SLU AT Students Thrive in Dynamic Interprofessional Setting at Fontbonne University

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Fontbonne University
By: Maggie Rowell and Cody Hutson (SLU MAT Class of 2019)

There are two of us Saint Louis University students that are assigned to Fontbonne University, Maggie Rowell and Cody Hutson. Our preceptors are SLU alumni Ann Schmerbauch MAT, ATC, LAT (MAT Class of 2011) and Andrew Gomez, MAT, ATC, LAT(MAT Class of 2016.) We also have the opportunity to work with two Graduate Assistants, Hunter Pescetto ATC, LAT and Sadie Krehbiel ATC, LAT, who recently got their AT Licenses. This allows us to get a perspective on not only how our professional lives will be once we graduate from SLU specifically, but also what it is like to be a newly licensed AT.

Fontbonne University is a NCAA Division III school with approximately 2,000 enrolled students. The university fields 10 Men’s Sports and 11 Women’s Sports. For the Fall season, there are 3 sports we work with majority of the time. The sports include Men and Women’s Soccer and Women’s Volleyball. While there aren’t a wide variety of athletes, it allows us to form great relationships with the athletes and spend quality time with each individual. The athletic community is so welcoming and satisfying to work with that we show up to practice before our classes and then return to Fontbonne’s ATR to continue working with the athletes. Throughout the semester, we are able to follow-up with each injury and guide their recovery with rehabilitation exercises, soft tissue massage, and sport-specific functional exercises. We are able to connect with the athletes by checking in each day to make sure they are heading in the right direction in order for them to return to sport as quickly and efficiently as possible.

The Fontbonne Athletic Training Room is constantly filled with athletes of all sports, whether they are in-season or off-season. This allows us to multi-task in crazy environments and prioritizes athlete’s care in an efficient manner. Every Monday, Chiropractors and a Sports Medicine Physician come to Fontbonne’s AT room to help evaluate athletes. This allows us to collaborate interprofessionally with other healthcare professionals by discussing the proper plan of care for the athletes. As a whole, the Fontbonne’s athletic community is a great learning environment to advance our clinical reasoning skills, manual techniques, evaluation skills, and triage expertise as we advance into our second and final professional year.

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 Benefits from Dedicated Preceptors and Diverse Experiences at Fontbonne University

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Fontbonne University
By: Jenna Ginsberg (SLU MAT Class of 2018)

Working as an Athletic Training Student at Fontbonne University has been a great experience so far. The unique organization of their athletic training facilities and staff has allowed me to work with multiple men and women’s teams, thus allowing me to interact with a large number of students who have a wide variety of injuries and needs. This diverse student athlete population is constantly challenging me to think in new ways, as different sports have different types of commonly seen injuries.

Working in the university setting has also given me the opportunity to practice the application of various therapeutic modalities that were not commonly used in the high school setting. Electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and laser therapy, when combined with well-­planned rehabilitation and strengthening programs are very well received and helpful to the athletes. Practicing these techniques on a day-­to-day basis has made me a more well-rounded care provider, and I look forward to becoming more skilled at writing rehabilitation plans for athletes coming back from injury in the future.

My preceptors at Fontbonne are incredibly dedicated to helping their athletes, and equally dedicated to making sure I get a great experience in the process. They are always excited to share their knowledge and ask me questions about what I have been learning in class. Ann Schmerbach MAT, ATC (2011 alum of SLU’s AT Program) and Jaci Clauson ATC work hard each day to make sure their athletes are receiving good care, and to make sure I am gaining new competencies in the field each day.

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.

New SLU AT Student Looks Forward to the Future Thanks to the Staff and Students at Fontbonne University

New AT Student Blog Post - Jenna Ginsberg (SLU MAT Class of 2018)

My experience as student in the final semester of undergraduate studies in the AT program and MAT 3000 class has made me very excited to enter the professional phase of the program. My directed observation hours have had a very large hand in this, as I now have a more clear mental image of what life will be like as a PY student gaining clinical experience. I completed a large majority of my observation hours at Fontbonne University with PY 1 student Stephanie Uhrich, PY 2 student Andrew Gomez, and preceptor (SLU Alum) Ann Schmerbauch ATC, and my time spent there allowed me to obtain a great deal of knowledge and insight in to the day-­‐to-­‐day life of an AT.

