Diagnostic Ultrasound: An Athletic Trainers Guide to Clinical Use

Stephen Thomas is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Exercise Science Department at Thomas Jefferson University. He completed his undergraduate and master’s degree in Kinesiology, at Temple University. He then earned his Ph.D. in Biomechanics & Movement Science at the University of Delaware. Dr. Thomas received an NIH F32 postdoctoral research fellowship in the bioengineering of tendon at the McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Thomas has research expertise in the adaptation of tissues to stress and overuse specifically at the shoulder. He is the current President of the American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Therapists. He is also a consultant for the Philadelphia Phillies and the Penn Throwing Clinic. His training in both basic science and applied research methods allows him to address clinically relevant questions with translation approaches thereby bridging the gap between bench and bedside. His initial work has contributed to the understanding of tissue adaptations in throwing athletes and how they relate to overuse shoulder injuries using novel diagnostic ultrasound methods. In addition, his basic science work studying the tissue and biologic adaptations to chronic rotator cuff tears and the effects of type II diabetes has also helped progress the current field. His current research agenda is two-fold and includes integration of translational research to investigate 1) the structural and biologic mechanisms governing soft tissue adaptation caused by the repetitive stress of throwing and the association with throwing biomechanics and 2) the structural, neuromuscular, and biologic adaptations occurring due to chronic rotator cuff tears and repairs.

John Persinger, BA, RDMS, RMSKS, CTT+, has more than 35 years of experience in radiology and imaging.  In June of 1985, John enlisted in the US Army, where he served as a radiologic technologist and received training in ultrasound in 1987. 

During the course of his career in ultrasound, John has worked as a staff sonographer in military and civilian community hospitals and imaging centers.  For 17 years, he served as supervisor of the ultrasound section at Madigan Army Medical Center.  As a clinical education specialist for Philips, John taught MSK and general ultrasound courses at regional symposia, education centers, and customer on-site events.

Prior to launching JP MSK Ultrasound, John was hired by the Geneva Foundation in support of the Musculoskeletal Injury Rehabilitation Research for Operational Readiness (MIRROR) program where he provided ultrasound support to musculoskeletal research in the DOD.

He is registered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARMDS) in abdominal, obstetric/gynecological, and musculoskeletal imaging.  As an ARDMS subject matter expert, John serves on the ARDMS Musculoskeletal Items Writing and Development Committee and the Musculoskeletal Standards and Assessment Committee.

John has a passion for sharing his experience with others, having served as a clinical instructor, trained military sonographers, and assisted in the education of medical students, residents, and fellows.  He holds an appointment as a research associate professor in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Uniformed Services University (USU) in Bethesda, Maryland.