Athletic Training Residency Program - Optimum Performance Sports

OUR Mission

The mission of the Athletic Training Residency Program at OPS, is to develop high quality, advanced skill athletic training clinicians in the area of orthopedics. They will demonstrate patient advocacy and improvement of patient outcomes throughout the continuum of care. Our curriculum will emphasize patient-centered care through evidence-based practice, quality improvement, utilization of healthcare informatics for improving patient outcomes and overall professionalism.

OUR Vision

Our vision is to be recognized as a leading athletic training residency program that sets the standard for excellence in orthopedic care. We aim to cultivate clinicians who are not only experts in their field but also compassionate advocates for patients. Through a commitment to continuous learning, evidence-based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration, we strive to enhance the quality of care and improve patient outcomes. Our graduates will be leaders in the athletic training profession, driving innovation and advancing the role of athletic trainers in the healthcare system.

Program Goals

Develop Advanced Clinical Expertise: Prepare residents to demonstrate advanced knowledge and proficiency in orthopedic assessment, diagnosis, and treatment to optimize patient outcomes across diverse populations.
Foster Patient-Centered Care and Advocacy: Cultivate a commitment to patient advocacy and engagement by emphasizing the importance of integrating patient values, perspectives, and needs into care planning and decision-making.
Promote Evidence-Based Practice and Quality Improvement: Equip residents with the ability to apply research and evidence to clinical practice, participate in quality improvement initiatives, and leverage healthcare informatics to enhance the quality and efficiency of care delivery.

Program Objectives

Graduates will demonstrate advanced clinical skills in orthopedic assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, contributing to improved patient outcomes across diverse populations.
Residents will prioritize patient advocacy by ensuring patient needs and perspectives are central to decision-making, fostering trust and enhancing patient satisfaction.
Residents will integrate the latest research and evidence into clinical decision-making to ensure the highest standard of care in orthopedic athletic training.
Graduates will effectively use healthcare informatics tools and systems to track patient progress, analyze outcomes, and improve the efficiency and quality of care.
Residents will emphasize patient-centered approaches, involving patients in their care plans and ensuring treatment aligns with their values and goals.
Graduates will actively participate in and lead quality improvement projects to continually enhance clinical protocols and improve healthcare delivery.
Residents will develop strong professional identities, demonstrating leadership and ethical decision-making in all aspects of their orthopedic athletic training practice.
Residents will work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless care across the continuum, from diagnosis to rehabilitation, for improved patient outcomes.

Faculty & Leadership

Dr. lucas berghoff, D.O.

Medical Director

Dr. Zachary Dougal, LAT, ATC

Program Director

Kendra Messar, MS, LAT, ATC

Core Faculty

Kelly Grayson, MA, LAT, ATC

Core Faculty

Curriculum

1. Didactic

The didactic component of the residency program focuses on enhancing patient care in orthopedics through a structured curriculum. This includes activities such as grand rounds, journal clubs, quality improvement projects, critically appraised topics, case presentations, standardized patient interactions, hands-on labs, discussion board reflections, leadership development, required readings, scholarship dissemination, and staff professional development. Additionally, collaborative opportunities beyond the planned curriculum may arise, allowing residents to engage with peers and colleagues nationwide. When such opportunities occur, curriculum requirements and deadlines will be adjusted to accommodate and prioritize these valuable learning experiences.

2. Clinical

Mentored experiences in athletic training practice, physician clinics, and radiology rotations are designed to provide residents with a well-rounded and comprehensive clinical training experience, encompassing the diverse spectrum of orthopedics. These experiences may include, but are not limited to, working within physician practice offices serving the general population, participating in auxiliary surgery centers at Lutheran Orthopedic Hospital, supporting on-site physician visits with intercollegiate athletics at Purdue University Fort Wayne and Indiana Wesleyan University, and engaging with affiliate orthopedic facilities. These opportunities offer residents valuable exposure to orthopedic surgeons and a broad range of orthopedic conditions across the lifespan.

3. Scholarship

Residents will disseminate work products from the program’s didactic component, encompassing various forms of scholarship, including discovery, integration, application or engagement, and teaching and learning. Dissemination opportunities may include professional presentations, written publications, infographic development, and social media engagement through departmental platforms, allowing residents to share their knowledge and contributions with diverse professional audiences.

Application

Complete the official online LHN application for Athletic Trainer – Resident. LINK TO APPLICATION.
Cover letter
Resume or CV (to include continuing education or experience as well as any scholarship completed within the specialty area)
Three references (name, email, phone number(s) and association)
Unofficial graduate and undergraduate transcripts
Personal statement addressing why you are interested in a residency position and why you are interested in specializing in the area of Orthopedics. Please identify your qualifications for the selected area of specialization. This statement should not exceed two double-spaced typed pages.