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CU-Lock Haven graduate student completes 2 clinical internships prior to graduation

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. (07/01/2025) — Commonwealth University-Lock Haven athletic training graduate student, Zack Chowansky, of Ringtown, chose to stay close to home to complete his clinical internship at his alma mater, North Schuylkill High School (NSHS), prior to graduating from CU this spring.

Chowansky was first introduced to the sports medicine field by athletic trainer and clinical immersion preceptor at North Schuylkill High School, Megan Yesalusky, LAT, ATC. Following high school, Chowansky attended Millersville University to pursue a 3+2 athletic training program, where he continued to build on his passion for sports medicine alongside Lock Haven University athletic training alumni, Ryan McGovern '14 and Katie Parmer '04.

In addition to completing his clinical immersion at North Schuylkill High School, Chowansky gained valuable hours as a student at Integrated Orthopedic Specialists (IOS) in Pottsville, working with Dr. Jason Phillips and Brandon Oswald, PA-C.

Chowansky said having clinical responsibilities at both NSHS and IOS made him stronger as an athletic trainer and healthcare provider. "I thoroughly enjoyed each moment I was at clinical," he said. "Every day was a new experience and a new opportunity to learn from standout providers. I was able to refine my skills as a student healthcare provider in a setting that I was comfortable with, while also being challenged on a daily basis. I am appreciative of both clinical sites who have given me invaluable experience in preparation for my professional career."

During most weekday mornings, Chowansky was in the clinic performing rounds with his supervising preceptors and completing various musculoskeletal evaluations on shoulder, knee, elbow and hip pathologies; interpreting various imaging results; formulating treatment programs; having surgical consultations; and helping assist patients out of exam rooms.

"Zack was an excellent student," Phillips said. "He quickly became an integral part of our clinic, grasping complex orthopedic concepts with ease and was clearly a critical thinker. He developed a great rapport with our patients and brought a tremendous amount of inquisitiveness to the clinic."

During most afternoons and evenings at NSHS, Chowansky worked alongside Yesalusky and Leah Pastal and, with guided supervision, was given athletic training duties with the student-athletes at North Schuylkill. "Having that built in connection with Meg made this immersion seamless," Chowansky said. "It was like I never left, except I was no longer a student athlete, I was a student healthcare provider assisting her."

Chowansky gained more than 250 hours working primarily with wrestling, basketball, baseball, softball and track and field. During his time at NSHS, he performed multiple orthopedic evaluations, various rehabilitations, assisted with game coverage and was an integral part of the St. Luke's Health Network.

"I told Megan before I started that I would like to have the opportunity to do a full continuity of care from athletic injury on field to a doctor's office visit in the clinic," Chowansky said. After evaluating a knee injury during a softball game, Chowansky and Pastal deemed an orthopedic consultation was needed to diagnose the injury. The student saw a doctor at Integrated Orthopedic Specialists where Chowansky had completed his second immersion.

Through his experiences, Chowansky was able to accurately on-field diagnose, complete a consult in the clinic with the help of various imaging techniques and recommend the necessary treatment for this patient.

"Extremely unfortunate for the athlete, but for the first time in my professional career I was able to perform full circle care for an individual," Chowansky said. "I was able to isolate the injury through evaluation and it was confirmed through MRI the very next day. It was a great feeling knowing that I learned the skills and competency to practice and provide care with independence and confidence someday."

"The clinical immersion placement exceeded my expectations and I am looking forward to starting PA school with the knowledge I have gained from the CU-Lock Haven athletic training program," he added. "Lock Haven has truly been a blessing to me and I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for me."

Chowansky plans to continue his education at CU-Lock Haven in the physician associate studies graduate program.

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