SLU MAT Class of 2022 Celebrates Excellence and Scholarship at Capstone Day

On Friday, May 6, 2022 students in the Saint Louis University Master of Athletic Training Class of 2022 presented their Capstone Project presentations to the Doisy College of Health Sciences from the Multipurpose Room of the Allied Health Building on the SLU Medical Center Campus.  The event was also streamed live on Zoom. 

The SLU MAT Capstone Project is the culminating scholarly product that our students develop to meet the requirements of the Master of Athletic Training Degree.  One of the graduates, Katie Wissing, participated virtually as she was competing in the Atlantic 10 Track and Field Championships.

The topics of the 2022 projects can be viewed here: https://sluathletictraining.com/2022/04/slu-mat-class-of-2022-hosts-capstone.html

Video of the event is posted on YouTube: 

The SLU AT Program's Excellence in Professional Service Award, Community Service Award and Clinical Excellence Award were presented to graduating students at the event.  The Academic Excellence Award was presented after the final grades are posted at the end of the spring semester. 

Excellence in Professional Service

Maddie Cavanaugh 

Excellence in Community Service

Brittany Risko 

Clinical Excellence

Sydney Nash

Katie Wissing (not pictured)

UCJC Student Reflects on International Clinical Exchange Experience at Saint Louis University

SLU AT International Clinical Exchange Spotlight - Universidad Camilo Jose Cela (Madrid)

By: Ramon Morales (UCJC Class of 2022)

As an international student from UCJC - Universidad Camilo Jose Cela Madrid -Spain. In my last clinical internship at Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program, I was immersed in the University's sports medical system (Chaifetz Arena sports medicine clinic) and High School (Webster Groves High School). I was given the instruction and practical clinical in athletic training with an intensive and continuous training process. The clinical rotation period in two different athletic training departments gave me a level of knowledge and approach to the injured athlete in the USA's day- to-day competitive and training sports at two different educational levels of athletes.

My first assignment at the Chaifetz Arena SLU Sports Medicine and Athletic Training department under my preceptor Gwyn Brown, ATC, represented two main things during my experience. One was taught by a great professional with daily dedication and facilitation, patiently coordinating at the same time the set of professionals who were dedicated to reinforcing and complementing my reasonable period in different clinical cases. In that way, I could then receive practice and clinical approach in softball, Volleyball, cross county and swimming, and women's basketball and field hockey with Elena Melillo ATC and Maddie Bozych ATC. My preceptor Gwyn Brown, ATC, was daily interested in reinforcing my clinical practice in the evaluation and specific treatment of the athlete, the interpretation and exploration of the rehabilitation programs, and in my learning in the use of the highest technology of the department (ALTER-G anti-gravity treadmill equipment, Laser, HiVAmat high frequency, Hydrotherapy treadmill, Game-ready, stim modalities, etc.,) as well as manual or instrumental techniques of daily application (Graston technique, Vacuum Cup, etc.). Also, the practice in the coverage and preparation of sports practices within the whole spectrum of Athletic Training.

From the beginning, the team led by SLU Head Athletic Trainer Johnathan Burch, ATC, gave me a warm welcome and worked with me based on getting the best experience. Immediately, colleagues such as Mike Markee, PT, ATC were concerned about incorporating observation and practical participation in important post-operative cases (ACL- Meniscus- Achilles' tendon repair), receiving updated scientific information and encouraging me to participate.

My second clinical sports rotation at Webster Groves High School was equally exceptional and exciting, guided and well received by a stimulating person, my preceptor Sean Wright, ATC. With the confidence previously gotten, I went directly to the clinical action, interaction, and immediate decision in clinical cases at the initial prevention level. Acute injuries in children and adolescents in plenty bone maturity, multiple patients, being my preceptor next to me asking me what you suggest and what you propose? Telling me; Perfect, ok go ahead, in full therapeutic action using your manual therapeutic and interpretative skills. It was a tremendous responsibility to give a solution to each case, besides having my colleagues students Alex Smith and Giovanna Charles (MAT Class of 2023). They bought their experience and daily support in practice collaborating with me at all times.

