Guest: Megan Battles Parsons, PhD, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by Dr. Megan Battles Parsons to discuss a framework for structuring clinical practicums that empowers students to increase knowledge and active participation in their education. How can one devise a mentor/mentee educational program? What key components have proven successful in this type of program? Join Renee and Megan as we discuss ways SLPs can implement educational strategies in other clinical roles, including patient education.

In this episode, Renee reviews two very different aphasia case studies:

Case study 1: a 40-year-old patient who had a stroke post chemo/radiation for stage 4 lung cancer with global aphasia.

Case Study 2: a 53-year-old patient who had a stroke after foot surgery 3 years ago and was in SNF when the world shut down. She had no therapy for a YEAR, and she could not leave the SNF. Once home, she used a wheelchair and had significant expressive and receptive language deficits due to aphasia.

Join Renee as she reviews how co-morbidities impact recovery, access to medical care and therapy in the acute phase of stroke, the importance of stroke education, and both effective and ineffective therapeutic interventions.

Guest: Brooke Beilman, MS, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by Brooke to discuss journeys with the head and neck cancer population. Brooke will review the speech pathologist's role in HNC, including a review of the scope of practice and understanding of the importance of prophylactic care. Renee and Brooke will discuss identifying the root etiology of swallow dysfunction and the role lymphatics play in acute and chronic swallow dysfunction. A review of relevant historical, current, and future research is included, as well as ways we, as SLPs, can advocate for our patients. Join Renee and Brooke for an hour of fast-paced information and research into the “unchartered waters.”

Guest: Stephanie Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by Stephanie to discuss compassionate communication strategies. Whether you are utilizing these strategies in therapy, with caregivers or colleagues and multi-disciplinary teams, we can build the skills needed to enhance collaboration and innovation. What does the 4-step pathway entail? How can we, as SLPs, remain non-reactive when tough situations or conversations occur? Join Renee and Stephanie for an interactive and empowering delve into compassionate communication!

Guest: Jackie Rodriguez, MS, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by Jackie to discuss cultural considerations in a variety of SLP treatments. Renee and Jackie will also discuss dialectal density and how it impacts the assessment of patients with suspected motor speech disorder. Being aware of how to navigate a patient’s SDOH and how that impacts patient education and treatment is an important component of an ethical-based treatment model. Join Renee and Jackie for an information-packed hour of learning and resources.

Guest: Terresa Ross, MS, CCC-SLP -In this episode, Renee is joined by Terresa to discuss ethics, shared decision-making, and informed consent when evaluating and treating patients with dysphagia. We will also discuss advocacy for patient choice in relation to patients/caregivers and the medical team. Join Renee and Terresa as they discuss practical applications of these concepts with case studies.

Guest: George Barnes, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S - In this episode, Renee is joined by George to discuss dysphagia care and how SLPs can improve clinical decision-making. How do we, as SLPs, make decisions? Are we providing all options to patients or simply making a “solid” recommendation? We will discuss utilizing research-based practices to reduce mistakes while dispelling some common practices and myths surrounding dysphagia care. We will also use these strategies to review case studies, providing real-time takeaways for the practicing clinician.

Guest: Adria Thompson, MA, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by Adria to discuss how we, as SLPs provide dementia care to patients/clients and how we provide support to caregivers. We explore everything from communication strategies to mealtime interventions and many things in between. Both Renee and Adria have a close family member with dementia, so this discussion is near and dear to our hearts. Join us for an inspiring hour of discussion and learning.

Guest: Alison Barclift, MSEd, CCC-SLP - One misconception is that once children grow into adults, their needs diminish. For some autistic people, that is true. However, legal and caregiver concerns change and are not widely known outside the autistic community. So, join Renee and Alison, who have worked with autism across the lifespan for 20 years, for this educational and empowering hour for SLPs and families/caregivers of autistic adults.

Guest: Natalie F. Douglas PhD, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Renee is joined by Dr. Natalie F. Douglas, a speech-language pathologist and professor at Central Michigan University. Dr. Douglas’s research focuses on bridging gaps between clinical research and the needs of practicing clinicians, empowering them to provide research-based interventions to their patients/clients. Dr. Douglas joins Renee to review current research initiatives and provide strategies and training for patients, healthcare providers, and caregivers who are navigating communication disorders related to neurological disorders.