AIMS Workshops Give Head Start to Next Generation of Health Care

Doisy College of Health Sciences participated in one of Saint Louis University’s Adventures in Medicine and Science (AIMS) summer workshops earlier in July. 

The workshop, titled Introduction to Sports Medicine and Athletic Training, introduced high school students to the roles that physical therapists, athletic trainers, physicians and other health care professionals play in the world of sports medicine. In addition to highlighting each career path, the workshop also showed how these health care professions can interact with one another.

The three-day workshop allowed students to not only learn about the field of sports medicine, but also get a chance to practice skills through hands-on practice with faculty and staff in SLU’s state-of-the-art teaching labs.

Caitlin Gibson, a SLU athletic training student that participated in a panel discussion for the workshop, was excited about the opportunities that a workshop like AIMS provides for high school students.

“I think it is important for students to get involved in workshops like AIMS because it gives them a chance to explore different careers,” Gibson said. “I hope students came away from this workshop having a better understanding of what they want to do in their future. I think the more information they receive, the more confident they can feel making a decision about their future.”

Jenny Stateler, DPT, clinic manager at SLU's Physical Therapy Clinic – an affiliate of the Student Health Center, was a speaker at this year’s AIMS Sports Medicine workshop. She said she was excited about the opportunities workshops such as this present for young students.

“The AIMS workshop is a valuable program that allows high schools students to become exposed to different opportunities and career paths within health care,” Stateler said. “Students take away a sense of excitement about careers in health care and learn of the wonderful impact that health care professions can have on others.”

More information on the AIMS Summer Workshops.

Saint Louis University is a Catholic, Jesuit institution that values academic excellence, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service. Founded in 1818, the University fosters the intellectual and character development of nearly 13,000 students on two campuses in St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Building on a legacy of nearly 200 years, Saint Louis University continues to move forward with an unwavering commitment to a higher purpose, a greater good.