Today@Sam Article

SHSU-COM Spurs Forward: Caring for Rodeo Athletes

Feb. 13, 2025
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd

By Brittany Foreman

As anticipation builds for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM) looks back on its participation at the SHSU Rodeo this past November. Spearheaded by Caroline Podvin, a second-year osteopathic medical student, SHSU-COM’s participation in the event highlighted the college’s dedication to rural healthcare and community service.

With a team of six second-year student doctors—Tyler Wood, Orlando Lopez, Harrison Blefield, Sara Saravanan, Carly Neill and Podvin—SHSU-COM provided sideline medical care for rodeo student-athletes. Under the supervision of SHSU-COM faculty member Peter Curka, D.O., the team offered osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and provided urgent injury evaluations in a dedicated medical tent. The team saw a variety of injuries, including fractures of the femur, humerus and clavicle, and used OMT to address limited range of motion and hypertonic musculature.

For Podvin, the rodeo wasn’t just about providing medical care—it was about advancing SHSU-COM’s mission to address rural health disparities. While the Houston Rodeo showcases the sport on a grand stage, many rodeos are smaller, community events.

“We are so fortunate to have access to ultrasound training and our osteopathic skillset, both of which work in great harmony for settings that might be resource-limited, such as sideline care for rural sporting events. Many programs boast exclusive opportunities for cutting-edge research in rare diseases, but they often neglect the 3 million Texans living in rural areas designated as health professional deserts or medically underserved,” Podvin said. “We are an accredited osteopathic medical school focused on optimizing health and accessibility in a way many Texas medical schools do not.”

Podvin's connection to agriculture and rodeo runs deep, with family roots in both cranberry farming in Wisconsin and Brahman cattle ranching in Texas. Childhood visits to the farm and connections to the rodeo world, including ties to renowned barrel racer Sherry Cervi, sparked a passion for the sport. Later, her work in sports medicine research at Texas Scottish Rite for Children reignited that spark for sports and rodeo.

After nearly a year of preparation in collaboration with Walker County EMS and SHSU Athletic Training, the team of student doctors ensured the highest standard of care for the student-athletes. The partnership with the SHSU Rodeo Team was a highlight for everyone involved.

“We wanted to support our Bearkat family while demonstrating how our osteopathic skillset and commitment to rural health can make a real impact,” Podvin said. “The athletes and coaches welcomed us with open arms. It was an honor to support these high-performance athletes who represent SHSU on a national stage.” 

The SHSU Rodeo isn’t just a moment in time—it’s the beginning of a broader commitment. The university’s new rodeo arena at Gibbs Ranch offers future opportunities for SHSU-COM to integrate rural prehospital medicine into its curriculum. 

“I learned so much from this experience. A huge point is that even in medical school you can make goals for yourself and achieve them,” Podvin said. “I was so fortunate to have support at every level in developing and executing this project. It taught me that asking a question can lead to achieving a lasting legacy, which is a living testament to our truth in serving rural Texans.”

As the SHSU-COM team reflects on its inaugural rodeo partnership, there is undeniable excitement for future events. The experience not only brought SHSU-COM’s mission to the arena but also inspired the next generation of physicians to take the reins in rural healthcare.

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