CHCS - Perspectives Summer/Fall 2017

26 Nova Southeastern University Health and Human Performance Fort Lauderdale Athletic Training Students Take on the Big Top By Elizabeth Swan, Ph.D., LAT, ATC, Professor ON JANUARY 17, faculty members and students from the NSU Athletic Training Program (ATP) participated in the experience of a lifetime at Cirque du Soleil Kurios held in Miami Gardens, Florida. With the increase in popularity of performance medicine, the circus invited athletic training students and faculty members to get a behind-the-scenes look into the show. Chad Fraser, M.S.Ed. , ATC, head therapist for Cirque du Soleil Kurios, graciously provided a backstage tour while the performers were practicing and preparing for the show. With 18 Cirque du Soleil shows internationally, the NSU ATP received a unique opportunity to hear from an expert in the demanding field of performance medicine. Not only did the students get a tour, but Fraser provided the students with show tickets so they could enjoy the full experience. “I really liked the way Chad takes care of his athletes; he does a lot of preventative care,” said Irfan Khan, a level 2 AT student. “It was also really interesting that he put so much emphasis on biomechanics and learning how his perform- ers move.” Kristin Dean, also a level 2 AT student, shared the following perspective, “Being able to explore the stage and backstage tents really peaked my interest.” She admitted, “It amazed me how much dedication, time, effort, and innovation went into running the show.” Students reflected on the unique work environment, which was above and beyond any traditional clinical experience they had been exposed to in their educational careers. Fraser also visited the NSU faculty members and students on the Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus for a follow-up discussion about the performance. “I think it was great to give the students a glimpse into an environment that is different from the ones they see on a regular basis,” Fraser said. “I hope they came away with a unique perspective after having been able to see how we do things at Cirque, from training and preparation all the way to how the end product of a show runs and looks.” “The NSU athletic training students were given a once-in- a-lifetime opportunity for experiential learning under the big top,” said Pradeep Vanguri, Ph.D., ATC, Athletic Training Program director. “It was exciting for all of us to attend practice as well as the actual show, have the time to meet with Chad, and learn more about the world-class Cirque du Soleil organization.” ● NSU students meet with Chad Fraser, center, who discussed his experiences in performance medicine.