Educational Programs
Through education and internships, the Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Teaching and Research Foundation helps prepare individuals for their careers and future.
A teacher affects eternity because you never know where or when the influence will end. When Dr. Steven Chudik, board certified orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine physician founded the Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Teaching and Research Foundation (OTRF) in 2007, the driving force behind his undertaking was the need for reliable and up-to-date medical information—especially for young athletes—and unbiased research on the treatment and prevention of injuries to the musculoskeletal system; particularly joints, cartilage, tendons and ligaments. It did not take long for OTRF to impact the lives of thousands of individuals locally, across the United States and globally. Countless more will benefit in the future from those who were trained and educated through the various OTRF research and educational programs.
Athletic Trainer Educational Programs
OTRF offers a unique continuing education opportunity for athletic trainers that prepares athletic trainers for careers in clinical settings. Dr. Chudik, in conjunction with OTRF, is one of only a few orthopaedic surgeons in the United States providing this type of educational opportunity for athletic trainers.
Each program has specific requirements and a separate application process.
SOAR Program
Dr. Steven Chudik is a Top Doctor in orthopaedics and a pioneer in orthopaedic shoulder and knee arthroscopic surgery, and sports medicine, and a noted researcher and clinical assistant professor at Loyola University of Chicago. Building on his expertise and background, Dr. Chudik created the SOAR Program, (Students interested in Orthopaedics And Research) that is hosted by his foundation, OTRF. Designed to expose interested and motivated undergraduate, pre-med and medical students to orthopaedic surgery and research, the program allows participants to explore the fields of clinical practice and medical research through educational curriculum and hands-on experience. SOAR participants gain valuable experience working on research projects from the beginning brainstorming phase through the submission and publication of manuscripts by professional orthopaedic journals and associations. The knowledge and understanding students gain through either a ten-week summer program or one-year rotation helps students make career decisions and support their application to medical school and residency programs. To apply, download and complete the application.
Testimonials from Our Athletic Training Alumni
The OTRF internship program for athletic trainers was challenging and taught me to efficiently and effectively work with a team of sports medicine professionals in a clinic setting. The experience I gained has assisted me in my past and present jobs. I am currently a sports medicine supervisor with ATI Physical Therapy and the OTRF training gives me the confidence to work with any physician and effectively communicate to patients and educate them in order to provide a seamless patient experience. Previously, I worked with the Chicago Sky professional basketball team. I highly recommend the OTRF internship program because it involves athletic trainers in all aspects of a sports medicine clinic—billing, dictating, DME, ordering imaging, patient education, history and physical exams, and presenting to a physician.
Working in Dr. Chudik’s clinic as an Athletic Trainer expanded my knowledge of injuries, evaluation, treatment and skills that I might not have had the chance to see elsewhere in my career now as a high school athletic trainer and ACI for Lewis University’s athletic training program. The time in clinic with Dr. Chudik also prepared me to handle questions from injured athletes and their parents so I can tell them what to expect when they see an orthopaedist which eases their fears and provides some comfort during the stressful time of an injury. The skills, knowledge and professional relationships I developed during my time in Dr. Chudik’s clinic are invaluable and will benefit my athletes for years to come.
By working in clinic, I built a strong working relationships with the clinical staff and Dr. Chudik. The experience of guiding the patient through the orthopaedic process – history, X-rays/diagnostic testing, physician’s diagnosis, completing necessary paperwork, patient education and discussions with the patient to make sure he/she understands the treatment plan is so important to ensure a positive patient experience and outcome. The ATC is the last person the patient has contact with before they leave the exam room so it is important they know and understand their care plan. To know I made a different in the patient's orthopaedic experience is life changing and the internship helped me decide that the orthopaedic/sports medicine clinic will be the next step in my career.
Dr. Chudik's OTRF Athletic Training Residency Program allowed me to learn and develop a diverse set of orthopaedic clinical and surgical skills that effortlessly and efficiently translated into my next employment opportunity. I highly recommend pursuing this opportunity for anyone looking to expand their skills, interact with health professionals of multiple disciplines, treat a more diverse patient population, and work with a fun and empowering clinical team.
When I began Dr. Chudik’s residency program, I expected to learn a great deal, specifically in the area of surgery. However, I have learned and experienced even more than I could have anticipated, despite my years of experience in traditional athletic training. Regardless of one’s professional goals, I believe a residency of this nature is very worthwhile for athletic trainers. The repetition of patient evaluation, viewing of X-rays/MRIs/CT scans, not to mention the front-line experience of assisting in orthopaedic surgery, all combine to make this an invaluable program, particularly for athletic trainers interested in the residency role. As Dr. Chudik’s practice encompasses a wide variety of patient demographics and physical conditions, I have been able to follow the care of patients ranging from pediatric fractures all the way to total shoulder and knee arthroplasty in the arthritic patient. I highly encourage interested colleagues to apply!
