreeff (MAT Class of 2014)

MY SUMMER IN THE BIG LEAGUES

This summer I was fortunate enough to get an internship with the St. Louis Cardinals under the guidance of Greg Hauck, Chris Conroy, and Adam Olsen, all certified athletic trainers. Through June and July, I spent home games at Busch Stadium helping with pre-game responsibilities and experiencing what goes into preparing athletes to be game ready.

Each day started 6 hours before game time. Myself and the other intern, Ryne Eubanks of University of Arkansas, would prepare whirlpools, make hydration drinks, stock supplies, and make sure everything was ready for the players. Once the busy work was finished up, we were able to observe the ins and outs of day-to-day maintenance for a baseball player.

Chris Conroy ATC, AT intern Ryne Eubanks, Adam Olsen ATC, SLU AT Student Kelley DeGreeff and  Greg Hauck ATC

I don’t know if the questions I asked ever annoyed the guys, but they were troopers as I relentlessly questioned every exercise, stretch, manual technique, and modality they used. They were always willing to share why they chose what they did compared with something else, along with what the purpose of each intervention was. I was able to learn so much from watching their techniques, and to refine my own skills as I practiced on anyone who was willing to be my subject.

Getting a chance to learn in this environment surpasses all classroom learning. Yes, we need the classroom to learn principles, but seeing it used in this setting really helped me grasp why athletic trainers work so hard and so many hours to do what they do. I can now appreciate these principles in practice. Observing these athletes maintain or improve their performance over the course of 2 months is proof enough. Having the satisfaction of knowing you helped with that process is what drives me to this career.

Coming in as a woman into this man’s world was scary. However, my anxieties vanished as soon as I arrived. The athletic trainers, coaches, players, medical staff, and clubhouse guys made me feel right at home. This opportunity has helped open my eyes to the millions of things I can do and to remember that my gender is not a barrier in this profession. I am so grateful to have met such wonderful people who have shown support for me and hopefully for students to come.

Thanks to everyone who made this internship possible!

Students in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program have a required internship in the summer between their two professional years in the program.  This blog post details a student's reflection on their internship experience.

SLU AT Students Conduct Skills Workshop for 2nd Year Medical Students

Katie Herington, Rachel Cocek, Nick Gastorf, Dan Herrin, Lizzy Kienstra, Cat Costello, Kelley DeGreeff, Dr. Tony Breitbach, Sarah Reifsteck and Claire Botting

On March 5, 2013, Athletic Training students at Saint Louis University conducted an interprofessional skills workshop for SLU 2nd year medical students in the Allied Health Building on SLU's Medical Center Campus.  There were three stations that featured teams of AT students conducting hand-on practice sessions for the medical students.  This was a great evening of professional development and fellowship for the students.

SLU AT students Nick Gastorf, Lizzy Kienstra and Cat Costello instruct on facemask removal and use of a spine board in a cervical spine injury.

SLU AT students Dan Herrin and Sarah Reifsteck instructed medical students on use of the SCAT2 instrument in the sideline assessment of concussion.

SLU AT students Katie Herington, Kelley DeGreeff, Claire Botting and Rachel Cocek instructed and guided practice in ankle taping.

SLU AT Faculty and Students Participate in Inaugural MoATA Education Conference

SLU AT Students Arrive at the MoATA Education Conference: Rachel Cocek, Katie Schneebeck, Derrick Neuner, Kelley DeGreeff, Mary Rhatigan, Claire Botting and Katie Herington.

The Missouri Athletic Trainers' Association (MoATA) hosted its first-ever Education Conference on the campus of William Woods University in Fulton, MO.  Over 120 faculty and students from CAATE Accredited AT Programs participated in the conference which consisted of lecture and hands-on seminars for students and educators.  It also featured the MoATA Student Quiz Bowl competition with 7 programs participating.

Dr, Breitbach giving his presentation.

Saint Louis University AT Program Director Dr. Tony Breitbach led off the conference with an update of the National Athletic Trainers' Association's "Future Directions in Athletic Training Education".  SLU AT Clinical Education Coordinator Dr. Tim Howell coordinated the CAATE Presentation and emcee'd the MoATA Student Quiz Bowl.  MoATA President-Elect and SLU AT faculty member Dr. Kitty Newsham also participated in the workshop.

SLU's Quiz Bowl team ready for action!

SLU was represented in the Quiz Bowl by Rachel Cocek, Katie Herington and Katie Schneebeck with Alex Sawyer serving as an alternate.  Derrick Neuner, Claire Botting, Kelley DeGreeff and Mary Rhatigan also took part in the conference.

It was a great day of professional development and fellowship, and everyone hopes that this will be an annual event.

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Parkway South High School

Parkway South High School - Home of the Patriots!

By: Kelley DeGreeff (SLU MAT Class of 2014)

It seems like yesterday I was nervously walking up to Parkway South High School not having a clue what I was getting myself into. I was the first SLU athletic training student to be placed at the clinical site. Was Dr. Howell crazy for sending me? Would I be a good representative of SLU? Who is Kyle Boyce? However, I learned quickly that I had nothing to worry about. I enjoyed an amazing semester of learning while meeting some awesome people.

