Article reposted from The Moultrie Observer
Author: The Moultrie Observer
The Vereen Rehabilitation Center’s Sports Medicine program celebrated a milestone this summer. The first class of Athletic Training Fellows was honored with a reception held at Ashburn Hill Plantation.
The program recruited certified athletic trainers interested in continuing their education while gaining real world experience at the same time, according to a press release from Colquitt Regional Medical Center, with which the rehabilitation center is affiliated. Once selected, the students enrolled in a master’s degree program at the University of North Georgia and became an integral part of the Vereen Center staff. They were placed in high schools partnering with the Vereen Center and provided athletic training services to student athletes. With the conclusion of the two-year program the Fellows now hold Master of Science Degrees in Physical Education with a concentration in Exercise Science.
Graduating were Jessica Herndon, Tyler Johnston and Rob Reyburn.
Herndon received her undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina and is now employed by the Vereen Center as a certified athletic trainer and wellness coordinator.
Johnston received his undergraduate degree from the University of Mount Union in Ohio and is now employed by Frostburg State University in Maryland as an assistant athletic trainer.
Reyburn received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin and is now employed by Optim Healthcare as the head athletic trainer at Tattnall County High School.
“We could not have found better individuals to help launch our sports medicine program,” said Athletic Training Services Coordinator Jaclyn Donovan. “We are proud of their accomplishments and excited for their futures as athletic trainers.”
Athletic trainers are highly qualified health-care professionals who collaborate with physicians and coaches regarding the health and well-being of athletes. Often spotted on the sidelines, athletic trainers work to prevent injuries and provide emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, rehabilitation of injuries and management of medical conditions for athletes.
Vereen Center athletic trainers are nationally certified by the National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification and are licensed by the State of Georgia.
“This has been an exceptional program,” said Colquitt Regional CEO Jim Matney. “We have provided a valuable educational opportunity for each of the Athletic Training Fellows, but the real winners here are the student athletes in Southwest Georgia. Many of the schools in our region do not have the resources to provide their students with a full-time athletic trainer so we are able to provide that service for them.”
For Colquitt Regional Board of Trustees Chairman Richard Bass, the program has been a solid success.
“We began with three schools who were interested in partnering with us. Now, two years later, we have nine schools that have asked for our services,” Bass said. “This is definitely a program that I am proud of and it has been a great addition to the services already provided at the Vereen Center. It allows us to provide comprehensive care to student athletes.”
In addition to the Sports Medicine Program, the Vereen Center also offers physical, occupational, speech and aquatic therapies in a state-of-the-art facility located on the campus of Colquitt Regional. A Wound Care Clinic and The Learning Center, which uses the Fast ForWord program to enhance the learning process for students, are also offered onsite.
For more information on any of the services provided please visit www.vereencenter.com or call (229) 890-3553.