At the end of my experience as an international student, I feel like I must finally say it!!!! I have learned about the USA's institutional and administrative clinical management of ATs. The SLU and its Athletic Training program is a high-level institution where one feels protected with an exceptional and intensive agenda that immediately surrounds you, giving you multiple practical and educational tools. All its staff is attentive to you, making the most of your stay. I feel very grateful to all of you. Thank you, SLU, Professors Anthony Breitbach ATC, Katie Sniffen ATC, and Timothy Howell ATC, for this beautiful and unforgettable opportunity.

Mi primera asignacion al Chaifetz Arena Saint Louis University Sport Medicine and Athletic Training department a cargo de mi preceptor Gwyn Brown, ATC junto dos cosas primordiales durante mi experiencia una ser instruido por un gran profesional con dedicación diaria y facilitación a la practica clínica coordinando con paciencia no solo mi formación si no a la vez al conjunto de profesionales que se abocaron a reforzar y complimentar durante mi periodo practico mi rotación en diferentes casos clínicos de esa manera pude entonces recibir practicas y enfoque clínico no solo en Soft ball,Volley ball ,Cross county y natación si no Basketball femenino y Hockey de la mano de Elena Melillo ATC and Maddie Bozych ATC. Mi preceptor Gwyn Brown, ATC estuvo diariamente interesada en reforzar mi clínica practica en la evaluación y tratamiento especifico del atleta , en la interpretación, exploración de los programas de rehabilitación y en mi aprendizaje en el manejo de la mas alta tecnología del departamento (ALTER-G anti-gravity treadmill equipment, Laser, HiVAmat hifg frecuency, Hydrotherapy treadmill,Game ready, stim modalities etc,) asi como técnicas manuales o instrumentales de diaria aplicación (Graston technique , Vacuum Cup, etc). De igual forma la practica en la cobertura y preparacion de practicas deportivas dentro de todo el espectro del Athletic Training.

Desde el inico el equipo dirigido por SLU Head Athletic Trainer Jonathan Burch ATC me dio una calida acogida y trabajo en función de mi mayor experiencia. De forma inmediata colegas como Dr. Mike Markee, PT, ATC se preocupo por incorporación a la observación,y practica participación en casos post operatorios importantes (ACL- Meniscus- Achilles tendón repair) recibiendo actualizada información científica y estimulándome a dar mi aporte y participación.

Mi segunda rotación clínico deportiva en Webster Groves High School fue igualmente excepcional y excitante, orientado y bien recibido por una estimulante persona mi preceptor Sean Wright, ATC y ya con la confianza ganada de la primera rotación , pase directamente a la acción clínica , interactuación y decisión directa en casos clínicos en el mas alto nivel preventivo y agudo de lesiones en niños y adolescentes en pleno desarrollo de madures ósea , multiples casos , situaciones directas de contusiones , estando mi preceptor al lado preguntándome ¿Qué sugieres tu?, ¿que propones ? ..muy bien, ok avanza.. en plena acción terapéutica utilizando tu capacidad manual terapeutica e interpretación propia , fue de una responsabilidad tremenda en darle solución a cada caso, además de contar con mis compañeros Alex Smith and Giovanna Charles (MAT Class of 2023) quienes compratieron su experiencia apoyo diario en la practica colaborando conmigo en todo momento.

Al final de mi experiencia  como estudiante internacional,  Siento que debo finalmente decirlo

!!!! he aprendido sobre el manejo clínico institucional y administrativo del AT en USA,La SLU y su programa de Athletic Training es una institucion de alto nivel donde uno se siente protegido e igual a todos, con una agenda excepcional e intensiva que te envuelve inmediatamente dándote multiples herramientas practicas y educativas , todo su personal esta atento a que tu aproveches al maximo tu estadia, me siento muy agradecido a todos Gracias SLU , gracias Profs. Anthony Breitbach, Katie Sniffen and Timothy Howell por esta maravillosa e inolvidable oportunidad.

SLU AT Program Welcomes Alumni Back as Lab Instructors

The Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program is proud to welcome back alumni Alex Hubbs MAT, ATC and Maddie Bozych MAT, ATC to serve as adjunct lab instructors.

A native of Liberty, MO, Alex received a Bachelor's degree from Truman State University before entering the SLU AT Program as a post-baccalaureate student in 2016, and graduating with a Master of Athletic Training (MAT) degree in 2018. He serves at the Athletic Trainer at Pattonville High School in Maryland Heights, MO.  He will work with Dr. Kitty Newsham in MAT 5240 - Musculoskeletal Assessment and Management I and MAT 5250 - Musculoskeletal Assessment and Management II.

