Shepherd School District

As we are rapidly approaching the start of the school year & are already into practices for Fall sports, I thought I would send out a quick email. For those of you that don’t know I am Jodie your athletic trainer & I come Tuesdays & Fridays throughout the school year. Athletes can sign themselves up to see me or any coach, teacher or parent can place an athlete on the list in the high school office. Please have all sign-ups done before school begins for the day. Athletes are then called out of class when I arrive. Each athlete receives a 2 part note (copy for parents & copy for school – coach & or PE). I am always happy to answer questions & my contact information is on each of these sheets.

Ortho Montana does have a walk in clinic for acute (NEW) injuries – NO CONCUSSIONS, dislocations (still out) or open fractures (bones sticking out of skin). Hours are 10am -7pm M-F & this clinic is typically staffed by Nick Smith, PA-C  (no relation). Appointments can always be scheduled with our sports medicine physicians: Dr Elliott, Dr Klepps, Dr Bentley, Dr Phipps & Dr Hoffman by calling 237-5050.

I refer all athletes with a concussion to physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner. It is often advantageous for parents to call & schedule these appointments before they see me as it can take several days to get into a healthcare provider. I can see then my next visit to the school & start on appropriate place in plan based on symptoms &  help guide the return to play. ImPACT test is a tool to guide return to play & at times to help determine needed academic accommodations/modifications. It is not a diagnostic tool. Walk-in clinics can diagnose a concussion but will prefer athletes to another healthcare provider for further treatment so just scheduling an appointment tends to save a step. Of course use the Emergency room as appropriate for any serious injuries including head injuries, dislocations, broken bones, stitches, etc.

1.       How to sign up an athlete to see me

a.       There is a list in your high school office. Please have athletes on the list by start of school on days that I come.

b.      Coaches, parents, athletes & teachers can sign-up athletes

2.       Days of visits

a.       Tuesday – HP, Shepherd, Roundup, Grass Range & Fergus

c.       Fridays – HP, Shepherd, Roundup

d.      I will let you know of changes which tend to happen post season, between seasons, before school vacations/holidays, Spring season & weather

3.       Ortho Montana Urgent Care

a.       Hours 10am-7pm M-F

b.      New injuries

c.       No concussions please

d.      We no longer have our Bump Clinic for athletes

4.       Ortho Montana appointment line 406-237-5050