As anticipation builds for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM) looks back on its participation at the SHSU Rodeo this past November. Spearheaded by Caroline Podvin, a second-year osteopathic medical student, SHSU-COM’s participation in the event highlighted the college’s dedication to rural healthcare and community service.
With a team of six second-year student doctors—Tyler Wood, Orlando Lopez, Harrison Blefield, Sara Saravanan, Carly Neill and Podvin—SHSU-COM provided sideline medical care for rodeo student-athletes. Under the supervision of SHSU-COM faculty member Peter Curka, D.O., the team offered osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and provided urgent injury evaluations in a dedicated medical tent. The team saw a variety of injuries, including fractures of the femur, humerus and clavicle, and used OMT to address limited range of motion and hypertonic musculature.
After nearly a year of preparation in collaboration with Walker County EMS and SHSU Athletic Training, the team of student doctors ensured the highest standard of care for the student-athletes.
