In the early morning of June 3, twenty-six enthusiastic juniors and seniors from high schools across Florida gathered at the entrance of USF's School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences (SPTRS). These students were participants in the annual Movement Science Pre-College Summer camp, a week-long journey that would deepen their understanding of physical therapy and athletic training and an exceptional opportunity to engage with renowned faculty and staff. These high schoolers were about to embark on a whirlwind of gathering knowledge and creating bonds, ready to take charge of their learning experience.
The week opened with Dr. Amanda Tritsch and Dr. Rebecca Ditwiler and their extensive insight into the realm of athletic training and physical therapy, offering students a deeper understanding of these occupations. Jeremy Turkall guided them through the rich history of the campus, providing an immersive experience. These exclusive encounters, unique to the SPTRS program, not only distinguished it from others but also instilled a sense of honor and gratitude in the students for being part of such a prominent program.
Participants learn more about physical therapy from our current students and faculty.
The next day students had the unique opportunity to engage in hands-on learning with the Physical Therapy (PT) team under the guidance of Dr. Ditwiler. The students were split into small groups and were able to familiarize themselves with the tools and techniques used in the field while also gaining insight into the common injuries treated in outpatient clinics. The students also had the chance to observe a real Physical Therapy Clinic in action, providing them with valuable insight into various exercises and their specific purposes, all delivered by seasoned clinicians. The interactive aspect of this learning experience was particularly memorable, as it not only kept everyone engaged but also left them feeling genuinely enthusiastic about what they were learning.
Participants had hands on experience in the Athletic Training lab classroom with faculty.
Students also had a day for hands-on training in the athletic training classrooms led by experienced athletic trainers under the guidance of Dr. Tritsch. Students spent the day honing their skills in taping athletes, transferring patients, and immobilizing them on long backboards. For many students who were athletes themselves, this experience provided a newfound appreciation for the vast knowledge and expertise of their school’s athletic trainers. The day concluded with an insightful tour of the fieldhouse, led by Dr. Gary Cohen. They were able to have a Q&A session with the esteemed athletic trainers from USF Athletics. This left the students feeling not just involved but genuinely excited about the future awaiting them in the field of athletic training.
Another fascinating day was spent delving into the world of research and advanced technology used by physical therapists to analyze and comprehend body movement. Dr. Irene Davis's esteemed research team showcased state-of-the-art motion capture systems, force plates, and various other cutting-edge equipment. Under the guidance of the team, students had the opportunity to utilize the equipment to meticulously track and analyze each other's data, sparking their interest and opening their eyes to the various possibilities within the field.
During the final day of the camp, the students, under the guidance of Dr. Rosalia Parrino, eagerly partook in 12 challenging activities designed to showcase their comprehensive understanding of the material covered throughout the week. The atmosphere was filled with the sounds of exhilarated competition as students meticulously sculpted anatomical muscle groups from clay and meticulously identified and labeled components of the skeletal system. Dr. Parrino skillfully harnessed the students' competitive spirit to help them evaluate their depth of knowledge, leaving them feeling invigorated and resolute as they set their sights on their future careers.
The week concluded with a ceremony led by Dr. Haladay, expressing sincere appreciation to the students and their parents for their unwavering support and genuine interest. The atmosphere was filled with joy and thanks as the students were presented with well-deserved certificates of completion. Everyone indulged in delectable cake, marking a fond farewell to the memorable time spent together. As the ceremony came to an end, the students and parents took the opportunity to express their gratitude to the members of SPTRS and bid their final goodbyes, fostering a sense of harmony and respect.
Amidst the sincere farewells, the words of Nelson Mandela, "The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow," lingered in our thoughts as we watched the students depart. It was a reminder of the potential within each of these students. We parted with the hope of crossing paths with these bright individuals again, whether in the classroom or out in the field.