Dr. Lopez’s RISE works with Sacred Heart University MS ATC Students to Conduct Injury Surveillance at 2024 New York Sevens Invitational

The Research Institute of Sports and Exercise (RISE), under the leadership of Dr. Victor Lopez Jr., collaborated with Sacred Heart University’s Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program to deliver on-site injury surveillance and care at the 66th annual New York Sevens (NY7s) Rugby Tournament.

Held at Randall’s Island in New York City, the NY7s is one of the largest and longest-running rugby sevens tournaments in the Western Hemisphere. With over 155 teams and more than 1,700 athletes from across the U.S., Caribbean, and Europe, the event presents a fast-paced and high-volume environment for sports medicine professionals.

MSAT students from Sacred Heart were embedded in RISE’s high-functioning triage tent, where they worked side-by-side with specialists in orthopedics, sports medicine, trauma, and emergency care—including clinicians from Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). Under supervision, the students evaluated and treated a wide range of injuries such as concussions, dislocations, muscle strains, and fractures—gaining first-hand experience in acute injury management under real-world conditions.

“This was a major learning experience,” said Samantha McGann ’23. “We were trusted to use our clinical judgment in high-stakes scenarios, which pushed us to grow in confidence and skill. I also appreciated how much trust they had in us to practice our techniques as students.”

The collaboration exemplifies RISE’s mission to offer immersive, hands-on learning experiences that prepare the next generation of athletic trainers and sports medicine professionals. By integrating students into interdisciplinary care teams at real-world sporting events, RISE not only advances injury surveillance research but also helps shape future leaders in athlete health and safety.

Dr. Lopez, a longtime advocate for immersive clinical education, highlighted the importance of involving students directly in real-world sports medicine environments: “I think the more involved these future professionals knowledgeable in the sport are, who are well aware of the injury trends and necessary standards, the more we can provide a better level of care to the various playing cohorts.”

📖 To learn more, read the full feature in Sacred Heart University Magazine, Spring 2025.

Event Photos