Maddie is from Glen Ellyn, IL and entered SLU as a freshman in 2016, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science in 2020 and a MAT degree in 2021.  She has a position as an Athletic Trainer with SLU Billiken Athletics; and will work with Dr. Anthony Breitbach in DPT/MAT 4125 - Therapeutic Modalities in the Fall and with Dr. Mike Markee in MAT 5500 - Rehabilitation in Athletic Training I in the Spring.

Welcome Alex and Maddie!

Annual SLU AT Program Speaker Series Recognizes Student Excellence and Features Entrepreneurship in Health Care

9th Annual SLU Athletic Training Speakers Series and Recognition Ceremony

The Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program hosted its 9th Annual Speaker Series and Recognition Ceremony on Monday, February 17, 2020 at 7:00 pm in the Education Union Auditorium on Medical Center (South) Campus.

The event was presented by the Saint Louis University chapter of Iota Tau Alpha - the Athletic Training Honor Society - and supported by the SLU Student Government Association. The evening began with the 2020 initiation ceremony for the SLU Alpha Iota Chapter of Iota Tau Alpha, the National Athletic Training Honor Society.

Alpha Iota Chapter - Iota Tau Alpha - 2020 Honorees

Graduate -

Hannah Daily and Justin Durham

Undergraduate - 

Emily Haley, Amra  Kardasevic, Olivia Mani, Eldwin Neritani, Alexander Smith, Lauren Swords and Katherine Wissing

The formal program began with SLU AT student Allison Stefan's remarks remembering Rick Larsen ATC, Washington University Health Athletic Trainer and SLU AT Program preceptor, who passed away earlier in the month.

SLU Director of Campus Ministry Sue Chawszczewski gave an invocation and Doisy College of Health Sciences Dean Mardell Wilson made introductory remarks and welcomed attendees.

The Brandi Burgett Memorial Award and Scholarship was awarded, with Brandi's parents Robert and Marnie Burgett making remarks and recognizing the scholarship honorees Alejandra Chavez, Abby Hoffman and Caitlyn Thomas. Bauman Scholarship award winners Allison Stefan and Caitlyn Thomas were also recognized. 

The keynote speaker for the event was Mark Kaufman PT, ATC, Founder and Executive Chairman of Athletico Physical Therapy. The title of his presentation was: “Better for Every Body, Business Success Built on a Strong Foundation as a Health Professional”

Following the keynote presentation, there was a panel discussion which included Mark Kaufman; along with KD Consulting Owner and Missouri Athletic Trainers' Association President Karen Fennell, MS, ATC; Khazen AthletiKare Owner Lori Khazen, MS, ATC; and SLU Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training Mike Markee, PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, ATC

It was once again an evening of informative discussion and special recognition of SLU AT students!

Photo gallery from the event: https://lnkd.in/eN2QNHj 

Link to video of the keynote and panel presentation: https://lnkd.in/eSQdaiT

SLU Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training Hosting Continuing Education Program

Contemporary Approaches to Hip Impingement Syndrome

Hosted by the Saint Louis University Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training

Saturday, December 14, 2019
8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Allied Health Professions Building Auditorium
Saint Louis University Medical Center (South) Campus

Interventions for hip pathology evolve over time. Keeping current with the latest techniques can be difficult. What works? Does it work for everyone? How can I select the best intervention for my patient? Join colleagues at this 4-hour program addressing hip impingement syndrome

• Evidence-based Examination of Hip Pain - Jamil Neme, MD
• Hip Preservation in the Young Patient - Scott Kaar, MD
• Emerging Rehabilitation Practices for FAI - Nathan Jarman, MS, CSCS, ATC
• Manual Techniques (Lab) - Mike Markee, PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, ATC
• Corrective Exercise Strategies for the Hip (Lab) - Tim Howell, EdD, CSCS, ATC

Registration and payment information

• Early Bird Registration Fee (payment by 11/29/2019) - $60
• Regular Registration Fee (after 11/29/2019) - $75

Complete course flyer, registration form and payment information are available through Saint Louis University here: REGISTRATION LINK

If paying by check, or for more information, please contact Dr. Kitty Newsham (knewsham@slu.edu)