I am very grateful to have spent a year working and learning alongside Dr. Chudik and his team. He and the OTRF foundation created this residency program that in my opinion is second to none with regards to the knowledge and experience you gain. As a vital piece to the very busy sports medicine team, Dr. Chudik relies on the resident athletic trainers to be able to function and create efficient clinic and surgical days. Dr. Chudik utilizes athletic trainers in their full capacity and provides a very hands on experience that is unlike any other residency program. After completing this residency, you will possess unique skills that will benefit any other orthopaedic physician looking to hire athletic trainers. My time during this residency was unforgettable and I highly recommend Dr. Chudik's program if you are dedicated to becoming a clinical athletic trainer!
Illinois Benedictine College, ATI. My confidence level and clinical evaluation skills in the outreach setting went to another level. I increased my knowledge and ability to communicate and educate the patient families, coaches, and athletic directors on patient injuries. Seeing a progression of patients from initial injury, through surgery, during rehab, and eventual return to sport was invaluable.
The Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Teaching and Research Foundation has allowed me to expand my knowledge as an athletic trainer in an Orthopaedic office setting. As a previous Division I athletic trainer for the Indiana Hoosiers, my strong desire to learn and grow within the field of sports medicine was what led me to apply to this program. The OTRF residency program has furthered my education in all aspects of sports medicine and has provided me with valuable experiences in a variety of clinical, surgical, research, and educational settings. The multifaceted learning experience provided to me in a world-class environment has enabled me to become a knowledgeable and professional with the skills to assist in the surgical setting as a certified orthopaedic technologist. Having the opportunity to participate in research and Grand Rounds lectures at Loyola University of Chicago's Stritch School of Medicine has fed my desire to immerse myself in new techniques and future trends in patient care and treatment. My time spent with Dr. Steven Chudik has been instrumental in helping me launch a successful career in this new and exciting avenue of athletic training. 
US ODP Soccer Team. My most memorable experiences included assisting with a distal radius reduction in clinic, learning to cast and remove sutures, learning to interpret MRIs and X-rays, and observing a rotator cuff surgery.
Downers Grove South High School, Past IATA President, First Program Director. The benefit to each cannot be overstated. The physician is afforded more time to focus on the advanced level skills and techniques while the athletic trainer can manage the mid-level skill sets. This mid-level component is unique in that the athletic trainer serves as an authoritative and skilled bridge between the physician and patient. When working optimally, the collaboration frees up time and resources by both professionals so more time and energy can be spent focusing on the patient. Not only does this mean sharing in clinical tasks/duties, but also the administrative components of running the practice.
I am very grateful for the opportunity to have spent the year working with Dr. Chudik through the OTRF Athletic Training Residency Program. This program expanded my knowledge and skills in the orthopaedic clinical and surgical setting more than I ever thought possible. Following graduation from the University of Kansas in May 2018, I packed my bags and moved about 8 hours away from home to attend this program. Not only has the experience directed my professional life, but the friendships I have made with Dr. Chuik's team are invaluable - the administrative team, Physician Assistants, surgical technologists, and fellow Athletic Trainers, everyone is willing to lend a helping hand and provide the residents with endless opportunities to learn. Dr. Chudik also allows his Athletic Trainers full hands on experience, not only in clinic, but also in the operating room. He allows and expects his ATs to make clinical decisions and puts full trust in our ability. I have grown so much as a clinician over the past year and am so appreciative of the knowledge and skills gained through the OTRF Athletic Training Residency and Dr. Chudik.
I could have never imagined learning and being exposed to so much in just one year's time. Dr. Chudik and his team always were willing to take the extra time to teach and all did it with a great amount of patience. Prior to this residency, I never thought I would have such a great professional relationship with an orthopaedic surgeon. My ability to efficiently take a detailed history, perform a physical exam, diagnose, and develop a treatment plan in the physician's clinic wouldn't be possible without this experience. I also gained extremely valuable skills in the surgical setting that I otherwise might not have ever had the opportunity to learn. This residency also does an outstanding job of preparing an Athletic Trainer for the OTC exam. Overall, the residency was a great experience that will have a great impact on my professional career moving forward. Dr. Chudik's practice values Athletic Trainers and their orthopaedic knowledge in a way that will positively impact us as healthcare providers.