Athletic Training Students Tour The Hughston Foundation

VALDOSTA -- Eight junior athletic training students from Valdosta State University recently visited The Hughston Foundation, Inc. in Columbus for a two-day educational session.

The session included several labs and lectures taught by staff therapists Eric Kuhlenburg, PT, and Linda Moore, OT. They also toured the Hughston campus, spending time at the medical library and in the physical therapy department.

During the labs and lectures, the students learned about Dr. Jack Hughston’s role in sports medicine, the latest updates in spine therapy and the evaluation of different hand injuries. They also studied the anatomy of the knee, explored various surgeries and learned about the effects of energy drinks in athletes.

In addition to the hands-on labs, the students viewed a video of a total knee replacement as well as a live ankle fusion surgery.

VSU Instructor and Assistant Athletic Trainer Lori Howard stated that VSU has had a long, positive working relationship with the Hughston Clinic, extending back to the early 1980’s when the football program was established. The Hughston Clinic became the source for the team orthopedic physician.

“It was a great opportunity for the students to learn more about the history between VSU and the Hughston Clinic,” said Howard. “The Athletic Training Education program hopes to make this an annual trip and is working on more collaborative educational opportunities with the Hughston Clinic and Hughston Foundation.”

For more information about the Hughston Clinic, visit http://www.hughston.com/hughston-foundation-home.asp .