Wednesday, June 26, 2024
OSU News A breakthrough virtual teaching program primed to expand its reach as it marks one-year anniversary.
Athletic Training - Sports Medicine ECHO fills vital health care gap for young athletes Courtesy of OSU News
their students’ future health, and coaches and administrators lack access to the best practices of this burgeoning health care field. The Athletic Training – The Oklahoma State UniSports Medicine ECHO was versity Athletic Training – created in 2023 to address Sports Medicine Project ECHO this gap in the identification, line is celebrating one year of reduction and treatment of potentially life-saving impact sports-related injuries through on fields and courts throughout the Project ECHO knowledgeOklahoma and beyond. sharing format. An estimated 70% of “Athletic trainers save Oklahoma schools do not have lives,” said Lance Walker, Rick access to a trainer for their and Gail Muncrief executive student-athletes, leaving them director of the Human Perforvulnerable to injury without mance and Nutrition Research the proper tools and personInstitute. “The OSU Athletic nel to safeguard their health Training – Sports Medicine and well-being at all levels of ECHO line is giving voice to competition. Schools lose a these unsung heroes who are crucial opportunity to impact on the frontline of school and
community sports programs, helping young lives safely navigate the joys and hazards of athletic competition.” Project ECHO provides access to specialty care for complex health conditions like those that affect athletes. In its first year, 20 athletic training sessions addressed complex sports issues such as concussions, mental health concerns in young athletes, adolescent stroke, return-to-play criteria, joint dislocation and more. These sessions reached more than 870 participants and gave out more than 479 free continuing medical education credits. Project ECHO plugs into a hub-and-spoke tele-mentoring model to move expert knowl-
edge to more rural and underserved communities via a virtual presentation program the OSU Center of Health Sciences delivers twice a month. Participants in the online program discuss challenges with a multidisciplinary team of experts in athletic training, sports medicine, counseling and nutrition. Users log in each session from various states and even across international boundaries. “All teach and all learn is the mantra of Project ECHO, and it certainly applies in the Athletic Training – Sports Medicine ECHO, where members and experts share case information and real-life experiences on the chosen topic of the day,” Walker said. “Our
team of experts keep logging in regularly because we are learning from these frontline health care providers who have an inside track to the lives of student-athletes. “The participation level has only grown throughout the year as this underserved group of health care providers is finding value in the best practices shared each session.” Participants include athletic trainers, coaches, school athletic directors, nurses, physician assistants, physical therapists, rural physicians and school administrators.
See Athletic on page 4
10 tips for summer road trips
Three more Cowboys are in the transfer portal. A little over three weeks after Oklahoma State’s season-ending loss to Florida in the Stillwater Regional title game, the Cowboys’ outgoing transfer total sits at 11, with the additions of two-way Max Knight, relief pitcher Aaron Weber and second baseman Kyler Proctor to the roster.
Bathroom breaks Do not waste a chance to use the restroom, even if you do not need to go at It is summertime in Oklahoma and the time. Your next stop could be miles the perfect time to embark on an adven- away, and you do not want to derail a ture and hit the road. road trip trying to find one. According to The Vacationer, roadtripping is the #1 mode of travel this Comfort is key summer. Wear comfortable and practical The Vacationer reports in its annual clothes during road trips. A cross-counsurvey “over 75% of American adults try drive is not the time for a fashion intend to take a long road trip this sum- show, so dress for car naps and long mer.” hours stuck in the vehicle. The start of any good road trip is the planning stage. Here are 10 tips to prepare you for your next road trip.
See Transfer on page 4
See Summer on page 6
Payton Little Oklahoma State baseball has made some recent additions to the roster amid player departures.
OSU baseball transfer portal update
Daniel Allen Staff Reporter
Hayden Alexander Staff Reporter
First aid kit Safety first: If you do not already have a first aid kit in your vehicle, consider adding one for your next crosscountry adventure. First aid kits can help in a pinch if things take an unexpected turn during your drive.