UNE students and faculty provide medical assistance at 2017 Maine Marathon
At the annual Maine Marathon, held October 1, 2017, students and faculty from the UNE College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNE COM) and the Athletic Training program served an essential role in providing care for runners.
Wayne Lamarre, M.Ed., LAT, ATC, clinical professor and director of the Athletic Training Program, and his students offered support to runners in the form of medical taping and wrapping techniques. Throughout the morning, they monitored the race from various stations, administered first aid as needed and assisted in the medical tent with patient intake and triage.
Under the direction of assistant clinical professors Bonnie Sendzicki, D.O., and Nicholas Phillips, D.O., 28 UNE COM students and three pre-doctoral teaching fellows provided osteopathic manual medicine (OMM) to over 90 athletes.
Reflecting on the event, Sarae Sager, (COM, ’20) said, “It was a wonderful opportunity to gain experience within our community developing our OMM and patient-focused communication skills.”
Athletic Training majors Shawn Pacifico (’18) and Gwen Breslen (’18) were among those serving as the first point of contact for runners crossing the finish line. “Since athletic training is focused on being the first one to the athletes, I felt right at home at the finish line,” said Breslen. “Many athletes needed support at the finish line, as they were fatigued and sore. I was able to guide and carry them to get the treatment they needed (usually water) after the race, so they could go celebrate with their families.
Added Pacifico, “The part I found most rewarding was when one gentleman crossed the finish line and was very emotional. When I spoke with him, he told me how it was his first marathon since his cancer diagnosis four years prior.”
Students who participated from the Athletic Training program included Andrew Joyner ('18), Megan Clarenbach ('18), Gwenyth Breslen ('18), Maura Stottler ('18), Abbie Richardson ('18), Shawn Pacifico ('18), and Ali Uhlman ('19).
To learn more about the Westbrook College of Health Professions, visit www.une.edu/wchp
To learn more about the College of Osteopathic Medicine, visit www.une.edu/com
To apply, visit www.une.edu/admissions
