CU-Lock Haven athletic training student completes 2 externships

Commonwealth University-Lock Haven athletic training student, Gabrielle Weyrich, completed two simultaneous full-immersion externships prior to graduating this spring. The externships were done at Lowndes High School and Hughston Clinic, both in Valdosta, Georgia.

At Lowndes High School, Weyrich was under the supervision of Philip Pieplow, LAT, ATC, and at the Hughston Clinic with Dr. Matthew Heaton, MD.

Weyrich, of Thompsontown, spent several mornings each week working alongside Heaton in the clinic, assisting with patient care. Her primary duties included assisting with injections; removal of wound closure materials, such as staples and sutures; casting; and placing patients in rooms to be seen by the doctor. She also shadowed Heaton as he reviewed patient information, determined diagnoses and discussed treatment options.

Weyrich spent her afternoons and evenings at Lowndes High School, working with Philip Pieplow and his athletic training staff. Lowndes has approximately 1,000 student-athletes, and their baseball team won the state championships in 2023.

Weyrich's duties here included evaluation of injured athletes, development of treatment plans, including rehabilitative exercises, and assistance with coverage of athletic events. In her time at Lowndes High School, Weyrich gained experience with tennis, golf, basketball, wrestling, baseball, soccer, and track and field.

While working with the baseball team, Weyrich was able to learn about the use of a recovery stimulation unit. This unit is used to improve recovery through stimulation of blood flow to the area. It was often used for the pitchers on the team to assist in recovery after games or practices that involved high volumes of throwing. Weyrich also learned to utilize an electronic contrast therapy unit. This unit uses heated and cooled water that is pushed through hoses in the attachment sleeves to deliver contrast therapy, unlike similar units that only use cooling. This was used for recovery as well as treatment of chronic injuries.

"I have learned a lot in my time here" Weyrich said. "The doctors and staff at the Hughston Clinic have a strong reputation in the field of orthopedics, and it is clear why when you get a chance to work with them. I learned information and skills that I can already see benefitting me in my practice as an athletic trainer. I have learned a lot from Coach Pieplow, too. He has developed a similarly well-earned reputation among the high school athletics community. He is a strong leader, and he has always encouraged me to practice my skills and try or learn new things when I can. I will always be grateful for this opportunity and for my preceptors who have helped me grow into a stronger professional.