Continuing Education

Athletic Training: Saint Louis University, Department of Physical Therapy & Athletic Training (BOC AP# P3877) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers. This program is eligible for a maximum of 4 EBP Category hours/CEUs

Physical Therapy:   Saint Louis University School of Medicine Continuing Education Program is a continuing education sponsor for the State of Illinois to provide Physical Therapy and Occupation Therapy CE courses. State of Illinois Physical Therapy Continuing Education Sponsor License # 216-000085 Expiration Date: 09/30/2020 CE Contact hours: 4.0

Athlone Student Appreciates New Experiences at Saint Louis University and DeSmet Jesuit High School

International Clinical Exchange - Saint Louis University and Athlone Institute of Technology

By: Adam Whelehan (Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy Student, Athlone Institute of Technology)

While being here in St. Louis my clinical placement site was in DeSmet Jesuit High School in Creve Coeur. My time was spent with one of the PY1s in the master’s program Mitch Buerck. Under our preceptor Dan Herrin ATC, from Mercy Sports Medicine, we got loads of hands on experience both on the field and in the clinical setting. During my time here, I got to experience a variety of different sports such as American football, soccer, basketball and wrestling, all of which have different demands. We got to see a wide range of injuries and also got an opportunity to work with a variety of athletes.

Before coming here and beginning clinicals there were certain fields in AT that I wanted to get more comfortable doing such as rehab, concussion protocols and different treatment techniques that aren’t widely available in Ireland. By being in a high school for the 16 weeks, I believe it was the best way to improve all of these skills as I actually was given the freedom to practice by my preceptor, Dan, who helped me every step of the way and never made me feel like there was such thing as a stupid question. Personally, I cannot say a bad word about my preceptor as he always gave me something to do and is an advocate for students getting hands on experience in every aspect of athletic training. I also learned invaluable rehab skills in class with SLU AT faculty member Mike Markee PT, ATC, who always made sure we were included in the class discussions and were up to date with what was going on.

At DeSmet, our football team won the district final but were sadly beaten by nationally ranked side CBC in the State quarterfinals. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the payers on the team and have no doubt that they will be back again next year striving to go a little bit further. Our soccer team perhaps had the biggest success reaching the state final this year and during my time here I was put in charge of looking after most of the players and as a result I built a good solid relationship with them. Before I finished my time in De Smet I got the opportunity to work with the basketball team and I have a strong feeling they could go all the way this year considering the talent that was on display during my first home game against Borgia.

One thing I will never forget is experiencing my first high school football game and the hype that comes with it. The same can be said for soccer, but I feel like getting the opportunity to see behind the scenes in STLFC was a bigger deal for myself as soccer is one of my favourite sports back home.

During our time here, we also got the opportunity to get a tour of the Cardinals home, Busch Stadium, where we got a tour from one of the athletic trainers and got to see how they work during the season both at home and on the road.

My time at DeSmet was definitely the highlight of this entire experience as I got to meet some great people there who made me feel like part of the ‘D-Block’ family. I definitely will keep in touch with my preceptor and Mitch when I return to Ireland and hope they come to Ireland some day or I return to St. Louis.

Also, during our time here, we got some placement with the women’s basketball in SLU on week 10 and although we didn’t really get any hands-on experience in the university it was nice to use it as a comparison to how our college in Ireland is ran and also versus how a high school is set up.

In conclusion I feel my time here was definitely beneficial especially getting great hands on experience in the high school and being able to learn from Dan and Mitch every day about the way Americans run their practices and deal with certain injuries. I really enjoyed the past few months meeting new people and definitely feel like I have made some long-lasting friends here in St. Louis. 

SLU AT Program Featured in the SLU Doisy College "On the Record" Magazine

The Summer 2018 issue of the the Saint Louis University's Doisy College of Health Sciences magazine “On the Record” featured several articles about the Athletic Training program.

The on-line magazine is accessible at this link:
https://issuu.com/sludchs/docs/on_the_record_summer_2018

Story about Brandi Burgett Memorial Award and Scholarship

AT Faculty Dr. Anthony Breitbach and Dr. Mike Markee were recognized for Excellence in Scholarship and Excellence in Teaching.

Story on interprofessional collaboration between Dr. Anthony Breitbach and Dr. Katie Eliot.