The three preceptors at Fontbonne were incredibly helpful in answering my questions about the profession of Athletic Training, their role as an AT at Fontbonne University, and how their current experiences compare to previous places of employment. Likewise, they asked me questions about my own ambitions and expectations for my Athletic Training career, which helped me reflect on where my future might take me.

I observed many different sports, and was therefore able to witness a broad array of injuries, evaluations, and treatments. Ultrasound and electric stimulation were very common modalities used before and after practices and competition for multiple teams at Fontbonne, and were used for a variety of reasons, most centered around pain relief. It was cool to watch Stephanie and Andrew interact with the athletes and preceptors so confidently, and by observing them in their evaluation and treatment of the athletes made me excited to be in their position next year.

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.

SLU AT Students Get a Variety of Experiences in a Positive Environment at Fontbonne University

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Fontbonne University
By: Andrew Gomez and Lauren Scalise (MAT Class of 2016); Stephanie Uhrich and Bri LaBarbera (MAT Class of 2017)

Fontbonne University has provided us with a great experience so far! Our four preceptors; Andrea Lindquist ATC, Ann Schmerbauch ATC (SLU Alum), Jaci Clauson ATC and Brittany Koops ATC (SLU Alum); provide us with a deeper learning base when it comes to evaluations and rehabilitation because each AT has a different way of doing things. This is helpful because it keeps us away from getting into a standard routine. The great thing about this site is that our preceptors are on a constant rotation of all the sports. This is really beneficial because the athletes are familiar with all the ATs. When they come in with questions or for rehab they can talk to any of the ATs and everyone is on the same page.

We get experience with a wide variety of sports at the NCAA Division III collegiate level. We have worked with soccer, basketball, cross country, track & field, baseball, softball, golf, tennis, and volleyball. We have spent a lot of time on developing rehabilitation protocols for athletes and how to guide them through the rehabilitation process. We also have learned a few new taping techniques to help with shin splints, Achilles tendon pathology, and even TFCC just to name a few.  

The athletes and AT staff at Fontbonne University are great to work with!  Every day we come in, we leave with new knowledge pertaining to the athletic training profession. Fontbonne provides unique hands on experience and opportunities giving us a greater experience working from on court evaluations to post-surgical rehabilitation.

What makes Fontbonne University one of the best experiences we’ve had is the care and positive attitudes that all our preceptors bring each day. The AT room isn’t just a place where we treat and rehab athletes, it’s a place of comfort and safety. The care and love that all four preceptors have for everyone makes a safe, fun, and stress relieving environment. Because of this we thank you all for giving us an experience of a lifetime.  

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 Rich and Varied Learning Experience with Fontbonne AT Staff

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Fontbonne University

By: Lauren Scalise and Andrew Gomez (SLU MAT Class of 2016)

Fontbonne University has provided us with a great experience so far! The four preceptors; Andrea Lindquist ATC, Ann Schmerbauch ATC (SLU Alum), Jaci Clauson ATC and Brittany Koops ATC (SLU Alum); provides us with deeper learning base when it comes to evaluations and rehabilitation because each AT has a different way of doing things. This is helpful because it keeps us away from getting into a standard routine. The great thing about this site is that our preceptors are on a constant rotation of all the sports. This is really beneficial because the athletes are familiar with all the ATs. When they come in with questions or for rehab they can talk to any of the ATs and everyone is on the same page.

We get experience with a wide variety of sports at the NCAA Division III collegiate level. We have worked with soccer, basketball, cross country, track, lacrosse, baseball, softball, golf, tennis, and volleyball. We have spent a lot of time on developing rehabilitation protocols for athletes and how to guide them through the rehabilitation process. We also have learned a few new taping techniques to help with shin splints, Achilles tendon issues, even taping techniques to help with TFCC injuries. 

The athletes, and AT staff at Fontbonne University are great to work with!  Every day we come in we are leave with new knowledge pertaining to the athletic training profession. We can’t wait to see what the rest of the year will have in store for us!

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.

Fontbonne University preceptors provide enjoyable experience for SLU AT Student

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Fontbonne University
By: Erika Cook (MAT Class of 2016)

Exciting times here at Fontbonne University! Men’s and Women’s basketball have just finished up their seasons, and Baseball, Softball, Men’s Lacrosse, and Men’s Volleyball are just beginning to heat up. At my site I have four AT’s: Andrea Lindquist ATC, Ann Schmerbauch ATC, Brooklyn Dunihoo ATC, and Jaci Clauson ATC. All four of them are awesome and love what they do. It’s easy to love work at Fontbonne because the athletes are amazing people!

