UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE ATHLETIC TRAINING ALUMNI NEWSLETTER College of Health and Nursing Sciences Dept. of Health, Nutrition & Exercise Sciences Volume 1 Spring 2004 Athletic Training Education Program Conforming to New CAAHEP Mandates The Commision on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is the accrediting agency for undergraduate athletic training education programs nationwide. Specific mandates concerning the content of clinical education have been instituted. At UD students are now required to take practicum credits each semester to satisfy the necessary clinical proficiencies. The practicum classes are held each week during the semester and provide students with an opportunity to improve upon their clinical skills. In addition, students must meet minimum clinical hour and clinical evaluation requirements based on feedback from the Approved Clinical Instructors. Future plans call for the appointment of a full-time clinical coordinator. This person would be responsible for all components of the clinical education program. In an effort to provide UD athletic training students with a wide variety of clinical experiences a number of new clinical sites have join efforts with UD. Among these new sites are Dynamic Physical Therapy, Pike Creek PT, PRO PT and Christiana Care. Students in the ATEP are now required to spend a minimum of 8 weeks at a clinical site during their tenure in the program. Additionally, students must spend one full semester working in a high school environment. UD is working hard to prepare the athletic training students for the ever-changing employment environment. We believe that with the strong efforts of the faculty and clinical staff that our students will get a positive clinical experience during their tenure in the program. Inside this issue: 2 From the Desk Of… 5 Alumni Spotlight (Julie Moyer-Knowles) 7 Baltimore Alumni Party Hen Droppings: - Congratulations to Keith Handling and Joan Couch along with the athletic training students who worked football during the memorable UD National Championship season! -Eric Cousino a sophomore athletic training student has been awarded a prestigious Science and Engineering Scholarship through UD. Eric will spend the summer working with Dr. Kaminski on a project examining concussions in girl’s soccer. - Many thanks to the Carl Eaton, ATC, PT for his contributions to the athletic training program during the last year. Carl is moving to California to begin a new opportunity with Elite Physical Therapy in Los Angeles. Athletic Training 1 future successes will be cultivated. The new program gets the ATI students more involved in all facets of the program and mainstreams the students into the actual sports health care process. A total of 21 ATI students are vying for a spot in next year’s curriculum program. News and Notes from the desk of: Dr. Tom Kaminski, Director of Athletic Training Education The 2003 – 2004 school year comes to a close I can’t help but look back on the many successes during this my first year. Many thanks to all who make the program flow so smoothly especially my AT colleagues Dr. Higgins, Keith Handling, Joan Couch, John Smith, Carl Eaton, and Jeff Schneider, our qualified clinical instructors, graduate students, and most importantly the undergraduate students themselves. It never ceases to amaze me how the quality of student continues to soar. The marker of any good program is the success our students have on the NATA certification examination. Our numbers continue to rise and place our success rate well above the national average. Congratulations to our most recent graduates who were successful on the NATABOC exam. One of the many successes of this year was in the revamping of the Athletic Training Interest program. For those “old timers” this used to be called the “DO” (Directed Observation) program. Dr. Higgins took control of the program in September and has developed an excellent foundation from which I would encourage each of you to visit our newly revised AT web site at http://www.udel.edu/HESC/AT/Site/i ndex.html There you can find most anything about our undergraduate program and keep up-to-date on exciting alumni news. Thanks to all of you who continue to correspond and update me on your progress, successes, and changes. It takes some time to maintain the alumni database, but it is well worth every minute. Word of mouth is an important recruiting tool so please share our web site address with prospective students. I’m looking forward to meeting each of you in Baltimore at the UD ATEP Alumni Party scheduled for Thursday June 17th at the Baltimore Brewing Company. See additional information about the party in this newsletter. Best wishes go out to Dr. Higgins as he takes the helm as Program Director at Towson State University in Towson, MD. The ATEP is losing an outstanding teacher and role model. You will be missed. Lastly, please help to patronize our corporate sponsors this year Cropper Medical/BioSkin, MedEast Post Op & Surgical, and Rehab World. These companies have been very supportive of both the alumni newsletter and party this year. Looking forward to seeing you all in Baltimore! Happy 2004 and Go Blue Hens!! News and Notes from the desk of: Keith Handling, Head Athletic Trainer The 2003 football season was a record