Ironman

On May 18, 2013, seven of our Athletic Training Students and Director, Dr. Ray Castle, had the privilege of volunteering at the Ironman working with Memorial Hermann’s medical team.  Our Athletic Training Students included Sarah Bair, Olivia Bourgeois, Derek Carter, Bayley Romig, Sarah Keating, Adrianne Bosworth, and Taylor Wright.  The students were dispersed between working in the transition medical tent and finish line.  It was one of Houston’s hotter days, so the students worked diligently tending to many athletes suffering from heat illnesses.  However, a wide variety of injuries were seen ranging from debilitating foot blisters to a broken clavicle and ribs.  The athletic trainers were working alongside doctors, nurses, and physical therapists so it was a great opportunity to learn how to communicate and work together while bringing  their own set of different strengths and skills.  It was eye opening to learn and observe how to face certain challenges, one being having athletes from all over the world who are not used to the weather or who may not even speak English.  The race and medical tents were very well organized and it was because of the efficient communication between all of the medical staff that allowed it to run so smoothly.  We appreciate the staff of Memorial Hermann hospital allowing us to cover this event and we look forward to next year!

End of Year Student Crawfish Boil

To celebrate the end of another great year, all of our undergradute and graduate students gathered together to enjoy a crawfish boil. A little rain couldn't keep us from all gathering together to reflect on the past year and spend time together before everyone goes their seperate ways for the summer. Thank you to Derek Carter for offering up his home to hold almost 50 of us! This event also would not have been possible if not for the success of our high school student symposium. Alpha Tau Sigma was able to fully fund this event with the profit from that incredibly successfull event earlier in the Spring semester. We hope all of our student have a safe and successful summer and come back with improved skilled, great experiences, and ready for another great year to come!

Student of the Month

Congratulations to our two students of the month, Payton Kingsley and Tiffani Frizzell!  This is our second tie this year, however both student have shown exceptional growth and work ethic.  Payton Kingsley is a third-year Athletic Training Student and was assigned to Broussard Center for Athletic Training this semester.  She was lead rehabilitator on a shoulder reconstruction and was always willing to help other athletic trainers and their teams with anything they needed.   According to her supervisor Micki Collins, “Payton has been an outstanding student for us these past three years. She has really stepped up and been a huge help to every rotation this past semester.  She has been the glue that has held us together when all sports were in full motion.  I really hope the younger students were watching because she was an outstanding role model.”

Tiffani, a first-year student, worked with the Cross Country/ Track and Field team this year.  Even though she is a younger student, she has worked very hard to prove herself in the Athletic Training Room.  Keith Thompson, Head Athletic Trainer for Track and Field, had only positive things to say  about her.  “It was very rewarding to see Tiffani grow and mature as a first-year athletic training student.  In the clinical setting, Tiffani took charge of several rehabilitations; demonstrated attention to detail and diligence with daily facility tasks and documentation; and asked thoughtful, appropriate questions regarding patient injuries and treatment plans.  Josh, Regan, and I had a great group of students that worked with the Track & Field team this year. We are grateful for their efforts and pleased that they were recognized by the other Graduate Assistants and Staff members.”

Boston Hope

As many may already know, four members of our athletic training family were involved in the medical recovery efforts during the Boston Marathon.  Dr. Ray Castle, Derek Carter, Brendan Jacob, and Caitlyn McKinley were all providing first responder care at the race that day.  They are all currently back in classes/ work and are doing well getting back into their routines.  Their courage and dedication displayed that day will always be remembered and appreciated by us at LSU.  This traumatic event showed that athletic trainers may not only be taking care of torn ACL’s or heat cramps, but must be prepared for every emergency situation.  The LSU athletic trainers were very impressed with the Boston Athletic Association and how well they implemented their emergency action plan.  The collaboration between the Boston Athletic Association, marathon medical personnel, EMS, and local hospitals was seamless.  Without the teamwork of all of these groups, the number of casualties and major injuries would have been significantly larger.  We must look at this tragedy and search for the positives... and not hold on to the negatives.  We must use this opportunity to come together as a nation and be in continuous prayer and support all of those effected by its aftermath.  As a way of healing and to offer support, many of our student athletic trainers participated in a community effort to support Boston by running 2.62 miles in downtown Baton Rouge the weekend following the Boston Marathon. Thanks again to all those medical professionals working the race that day.