A recent interdisciplinary health care panel discussion, moderated by Physical Therapy Associate Professor Frank Tudini (left), featured Lauren Scott, Jessica Hackathorne, Jordan Yseth, Chris Doneski, Dr. Andy Glass, Mary Andrews, Rosebelle Peters and Lynette Carlson. Photo by Angela Foster.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is using real-life experiences to prepare its students for their future careers. A near NFL tragedy that unfolded during a national TV broadcast has been turned into a learning experience to educate and inspire the next generation of UTC health care workers, dietitians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, occupational therapists and social workers.
When Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin suited up to play at Cincinnati’s Paycor Stadium on Jan. 2, 2023, he had no idea his life would drastically change in a few hours.
Hamlin went into cardiac arrest on the field after attempting to tackle Cincinnati wide receiver Tee Higgins. When that moment occurred in front of 65,000-plus fans and a national TV audience, the medical professionals on-site—including athletic trainers and first responders—became the stars under the lights.
The medical crews administered CPR to resuscitate him, and he was quickly sent to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he was put into a medically induced coma.
If the process by the NFL medical staff had been delayed by minutes or even seconds, Hamlin’s life could have been lost. Instead, he returned to action for Buffalo last year, and began this season as a starting safety.
Dr. Frank Tudini
UTC Physical Therapy Associate Professor Frank Tudini has been hosting panels like the Hamlin case for the last five years. This year’s panel included eight medical experts from different disciplines to inform students about, in this case, what the medical process from field to hospital will be like in their careers.
“This is a good way to introduce this as what you’re going to have to be doing in your work,” Tudini said. “You’re going to have to call the PT when you have questions about what training you should put this guy through.”
The experts participating in the Sept. 11 interdisciplinary panel discussion in the University Center Auditorium included:
- School of Nursing Senior Lecturer and Simulation Program Coordinator Rosebelle Peters.
- School of Nursing Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Chris Doneski.
- Assistant Professor and Athletic Training Clinical Education Coordinator Lynette Carlson.
- Social Work Clinical Associate Professor Mary Andrews.
- Occupational Therapy Associate Professor and Program Director Jessica Hackathorne.
- Chattanooga Athletics Sports Dietitian Jordan Yseth.
- Movement X Physical Therapist Lauren Scott.
- Erlanger Emergency Medicine Resident Dr. Andy Glass.
Approximately 100 students attended the panel and learned from the experts in their future field about the Hamlin situation.
“You could look up the Damar Hamlin case, you could look up what he did and follow the timeline and his return, but to really get the inside scoop and get the inside take from experts, I think is pretty unique,” Tudini said.
Tudini, who served as the host and moderator, explained how this panel offers a unique chance for students to talk to experts about their careers and experiences.
“How often do you get to go to a place … with an expert,” Tudini said, “and how often do you get the chance to have eight or nine experts in their field all in one place, all at one time, at your disposal?”
He said the panels were initially created for physical therapy students in his professionalism and communication course. Over time, classes from other disciplines started attending because of the benefit of these discussions.
“How do all these different professionals communicate so that everyone is on the same page to help this person get better and go home and then maybe eventually go back to sports?” Tudini asked. “Everyone talks about their role, how they view the case, what their responsibilities are, but then also how they communicate.”
Tudini said many of the students attending the panel discussion still need to have an internship for their degree, so they have yet to see how their profession relates to all medicine. His goal is for students to see the whole picture.
As a physical therapy instructor, “I’m not just worried about learning how to measure motion and measure strength and watch someone walk,” Tudini said. “You have to understand that there’s a bigger picture besides your puzzle piece.”
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Photos by Angela Foster