setter for the “Fightin Blue Hens”. As most of you know by now, the University of Delaware football team won the NCAA 1-AA National Championship on December 19, 2003, by defeating Colgate University 40-0 in the championship game, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. During the season, we had a record of 15-1. One of the most memorable games of the season was beating the U.S. Naval Academy 2117 at their homecoming game. Over 35,000 people attended the game and it seemed that at least half the crowd were Delaware fans. At the beginning of the game we were down 0-14 but we rallied to win. We won the Atlantic 10 Championship, winning the championship in the last minute, of the last regular season game, by defeating Villanova University 20-17. During the tournament, we hosted 3 games. We defeated Southern Illinois, Northern Iowa, and Wofford University. We also won the Lambert Cup. At the championship celebration held at the Bob Carpenter Center, Head Coach K. C. Keeler credited the Athletic Staff and the athletic training students for playing an important role in the success of the team. I would like to mention two other important news items. Dr. Michael Higgins has been named the Director of the Athletic Training Education Program at Towson University. We wish him the best of luck in his new position. As you know, Michael was Athletic Training 2 a very important part of our program. We will miss him. I would also like to mention that one of the first student trainers I had the opportunity to work with at the University of Delaware (before we had an accredited ATEP) was Jim Wagner, an electrical engineering major, who was a student trainer for the football team for four years. This past September, he was appointed President of Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. If you ever visit Emory University, stop by the President’s Office and say hello to “Wags” for me. Faculty Spotlight Dr. Michael Higgins, ATC, PT Education: PhD, University of Delaware – 2003; M.Ed. University of Virginia – 1991; B.S. PT University of Buffalo- 1988; B.A. William Penn University – 1986. Teaching Responsibilities: HESC 481 Lower Extremity and Spine Evaluation; HESC 449 Advanced Topics in Athletic Training; HESC 405 Therapeutic Exercise of Athletic Injuries; HESC 350 Functional Kinesiology; HESC 210 Emergency Care and First Aid. Professional Activities: President Delaware Athletic Trainers Association; National Athletic Trainer's Association District II Executive Board; Board of Certification Examiner for NATA. One feature of the newsletter is to spotlight a faculty or staff member who is a vital part of the athletic training education program. This year we focus on Dr. Michael Higgins. We are especially proud to have had Dr. Higgins as a member of our faculty and sports health care team over the last 10 years. Athletic Training 3 It seems just like yesterday when I first walked into the DFH athletic training room. I remember my first day on the job; coming to work the first day of camp and the senior student who is working with the team was late. I thought this might be an interesting career move. But it has been a very interesting career move all for the good. I don’t remember how we covered all of the events with only three staff and 1 GA my first years here. I have had many great educational experiences. But I have learned the most from interacting and instructing all of the students whom I have come in contact with over my career and will still learn from them in the future. I feel my greatest accomplishment at Delaware is kicking all my former students butts in hoops (they know who they are). On the realistic side I feel that all of the students whom I have been able to help enjoy and embrace the profession of athletic training and make their educational experience fun as my best accomplishment. Now ten years, three children, numerous students, too many good memories and a PhD later, it is time to move on. It is with excitement and sadness that my future is taking me to Towson University to become the Director of their Athletic Training Education Program. I have been blessed with great memories of lasting relationships that have developed through my years at Delaware. I would like to thank all of the staff and students whom I have shared these last ten years with and hope you keep in contact with me. Student Athletic Trainers’ Club (SATC) News Curriculum students gathered together after an early morning meeting L to R Front Row: Carrie Steinman, Matt Koscs, Christine Kowalchuk, Cara Cordrey, Megan Heronemus, Nikki Hoffman, Kristen Prentice Back Row: Kris Foulke, Eric Cousino, Adam Rosen, Nikki Surdam, Amanda Pupillo, Ryan Hahner, Kristin Dorr, Kristy Vodvarka, Abbey Steel, Jenn Willis, Katie Lyons, Alison Ingalsbe. Missing: Jessica Hamrick, Joanna Mikhail, Megan O’Neill Congratulations to our 2004 graduates: Ryan Hahner (PT school @ UD) Megan Heronemus (GA @ Alvernia (PA) College) Christine Kowalchuk (PT school @ Drexel University) Kristy Vodvarka (undecided) Jessica Hamrick (undecided) Nikki Hoffman (GA @ James Madison University) Abbey Steel (OT school @ Thomas Jefferson University) Athletic Training 4 Nikki Hoffman, SATC President presents Keith Handling with the first SATC Service Award for his on-going contributions to the ATEP and service to