Clinical Education Coordinator Dr. Timothy Howell appears in the "Clinical Corner" section.

SLU AT Program Provides Varied Immersive Experiences for Irish Clinical Exchange Students from Athlone Institute of Technology

International Clinical Exchange- SLU and Athlone Institute of Technology
By: Andrew Moran & Fiachra Lennon (Athletic Therapy Rehabilitation Students - Athlone Institute of Technology, Ireland)

Our experience studying at Saint Louis University for 15 weeks has now come to an end, we feel that we have found the experience that we were looking for before we came out to St. Louis. Working with Webster Groves HS and the SLU Billikens Sports Medicine staff at Chaifetz Arena, we have definitely benefited from this international clinical exchange. From our very first day at Saint Louis University we were welcomed by Anthony Breitbach PhD, ATC the Athletic Training Program Director who took time to collect us from the hotel we were staying at and brought us to induction day at SLU.

Induction week was very helpful as we got a good feel for SLU and its facilities. We also had the privilege to be brought to a park along with the rest of the international students to witness the Solar Eclipse on the 8/21/17 which was one of the most incredible things we have ever seen.

After we got settled into our new apartment and familiar with SLU, we got out schedule for clinical placement and class. We were placed at Webster Groves HS Monday to Friday working from 2pm till 8-9 depending on what sporting events were on each day. We also had rotation with Jason and Jordan the other two Irish students from AIT, at Chaifetz Arena in the morning where we working with the SLU sports medicine staff in the medical room in Chaifetz. We began our day at Chaifetz at 7am and finished at 10:30 am. At first we found it hard to get up for this but once we got into the swing of things we became more accustomed to it.

In the middle of the day we took 3 different modules Rehabilitation in AT II with Mike Markee, ATC, PT, OCS, COMT, Clinical Practicum III with Tim Howell, EdD, ATC, CSCS and Contemporary Clinical Practice with Kitty Newsham, PhD, ATC. We found these classes really beneficial for us. We also had the chance to take a Mock BOC exam with our PY2 classmates which will help us study for our ARTI exam that we will be taking for accreditation. In these classes, as well as furthering our knowledge in athletic training, we made a lot of friends for life with our classmates. This turned out to be a very symbiotic relationship as we could share the knowledge that we have learned in AIT and in turn they could share what they have learned with us.

Our clinical experience at Webster Groves high school has been extremely beneficial towards our learning experience in St. Louis. Our preceptor Sean Wright ATC has been head AT at Webster Groves for the past 13 years and his continued culture of collaborating to give the best care to athletes. Sean welcomed us into his school and Athletic training room with an open hand. From day 1 he threw us into the fire with evaluations and treatments which I felt was very beneficial because we could get hands on real life AT experience right from the start.

We made many friends working at Webster Groves, especially the SLU AT students who we traveled to Webster with, Paul Lamb, Pat O’Neill and Dimitri Kilian. We benefited greatly from working alongside each one of them which made our life in SLU much easier and also became very close friends whom we will never forget. Sean Wright ATC was so beneficial to work alongside at his high school, his vast knowledge of athletic training and his care for athletes will stand with us as long as we practice athletic training. This busy fall season we experienced a wide range of athletic events. Sports which were new to us such as American Football, Basketball, softball and wrestling along with sports we would be more accustomed to back in Ireland such as soccer, volleyball, athletics and field hockey. To work in a school with such a high caliber of athletes and working Friday night football was everything and more we expected when we heard we were working at a High School.

Working at Chaifetz Arena with the SLU Billikens Sports Medicine staff was a huge opportunity which allowed us to work with high quality athletes at a top of the range sports facility and medical room. We had the opportunity to work with the SLU Men’s Basketball team and Jonathan Burch ATC, SLU Men’s soccer, SLU baseball and Ben Heimos ATC, SLU field hockey and Petra Knight ATC, and SLU volleyball, tennis and softball and Tammy Pastor ATC. We had great experience working with each athletic trainer at the sports medicine room in Chaifetz arena, from covering a SLU baseball game at Busch stadium to taking full volleyball practices with Tammy pastor ATC at 6am in the Chaifetz pavilion. We loved every minute of this experience and gained valuable knowledge along the way. We honestly felt that this experience was more than we asked form the first day Tammy let us do a full evaluation on one of her athletes we felt a huge amount of respect and gratitude towards Tammy to the final day when we said our goodbyes, it will be an experience we will never forget.

