Michelle Park has learned valuable information about concussion prevention, treatment and education at SRU. She was involved in the creation of a new concussion policy at the university, which mandates that athletes not return to play the day they suffer a concussion.
Park also counsels athletes about the health dangers of a concussion. She meets one-on-one with athletes before the beginning of each season to conduct a baseline evaluation. Should an athlete suffer an injury, Park uses the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 2 method for assessing the damage.
“I have been able to examine a student who is actually recovering from a concussion, which is invaluable experience,” Park said. “I have also presented posters at a health fest event on campus and participated in awareness events at local high schools to increase awareness. Slippery Rock University and the department of athletic training take a practitioner approach to education.
“It is an important topic because of how prevalent they are becoming. My hope is that more research is done, and people will realize how serious concussions can be,” said Park, who plans to attend graduate school in the fall.