Medical Explorers Learn About . . . Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation

On September 12, Cathy Borst, OTR/L, CHT; Heidi Elbe, M.S., CCC-SLP-L; Rachel Rutan, DPT; and Marc Kessler, ATC, teamed-up to give presentations about their areas of expertise to high school students at the MDH Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic for the Medical Explorers program. Therapist work together to provide a good medical team that is focused on the patients’ healthcare.

Heidi started the program talking to the students about the degrees and education required to become a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), and how diversified that profession can be working with patients from birth to geriatric ages. She explained how SLP’s use a variety of therapies for various patient conditions. Heidi played a few short videos of swallow studies conducted in radiology which show a normal swallow compared to a disordered swallow. Students were able to sample thickened water.

Cathy explained the role of an Occupational Therapist (OT). She mentioned educational requirements and locations of schools, and the various settings that an OT may work (inpatient, outpatient, home health, schools, and community health). She explained and demonstrated the importance of a few tools OTs use to help patient’s learn to be as independent and safe as possible performing “everyday tasks.” She also demonstrated multiple types of custom splints Occupational Therapists are able to fabricate for their patient's depending on their injuries.

Marc talked to the students about being an Athletic Trainer, the various settings and possible hours which you may work, and types of injuries you might see. He reiterated educational requirements, and talked about his experiences as an athletic trainer.

In addition to the educational requirements for a physical therapist, Rachel stressed the importance of maintaining a good grade point average to insure getting into a very competitive field. Volunteers demonstrated one treatment utilizing the Bosu ball, to check balance, and how holding a 4 lb. weighted ball and tossing it against a trampoline, can build core strength and improve balance. Rachel told an interesting story of how therapy and various pieces of equipment at the facility were used to help benefit a patient’s recuperation.

The MDH Medical Explorers program is open to all area high school students interested in learning about various medical careers.