UD. Congratulations Keith! -SATC members donated $100.00 to the Delaware Adopt-a- More Hen Droppings: -The Student Athletic Trainers’ Club (SATC) was awarded a $2500.00 Alumni Enrichment Award to defray costs associated with attending the NATA convention in Baltimore in June 2004. A total of 10 students will accompany the ATEP faculty and staff at the convention. -20 ATEP students participated in the American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life” event held in the Delaware Field House on Saturday April 17, 2004. The students raised over $1000 for this worthy cause. Alumni Spotlight Dr. Julie Moyer-Knowles (l) in her role as president of UD’s Alumni Association Family program following a raffle event held in conjunction with the Winter Holiday Banquet held December 14, 2003 at the Blue & Gold Club. -ATEP sophomore Kristin Dorr recently interviewed with Richie Bancells, Head Athletic Trainer for the Baltimore Orioles for a summer PBATS internship. Congratulations Kristin A feature of the newsletter will be to keep alumni in tune with others who have graduated from the ATEP and made a significant contribution to the community. This year we highlight Dr. Julie Moyer-Knowles. of months after graduation, she moved to Alabama and pursued a Master’s degree in Sports Medicine, followed by a doctorate in vocational rehabilitation from Temple University. Dr. Julie Moyer-Knowles graduated from the University of Delaware Physical Therapy Program in 1982. While attending the U of D, she also was enrolled in the university’s athletic training program. A couple After U of D, Julie worked in acute care hospitals, outpatient sports medicine clinics, and at high schools and colleges performing physical therapy and athletic training services as part of her graduate assistantship. Since 1984, Julie has been involved Athletic Training 5 with the United States Olympic Committee. Her roles have included being on the US Olympic Committee’s Sports Medicine Committee and the Medical Staff for the Olympic Games starting in 1988 in Seoul, Korea. In 1990, she opened Pike Creek Physical Therapy in Wilmington, which now includes four Southern Delaware Physical Therapy sites from Smyrna to Rehoboth Beach. In terms of her involvement with the University, Julie currently serves as President of the University of Delaware Alumni Association. The purpose of this association is to help service U of D alumni and promote the goals of the institution. They have developed a scholarship program for incoming freshman, enrichment awards for students (of which some PT students have benefited), professorships, and various alumni awards throughout the university, insurance programs for alumni, travel opportunities, and many other enjoyable projects. The Alumni Association is now in the process of supporting the Center for the Arts, a beautiful new construction project being erected near the Amy Dupont Music building which will promote music, theater, and the arts. In addition to the Alumni Board at U of D, Julie is also involved with the Athletic Department’s Steering Committee, and the Gender/Racial Equity Committee. and Dr. Rylander were the first inductees ever. Julie says “I cherish my memories of college days at the University of Delaware, and am grateful of the education and experiences I had while being an athletic training student.” We too are grateful to have such an important ambassador for our profession and program here at UD. Julie was recently inducted, along with Dr. C. Roy “Doc” Rylander, into the DATA Hall of Fame. She HOW DO I SUPPORT MY ALMA MATER? If you would like, you may now target your gift to UD to be sent directly to the “Student Athletic Trainers’ Club” internal account. Those athletic training alums that wish to do so may send the check to the University of Delaware Office of University Development or visit the “Campaign for Delaware” web site at http://www.udel.edu/PR/CampaignUD/Pages/page5a.html Friday May 7, 2004 at the College of HHP Honor's Day Convocation in the Willard Hall the following ATEP students were honored for their academic achievements: Cara Cordrey - Robert A. Layton Award & Lee J. Hyncik Athletic Trainer Achievement Award Nikki Hoffman - Dr. C. Roy Rylander Outstanding Senior Student Athletic Trainer Award Matt Koscs - Paris Delligati Memorial Award Nikki Surdam - Department of HNES Book Award & Julie Moyer Knowles Outstanding Student Athletic Trainer Award L-R: Matt Koscs, Cara Cordrey, Megan Wenner, Dr. Kaminski, Nikki Surdam, Nikki Hoffman. Megan Wenner - Outstanding Master's Student Award from the Department of Health, Nutrition & Exercise Sciences Athletic Training 6 ANNUAL FIGHTIN BLUE HEN ATHLETIC TRAINING ALUMNI BASH... IT'S TIME TO PARTY THIS YEAR AT: The Baltimore Brewing Company (aka DeGroen’s Grill) WHERE: 108 Albemarle Street, Baltimore MD 21202 WHEN: Thursday-June 17, 2004 TIME: 8pm-11pm COST: $10, Payable at the door INCLUDES: food buffet, drinks, door prizes, benefit raffle Sponsored by: Cropper Medical, Inc., MedEast Post-Op and Surgical, The Delaware Athletic Trainers’ Association (DATA), and Rehab World Athletic Training 7 Athletic Training 8 http://www.delata.org/ MedEast Post-Op and Surgical John Blaskovich, President 1407 Bethlehem Pike Flourtown, PA 19031 215-233-9200 215-233-4834 Athletic Training 9 Athletic Training 10