The 48th annual Medical Aspects of Sports seminar will take place at the University of Delaware's Clayton Hall on Saturday, Feb. 4. Each year, the one-day program brings together coaches, physical therapists, athletic trainers, physical education teachers, school nurses, and other sports and health professionals for updates on the latest in treating, managing and rehabilitating sports-related injuries.

This year, sports medicine experts from UD and the region will focus on topics like telemedicine, ACL injuries in pediatric and adolescent populations, sports orthotics, neck pain and more.

Presenters from the University's Intercollegiate Athletics Program include Daniel Watson, assistant director of athletics for athletic training and head athletic trainer. UD faculty presenters include Tara Manal, associate professor and director of clinical services and residency training in UD’s top-ranked physical therapy program. The seminar director is Keith Handling, associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology at UD.

Steve Feldman, an alumnus of UD’s athletic training and physical therapy programs who is now an assistant trainer with the Philadelphia Eagles, will be leading a mini-clinic on NFL sideline stinger management. Also presenting are Bethany Wisthoff, coordinator of UD’s Athletic Training Interest Program and Greg Seymour, senior physical therapist in UD’s Physical Therapy Clinic.

An interactive sports taping clinic is an annual feature of the program, with this year’s demonstration clinic led by UD athletic training graduate assistants Steven Browne and Chantel Hunter.

The athletic training education program at the University of Delaware has the distinction of being one of the oldest accredited programs in the nation, with a long history of sharing UD's expertise in this field with the region's professionals through the Medical Aspects of Sports seminar.

As Handling commented, "The seminar helps area practitioners keep current in the field and maintain their certifications, and gives our students a concrete experience which makes them aware of a very important aspect of the field: the need for continuing professional development."

The University of Delaware is recognized by the Board of Certification Inc. to offer 8.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to certified athletic trainers for completion of this program. The program is also approved for physical therapy continuing education credits by the Delaware Examining Board of Physical Therapists (0.8 CEUs). Application has been made, and approval is anticipated, for CEUs from the Pennsylvania State Board of Physical Therapy (8.0 CEUs) and Maryland State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (0.8 CEUs). Physical therapists practicing in other states should contact their state examining board to verify whether this seminar is approved for credit.

This conference is recommended for physical therapists, team and family physicians, athletic trainers, coaches, fitness club personnel, and students or school personnel involved in physical education, recreation and physical fitness programs. There is a group rate for two or more registrations from one school, team, or other organization.

The Medical Aspects of Sports seminar is co-sponsored by UD’s Intercollegiate Athletics Program and the Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, in cooperation with the Division of Professional and Continuing Studies.

The early registration rate of $195 is available through Jan. 27. Full-time matriculated students may register for only $80.

For more information about this program call 302-831-3474, see the website or write to continuing-ed@udel.edu.