SLU AT Student Gets Experience "Behind the scenes at your doctor’s office" in Summer Internship

The Orthopedic Center of St. Louis Summer Internship
By: Emily Grace (MAT Class of 2014) and Kevin Templin OPA-C, ATC

This summer I spent 12 weeks at The Orthopedic Center of St. Louis in Chesterfield, MO as an athletic training intern under Dr. Mark D. Miller, sports medicine specialist, and his first assistant and certified athletic trainer Kevin Templin.

SLU AT Student Emily Grace and Kevin Templin OPA-C, ATC

Dr. Miller’s orthopedic practice focuses on the treatment of injuries specific to the shoulder and knee. During my time with him and his team I was able to observe arthroscopic surgeries in the treatment of ACL reconstruction, labral repairs, rotator cuff repairs, shoulder reconstruction, shoulder arthroscopy, knee arthroscopy, cartilage restoration procedures, and frozen shoulder manipulations. Observing these surgical procedures has provided me with a better understanding of orthopedic anatomy, why the patient is experiencing discomfort, and what rehabilitation is needed to allow a patient to return to their optimal level of functioning. As a future athletic trainer, I can draw from these experiences to make me a more compassionate and well-rounded practitioner.

As an athletic training intern, I learned how effective my skills could be in assisting Dr. Miller and his staff “behind the scenes.” A large part of my responsibility was to make sure an athlete or patient’s visit occurred seamlessly and pleasantly. Calling back the patient, obtaining a medical history, finding out their story, ordering imagining, and briefing the doctor all take place before the patient has any interaction with the physician. Kevin commonly referred to us as “Dr. Miller’s opening act,” which always put a smile on a patient’s face and helped ease their nerves about their visit. During clinical examinations I documented pertinent notes, prepared injections, and assisted with home exercise programs as directed by Dr. Miller. Outside the patient’s room I wrote and updated physical therapy and patient medications scripts for the physician to sign, communicated with his Work Compensation coordinator and Medical Assistant, and entered coding to bill for office and surgical procedures. I recognize the value of these responsibilities and enjoyed acting as the communication link between the patients and staff.

This summer has provided me with a unique experience of how my skills can be applied in a clinical setting. I am thankful to Dr. Miller, Kevin, and the rest of the staff at TOC for their kindness, patience, and willingness to help me learn. I am excited to use the principles and techniques I have learned in my final year as an athletic training student and in my future professional career.

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.

Summer Internships Going Well

The SLU Athletic Training Education Program's first students are now out on the summer field experience, internships that take place between their professional years in the program.

Ilene Chambers is affiliated with Kevin Templin ATC at The Orthopedic Center of St. Louis. She is getting valuable experience with an athletic trainer who functions as a physician extender with Dr. Mark Miller. She has made several posts on Dr. Miller's blog, read them at: https://www.markmillermd.com/blog.html

Eric Sass is affiliated with Collinsville Physical Therapy & Wellness athletic trainer Katie Chadwick as she serves as the Athletic Trainer for the St. Louis Athletica. He is getting a great experience working with a professional soccer team. Read more about the Athletica at: https://www.womensprosoccer.com/stlouis

Kellie Black is affiliated with Jason Bennett PT, ATC, SCS as he serves as the Head Athletic Trainer for the River City Rage arena football team. She is making the most of this excellent opportunity. To read about the Rage go to: https://www.ragefootball.com/

Heather King is affiliated with Becky Eggers ATC of Athletico as she works at the Athletic Trainer at Nazareth Academy in LaGrange Park, IL. She is getting real experience with the life of a high school athletic trainer. For more info about Athletico go to the Athletico website or also go to the Nazareth Academy website.