Perspectives Summer/Fall 2016

24 • NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY In mid-February, Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) faculty members and students provided medical care to international rugby players participating in the 40th Annual Ruggerfest in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. CHCS faculty participants were Elizabeth Swann, Ph.D., ATC, LAT, department chair; Pradeep Vanguri, Ph.D., ATC, program director; Megan Colas, Ph.D., ATC, NREMT-B, clinical education director; and Jeffrey R. Doeringer, Ph.D., ATC, assistant professor. “Our students have been providing medical care for this annual event for more than 10 years,” said Doeringer. “It always has been a huge success in terms of providing our students with a hands-on opportunity, with direct supervision from our preceptors.” Rugby is a sport that causes serious injuries that require immediate attention. The athletic training students had the opportunity to apply their classroom skills by providing medical care to the athletes, assisting with tasks such as first aid, splinting, spine boarding, and on- and off-field evaluation. “The ATEP looks forward to participating in this event every year,” Doeringer said. “Along with their clinical rotations that the ATEP students experience while in our program, this event is the best experience to prepare them for their future careers. The rugby athletes really value our students and the certified athletic trainers who take part in this event and provide the best medical care possible.” n Athletic Training Program Provides Medical Care to Rugby Players Health and Human Performance FORT LAUDERDALE Athletic training students Emily Hosker and Jason Mcmullen tape up a rugby athlete at the 40th Annual Ruggerfest. Athletic training students Dominique Kur- banali (left) and Lara Radtke apply ice to a rugby athlete, as another rugger looks on.