SLU AT Student Kelley DeGreeff (MAT Class of 2014) with Kyle Boyce ATC

The first thing I loved about clinical was my site. Parkway South could not have been more welcoming towards me. From day one, the Athletic Director Dr. Eric Wilhelm made me feel like I was a “Patriot” even though they gave me trouble for being a Nerinx Hall grad (Go Markers!). I have a newfound respect for the role of the AD after seeing how hard Eric and Jen Holtmeyer worked day in and day out, providing the best facilities for the students to play. I owe so much gratitude to them for being so great to work with, and also for giving me food tickets for football games J

Like I mentioned earlier, I was the first athletic training student at PSH, so the coaches, staff, and athletes were not used to another person in the AT room. However, they all quickly warmed up to me and let me be a part of their teams. Whether we were giving concussion evaluations to the football players or helping a softball girl with a laceration, the student athletes always trusted and allowed me to help them out.  Having about 2,000 students enrolled at PSH, there was always an opportunity for me to learn. The coaches were also so great in letting me a part of their practices and games, allowing me to see what sideline and on field evaluations entailed.

Kelley "using the force" to practice taping blindfolded.

The second thing that made my clinical experience so great was my preceptor, Kyle Boyce ATC. He was able to tolerate my incessant questioning and for that I thank him. He also was great in getting me through my proficiencies and goals. He pushed me to try things I would have otherwise shied away from. Some days he declared “Kelley days” in which I was in charge of all evaluations, on field and in the training room. I was terrified of these days, but I also got to drive the Gator so they had its perks. Without him pushing me outside my comfort zone, I probably would not have the confidence I now have to go to other clinical sites. One important thing Kyle taught me that I will always take with me is to have fun. Everyday we would laugh about something, which I think is such an important quality of an athletic trainer. No matter how many broken athletes walked in, or how many games were going on at once, we always found time to joke around and have fun.

The third thing I loved about the clinical experience was putting what I learned in the classroom to use. Every day I brought my books and was able to apply special tests, modalities, or muscle assessments into evaluations. This not only helped me remember the tests for class, but also gave me a chance to be watched when doing them. Kyle was able to correct and give suggestions as I was learning instead of just practicing blindly.

Kyle & Kelley poised and ready at a basketball game.

Parkway South was such a great place to experience my first taste of athletic training. I cannot believe how attached I became to the Patriots. When the football team lost their first game, I could not believe how upset I was. (Thankfully this happened the same night the Cardinals beat the Braves in the Wild Card game, so I was not upset for long.) The point is that I am so happy to have had such a wonderful experience with some amazing people. Being a part of such a great community really helped me explore and learn so I could become a more confident athletic training student.

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 "Use Their Head" at Healthfest

On Saturday, November 17, 2012; the SLU AT Program participated in Healthfest at the St. Louis Louis Science Center.  Healthfest features dozens of interactive displays and presentations from community medical organizations for families on important health topics. 

This year’s topic for the SLU AT Program was concussion awareness where parents and children we informed of the importance of paying attention to the symptoms of traumatic head injury.  Information was also presented regarding the AT profession and the AT’s role in managing concussion and injury in sports.

This was a student-directed activity coordinated by SLATS, our student organization, and was designed to include a wide variety of students from our program.

 

The students participating were:

MAT Class of 2013: Lizzy Kienstra, Alex Sawyer, Adriana Black, Mary Finkenkeller

MAT Class of 2014: Emily Grace, Dre Auclair, Jay Maturan, Mary Rhatigan, Kelley DeGreeff

MAT Class of 2015: Andria Lampe, Kayla Kelley

MAT Class of 2016: Haylie Dehm, Nygel Williams, AJ Butler, Candie Hill

MAT Class of 2017: Collin Peterson, Kayla Glenn, Stephanie Ross

SLU AT Faculty and Students Rock and Roll!

Faculty and students of the SLU Athletic Training Program participated as medical volunteers and runners in the 2nd annual TASK Rock ‘n’ Roll St. Louis Marathon & ½ Marathon presented by the Quinn Family Charitable Fund on Sunday, October 21, 2012.

SLU AT students Dan Herrin and Kelley DeGreeff (MAT Class of 2014) relax after  finishing the Rock and Roll half-marathon.

The following members of the SLU AT program served as medical volunteers for the 2012 Rock & Roll Marathon:

Dr. Kitty Newsham (faculty member)

Dr. Jason Bennett (faculty member)

Emily Grace (MAT Class of 2014)

Alex Sawyer (MAT Class of 2013)

Mary Rhatigan (MAT Class of 2014)

Katie Herington (MAT Class of 2013)

Hayley Dehm (MAT Class of 2016)

Andria Lampe (MAT Class of 2015)

Sarah Hall (MAT Class of 2013)

AJ Butler (MAT Class of 2016)

SLU AT Faculty Member and 6 Students Inducted into National Allied Health Honor Society

The Saint Louis University chapter of Alpha Eta, the national allied health honor society, inducted its new 2012 members on October 10, 2012 in the Multipurpose Room of the Allied Health Building. To be eligible for Alpha Eta, students and faculty must show a history of excellence in scholarship and service.  The minimum GPA  is 3.5 for undergraduate members and 3.8 for post-baccalaureate/graduate members.

The new inductees were:

• Dr. Kitty Newsham, SLU AT Faculty Member
• Bridget Quirk, SLU MAT Class of 2013
• Sarah Reifsteck, SLU MAT Class of 2013
• Ann Debartolo, SLU MAT Class of 2014
• Kelley DeGreeff, SLU MAT Class of 2014
• Kelly Peck, SLU MAT Class of 2014
• Tyler Wood, SLU MAT Class of 2014

This year's group is the largest group ever for the SLU AT program....congratulations!

SLU AT faculty member Dr. Kitty Newsham, Sarah Reifsteck (SLU MAT Class of 2013), Tyler Wood (SLU MAT Class of 2014), Kelly Peck (SLU MAT Class of 2014), Kelley DeGreeff (SLU MAT Class of 2014), Ann Debartolo (SLU MAT Class of 2014) and Bridget Quirk (SLU MAT Class of 2013) at 2012 Alpha Eta Initiation Ceremony