Thankfully, there haven’t been any serious injuries since I started my rotation in January. However, there is still a lot to do. I have had tons of practice with modalities and learned quite a few tape jobs that are new to me. The most exciting thing right now is that I’m helping a male tennis player rehab his back. He injured his back when he was in high school, and right now we’re focusing on increasing his back strength.

I can honestly say I love my experience at Fontbonne. My preceptors are extremely helpful, and the athletes are easy to work with!

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 Find Excellent Preceptors and a Flexible Clinical Site at Fontbonne University

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Fontbonne University

Andrea Strebler (MAT Class of 2016)

I was assigned to Fontbonne University for my Fall 2014 clinical practicum experience.  It has only been two and a half months and I feel as if I’ve learned a years’ worth or more of material. My clinical experience so far has been extremely helpful in the classroom. At Fontbonne I have the ability to connection the material in class and apply the knowledge on the field. Fontbonne has four very passionate Athletic Trainers that I have the opportunity to work with. 

Andrea Lindquist ATC is the Head Athletic Trainer and my main preceptor at Fontbonne University.  She is extremely knowledgeable and is very supportive of me to take the risk of being wrong to be able to learn through experience.  Ann Schmerbach ATC, 2011 alum of SLU’s AT Program, is brilliant at testing my past knowledge and teaching about various rehabs on injuries. Jaci Clauson ATC a Grad Assistant ATC has been tremendous at connecting her recent graduation experience to get me excited for my future success. Brooklyn Dunihoo, ATC pushes me to show what I’ve learned and teach ways for me to better improve those skills.

Being a NCAA Division I soccer athlete at SLU I can really connect with as well as appreciate many of the injuries and particular aspects for Fontbonne’s NCAA Division III soccer teams. I have been working with women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, and cross-country. I have learned a great deal so far and am really looking forward to upcoming men’s and women’s basketball in winter.

Andrea Lindquist ATC, Ann Schmerbauch ATC, Andrea Strebler, Brooklyn Dunihoo ATC, Jaci Clauson ATC

Brittany Koops (MAT Class of 2015)

Beginning my second year of clinical, and my second and final year of SLU I didn’t know what to expect. I was excited and nervous; I was happy and sad, and confused but confident. My emotions were mixed and so were my thoughts about my new clinical assignment at Fontbonne University. I am naturally a shy and awkward person. I was afraid I wouldn’t fit in, or that I would feel overpowered or overshadowed by the people I’d met briefly at the end of the spring semester. Gladly all my fears of me being awkward and quiet were false. The open and outgoing personalties of my preceptors at Fontbonne have helped me feel comfortable and be able to become more and more myself with each day. I feel that I was able to open up quicker, and feel less timid about being me and fitting in and being accepted. I knew from the start that I was welcomed by both my preceptors and the students.

This welcoming feeling and being able to break out of my shell has begun to help, and will continue to help me in my future and throughout the rest of the year. I am more willing to ask questions, speak out, and don’t try to slide by unnoticed. It has helped me gain more confidence in myself as a student, and as a person.

Not only am I welcomed, but my busy schedule is accepted. They work hard to make sure that I am able to still make my hours, even if it means coming in early in the morning before school so I can work one of my two jobs late at night. Balancing school full time, on top of working 40 or more hours a week and clinicals, has been challenging, but my preceptors at Fontbonne have been there as support through personal stress, as well as help with school stress. They are open to explaining and answering my questions, and that has done a great deal to help relieve some pressure of my classes, when I feel like I have nowhere to turn.

Lastly, so far this semester I feel that the exposure to a range of sports has really helped me. Not only do I have more opportunities to practice the skills I’ve learned and potentially see different injuries, but I also get to learn more about the dynamics of athletic training and how they can differ from sport to sport. I get to see the athletes during season, preseason and postseason, which is also a different experience compared to last year, when I only worked with the sports in season.

Not only to I get to work with a variety of sports, but this year I am also fortunate enough to get to work with a PY1 student. Last, year I never had a rotation with a PY2 student, and I am excited to get to experience the dynamics of being able to learn from and teach a fellow student. This past month at Fontbonne has exceeded my expectations, and I can only expect that it will continue to do so.