Our time in Saint Louis University sadly has come to an end. We have gained so much experience on our 15 week international clinical exchange. From taping Ironman’s wrist at the Marvel Universe Live show at the Chaifetz Arena, working Friday night lights at Webster Groves HS, sharing classes with PY2 SLU students, to the early, early mornings in the sports medicine room at Chaifetz Arena and the late, late Saturday nights with our new and lifelong friends we made along the way this experience will never be forgotten.

SLU Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training Sponsors Continuing Education Workshop - December 2, 2017

Advances in the Management of Knee Pathology

Saturday, December 2, 2017

8:30 am - 12:30 pm

Multipurpose Room, Allied Health Building

Saint Louis University

Interventions for knee pathology evolve over time. Keeping current with the latest techniques is sometimes difficult. What works? Does it work for everyone? How can I select the best intervention for my patient? Join colleagues at this 4 hour continuing education program addressing chronic and acute knee pathology.

Topics include:

Task-specific Movement Training Intervention for Patellofemoral Pain

Gretchen Salsich, PT, PhD

Contemporary Interventions for Patellar Tendinopathy

Mike Markee, PT, DPT, OCS, COMT,ATC

ACL Injury and Reconstruction in the Skeletally Immature Athlete

Scott Kaar, MD

Identifying and Locating Quality Evidence for Busy Clinicians

Mary Krieger, R.N., M.L.I.S

Saint Louis University, Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training (BOC AP# P3877) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers. This program is eligible for a maximum of 4 EBP Category hours/CEUs.

Saint Louis University School of Medicine Continuing Education Program is a continuing education sponsor for the State of Illinois to provide Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy CE courses.
State of Illinois Physical Therapy Continuing Education Sponsor License # 216-000085 Expiration Date: 09/30/2018 CE Contact hours: 4.0

Educational Objectives:

Upon completion of this program, a participant will be able to:

• Describe the relationship between movement impairments and patellofemoral pain
• Discuss the efficacy of current interventions for patella tendinopathy
• Explain the consequences of delaying surgical stabilization in the ACL-deficient adolescent
• Identify high quality evidence with a targeted search strategy.

Target Audience

• This program is intended for athletic trainers, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals.

Fees

• Early Bird (payment by 11/27/2017) $50
• Regular Registration (after 11/27/2017) $60

Registration and payment information

• Registration form and payment information are available through Saint Louis University REGISTRATION LINK
• If paying by check, please contact Kitty Newsham (knewsham@slu.edu)

Cancellation/Refund Policy

A full refund of the conference registration fees will be made for requests received by November 30, 2017. No refunds will be processed after November 30, 2017. In the event a program is cancelled, participants are entitled to a full refund.

All refund requests must be sent in writing (postal or email) to, and received by Kitty Newsham at Saint Louis University’ 3437 Caroline Mall, St Louis, MO 63104 or knewsham@slu.edu). Refunds approved by November 30, 2017, will be issued to the original payer in the same amount as the payment received.

Directions

South on Grand from I-64/40 or North on Grand from I-44. Turn East on Chouteau to South on Theresa.

Garage parking is accessible from Theresa or Rutgers Ave.

Hickory East Garage: 3424 Hickory St. Garage Rate: $2 per hour, $6 per day

Pre-professional AT Student Gains Experience from Faculty Member with SLU Billikens Athletics

New AT Student Blog Post - Grant Hollander (SLU MAT Class of 2019)

I observed many hours at the SLU Athletic Training Facility in Chaifetz Arena under preceptor Michael Markee PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, ATC. There I saw many student athletes come in for rehabilitation exercises whether it was post injury or prevention of future injuries. Student athletes had to complete a warm-up before jumping straight into their exercises. Athletes then used therapeutic bands or their own body weight to strengthen the muscles surrounding their injuries in order to prevent further injuries to that area. Other exercises helped recruit more muscles surrounding the area that way more muscles would fire strengthening the area for future use.

Massages to help ease the tension on bones or muscles was also observed and many student athletes left admiring how good they felt after the massages. Also many people came in to be taped or had ice wrapped around certain extremities. Overall, this experience has helped me better understand what an Athletic Trainer does and I look forward to performing such activities in the future.

