Location: Educational Programs Page – Alumni

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.