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 Great Experience with the Griffins

SLU AT Clinical Site Spotlight - Fontbonne University
By: AJ Vander Vorste (SLU MAT Class of 2014) and Angie Vitale (SLU MAT Class of 2015)

Brooklyn Dunihoo ATC, Sharon Henderson ATC, Angie Vitale, Andrea Lindquist ATC, AJ Vander Vorste, Ann Schmerbauch ATC

This past semester, we were privileged to be athletic training students at Fontbonne University, a small college in suburban St. Louis.  Under the supervision of Andrea Lindquist ATC, Brooklyn Dunihoo ATC, Ann Schmerbauch ATC, and Sharon Henderson ATC, we were able to work with a variety of teams in many different settings. Over the past few months, we have worked with women’s and men’s basketball, baseball, softball, women’s and men’s lacrosse, cross country, track and field, and men’s volleyball.  Teams practiced through all hours of the day, ranging from 5:30 AM to 10 PM.  These early mornings and late nights gave us a good idea of the flexibility that athletic trainers must have.

Fontbonne is a unique experience in terms of working in a collegiate setting.  While this experience has given us a closer look into the ins and outs of the physical work athletic trainers do, what we have really seen is the importance athletic trainers are to their athletes.  Athlete’s dedication to his or her sport (refer to the previous comments on early morning workouts) was impressive, but their interactions with each athletic trainer were one that was truly remarkable.  Fontbonne is a very open place where it is easy to feel comfortable asking questions and trying new things.  We have had a very great time here and are very thankful for this amazing opportunity.

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 - Fontbonne University

Fontbonne University - Home of the Griffins!

By: AJ VanderVorste (MAT Class of 2014)

Fontbonne University is a small, 4-year college located in suburban St. Louis, Missouri. The Griffins compete at the NCAA Division III level in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, and have 19 men’s and women’s athletic teams. The athletic training staff is led by head athletic trainer, Brooklyn Dunihoo, ATC, assistant athletic trainer, Andrea Lindquist, ATC,  graduate assistant, Sharon Henderson, ATC, and intern Ann Schmerbauch, ATC. Together, they provide coverage for each athletic team practice and event for almost every hour of the day.

SLU AT Student AJ VanderVorste with Ann Schmerbauch ATC (SLU MAT Class of 2011)

Fontbonne presents a family-like environment where everyone seems to know and care for each other. So far, in the first semester of my year-long clinical experience, the athletes have been extremely open and helpful in my development as and athletic training student. I have had the opportunity gain friendships with the athletes and athletic department staff, and look forward to coming on campus each day for practice or games. Fontbonne provides everything that an athletic training professional or student could possibly need and more.

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 - Fontbonne University

This is one of a series of posts by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training students featuring their clinical site and their clinical instructor. The number, quality and diversity of clinical instruction is a major asset for the SLU AT education program.

Fontbonne University

By: Mary Finkenkeller and Maggie Meier (MAT Class of 2013)

We are enjoying our first clinical rotation at Fontbonne University, a NCAA Division III school in Clayton, MO. Fontbonne University has 2 full time Athletic Trainers, Andrea Christensen ATC and Brooklyn Dunihoo ATC, on staff working with all of the sports teams. We are lucky because we have the opportunity to work with not only the soccer team, but also the volleyball, basketball, softball, baseball, golf, cross country, and lacrosse.  Working with all the sports teams is a wonderful opportunity for us to see all kinds of injuries. We’ve e observed and evaluated not only the common ankle and knee injuries with soccer, but also shoulder and back injuries with volleyball and basketball.

SLU AT student Mary Finkeller, Brooklyn Dunihoo ATC, Andrea Christensen ATC, and SLU AT student Maggie Meier work together in their clinical experience at Fontbonne University.

Counterbalancing each other perfectly, Andrea and Brooklyn are great ACIs who work very well together as a team.  Andrea is an encyclopedia of Athletic Training and teaches us all about the fundamental knowledge behind the skills that Athletic Trainers perform and why we perform them. Brooklyn is more of a hands-on teacher who believes you learn best by doing and provides more practice for us in the training room.  Since beginning our clinical rotation at Fontbonne, our knowledge of athletic training has changed and greatly improved.  We now understand more fully the impact athletic trainers have on athlete’s lives and the vital skills we provide in tough situations.  Our experiences at Fontbonne have made us more excited to keep learning more about athletic training and keep improving throughout the SLU AT program.