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.

Student from Ireland Enjoys a Semester-Long Experience in Athletic Training at Saint Louis University

International Clinical Exchange - SLU and Athlone Institute of Technology

By: Robbie Cassidy (Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy student - Athlone Institute of Technology, Ireland)

I have been working and studying at St. Louis University for 14 weeks now and moving into my last week here I feel that I have got the experience I was looking for. Working with Westminster Christian Academy and the SLU women’s basketball team I have learned and practiced many new techniques. I found working with the high school introduced me to a variety of new sports and the reality of injuries associated with them. Hillary Orf MAT, ATC, my preceptor at the high school, has helped me in every aspect of my work experience and has been a pleasure to work with. With the constant flow of athletes in and out of the athletic training room I have been able to evaluate multiple injuries in a comfortable environment before discussing the possible diagnoses with my colleagues and determining the right course of action allowing me to develop my clinical examination skills. Every day I have learned from my co-workers and have enjoyed every minute of it.

Women's Basketball practice starts at 6:00 A.M. in the incredible Chaifetz Arena, so we would usually be in the athletic training room by 5:30 A.M. to begin setting up for practice and taping the players. After practice I work with some of the players on their rehab programs or continue treatment with them. On game-day we will set-up the therapy table just off-court and will sit courtside with the team. The atmosphere and build-up for games is exciting and with the team being ranked #1 in the A-10 conference has really added to the overall experience. In short, working with the women’s basketball team has been a new experience as I have never worked with an elite team of the same calibre before. Lizzy Kienstra MAT, ATC and Kara Cummins-Ludwig MS, ATC, my preceptors at SLU, provided much in the way of mentoring and advice and for this I am grateful. 

When I arrived at SLU I was welcomed by Anthony Breitbach PhD, ATC, the Athletic Training program director, who took the time to show me around the city of St. Louis and helped me to get settled in. Coming to St. Louis alone was a bit overwhelming at first but Dr Breitbach went out of his way to make my initial couple of weeks here as easy and as comfortable as possible. We have kept in good contact the entire time I have been here and he has helped me out on numerous occasions. I was placed in two PY2 classes at SLU where I have learned a significant amount about the treatment and maintenance of athletes under excellent professors (Dr. Kitty Newsham, Dr. Mike Markee and Dr. Tim Howell) who have been a great help in and out of the classroom. 

It has not only been the professors here at SLU who have helped me in my studies, as I have also received assistance from my fellow students who have acted as mentors. One such student Collin Peterson, introduced to me through Dr. Breitbach, has been my guide in handling the program and swiftly became a friend that I could rely on here. He has helped me to adapt to the new culture and has introduced me to the social life of St. Louis.

I have really enjoyed my time at Saint Louis University and hope to keep up the relationships with all the new friends I have made.

Congratulations to 2016 SLU AT Program Award Honorees!

The Saint Louis University Athletic Training Program has announced the 2016 Program Awards. These awards go to graduating Master of Athletic Training students who are nominated by faculty and their preceptors.  The Program Awards committee review the nominations and determine the award honorees.  Members of this committee are: Dr. Mike Markee (chair/faculty), Dr. Tim Howell (faculty), Dr. Paul Nativi (advisory board member), Lizzy Kienstra (alum/preceptor) and Kevin Clear (staff/NATA Journals).

Demeisha Crawford with Dean Wilson and Dr. Breitbach

Academic Excellence Award

Criteria: Highest GPA in AT Program Professional Phase

Honoree: Demeisha Crawford (Phoenix, AZ)

Community Service Award

Criteria: Significant participation in community service through entire academic career. Nominated by students (including self), faculty or staff.

Honoree: Demeisha Crawford (Phoenix, AZ)

Rachel Spika with Dean Wilson and Dr. Breitbach

Professional Service Award

Criteria: Significant participation in service to the profession through entire academic career. Nominated by faculty or staff.

Honoree: Rachel Spika (Apple Valley, MN)

Angelina Vitale and David O'Loughlin with Dean Wilson and Dr. Breitbach

Clinical Excellence Award

Criteria: Excellence in clinical performance. Nominated by faculty, staff or preceptor.

Honorees: David O'Loughlin (Kenosha, WI) and Angelina Vitale (St. Louis, MO)