Residents will be expected to demonstrate interval improvement throughout the course of study in relation to the program objectives. Residency outcomes will be assessed with the following measures:

1. Depth of clinical knowledge will be measured with:

• Orthopedic knowledge exam (entrance vs exit comparison)

• Preceptor assessments
• Diagnostic accuracy journals
• Conference presentation assessments

2. Clinical and surgical skills will be measured with:

• Preceptor assessments
• Diagnostic accuracy journals

3. Appraisal of evidence-based concepts will be measured with:

• Preceptor assessments
• Conference presentation assessments

4. Interdisciplinary collaboration will be measured with:

• Preceptor assessments

5. Quality improvement efforts will be measured with:

• Preceptor assessments
• Diagnostic accuracy journals

Residency program completion percentage: 100%

Average entrance exam scores: 48%

Average exit exam scores: 92%

Average diagnostic accuracy at residency completion: 92%

Average surgical cases assisted: 179

Average annual hours spent in scholarship activities: 800

Average presentations given: 21

Rate of employment upon completion of program as athletic trainer: 100%

Rate of employment upon completion of program at Ochsner: 67%

^{Prior to beginning Residency, applicants should develop proficiency in the following areas:}

• Entry-level physical examination skills to complete a musculoskeletal system assessment
• The ability to take a thorough and problem-focused patient history
• Entry-level understanding of orthopedic radiographic studies
• The ability to succinctly organize history, exam and test results to formulate a working diagnosis during case presentation to the physician
• Entry-level understanding of wound care including suture removal
• Fitting casts, braces and other durable medical equipment
• Computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of information
• Clean and professional verbal and written communication
• Proficiency with Windows-style applications, various software packages specific to role
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to work with flexible schedule including travel between facilities
• Ability to meet physical demand requirements of “very heavy work”

Under the direction of the supervising physician, the resident will perform clinical responsibilities in the physician practice setting. The resident will also attend didactic learning sessions as well as complete research and quality improvement projects. Duties in these roles are listed below:

• Assisting the physician in the clinic and operative setting
• Completing patient intake requirements
• Collecting an accurate and thorough problem focused patient history
• Performing problem focused physical examinations
• Accessing and organization of pertinent health care records
• Case presentation to physician
• Preparing injectable medications and blood products (i.e. PRP)
• Fitting casts, braces and durable medical equipment
• Gait training and therapeutic exercise instruction
• Performing simple post-operative wound care
• Completion of clinical documentation to be reviewed by physician
• Timely response to patient telephone and electronic communications
• Assist in surgery — includes positioning, draping, first assist responsibilities, wound closure, immobilization and splinting, graft preparation, etc.
• Communicating post-operative instructions
• Collection of surgical pictures and videos for teaching purposes
• Assisting physician(s) with research related projects
• Complete five hours per week minimum of didactic or scholarly activities
• Completing a personal or practice-based quality improvement project

The Resident can expect a world-class preceptorship experience from the experienced and passionate Ochsner Orthopedics and Sports Medicine department. The preceptors of our program will:

• Educate and mentor the resident to meet listed learning objectives
• Demonstrate by example the Ochsner Core Values
• Supervise all actions of the resident to ensure quality of care
• Communicate regularly with the resident regarding performance
• Complete evaluation forms as necessary
• Communicate regularly with the program director regarding the progress and competency of the resident

To receive a Certificate of Completion for the Ochsner Sports Medicine Institute Sports Medicine Assistant Residency Program, participants must fully complete all clinical and didactic experiences for the agreed upon residency period and maintain satisfactory clinical evaluation scores demonstrating appropriate learning, engagement, and professionalism during the program.

“I feel that the residency was a great experience overall. It was very immersive. I had great mentors and preceptors that took time to teach me. Because of the experience I gained, I felt well prepared to transition to my current position full time. I was able to work in a wide variety of areas and with many different people within the healthcare system. This helped me gain an understanding of how a multi-disciplinary team functions. I feel that my orthopedic skill and knowledge was greatly advanced, and I am excited to continually work to improve myself as a healthcare professional!”

- Joshua Pratt, MS, ATC, OTC
Class of 2022

"The residency has been a great experience! The people are wonderful, and I learned a lot from everyone. I loved having multiple different rotations. I was given a lot of information and look forward to perfecting the skills I’ve learned. I’m very grateful for all my experiences and especially the people I worked with!”

- Kevin Schoell, MS, ATC, OTC
Class of 2022

“I had a great experience with the Ochsner Sports Medicine Institute Sports Medicine Assistant Residency (Program). This program prepared me well to transition into clinic and the OR with my physician, due to its diversity of specialties and providers. I was able to enter each rotation and learn as well as develop my skills. I enjoyed my time in the program and would recommend this program to anyone.”

- Kaleb Ashworth, MS, ATC, OTC, OPE-C
Class of 2021