Dr. Phyllis M. Palmer, a leading voice in dysphagia research, and Aaron H. Padilla, a practicing clinical SLP, join host Sarah Baar to explore how dysphagia management is evolving and why that matters for your daily practice. Together, they dig into clinical gray areas, from navigating thickened liquids to balancing patient safety with quality of life. The discussion also highlights how the BOLUS framework offers a practical, evidence-informed tool to support individualized decision-making at the bedside. If you’ve ever questioned your go-to strategies, this conversation is for you.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the evidence on individual differences in dysphagia management using the BOLUS framework
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to address modifiable factors in dysphagia management, such as oral care and smoking status

• Solve case scenarios involving patients who aspirate, with emphasis on factors that increase the risk of poor outcomes
  

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:00:05) Introduction to dysphagia management
• (00:03:40) Evolution of dysphagia practices
• (00:05:29) The importance of individualized care
• (00:12:15) Navigating changes in clinical practices
• (00:15:15) Introducing the BOLUS framework
• (00:20:30) Understanding bolus variables
• (00:29:20) Oral health—the foundation of dysphagia management
• (00:35:40) Lifestyle and activity levels in dysphagia management
• (00:39:50) Unintended influences in clinical practice
• (00:44:40) Understanding system status in dysphagia management
• (00:48:30) Actionable takeaways for clinicians

Speech Scope is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Speech Scope, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/speech-scope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Allison Hilger, PhD, CCC-SLP, joins host Sarah Baar to explore the Colorado Motor Speech Framework—a free, easy-to-use tool for assessing motor speech disorders. Together, they discuss how it supports clinical decision-making and simplifies dysarthria diagnosis. Tune in for practical tips you can bring to your next evaluation.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the evidence around motor speech/dysarthria assessment

• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address diagnosing motor speech disorders and dysarthria subtyping, as well as logging perceptual observations of the patient’s speech
• Solve patient case scenarios involving unclear motor speech diagnoses, such as mixed dysarthria subtypes

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:00:05) Introduction to the Colorado motor speech framework
• (00:02:53) The need for a new assessment tool
• (00:05:55) Development of the Colorado motor speech framework
• (00:08:23) Understanding dysarthria and its subtypes
• (00:11:33) How to use the Colorado motor speech framework
• (00:14:11) Clinical applications and settings for the framework
• (00:21:15) Differential diagnosis in motor speech disorders
• (00:28:02) The importance of individualized treatment goals
• (00:36:23) Actionable takeaways
• (00:40:16) Real-world clinical examples and wins
• (00:45:40) Final thoughts

Speech Scope is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Speech Scope, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/speech-scope⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Brooke McGivern, MS, CCC-SLP, joins host Sarah Baar to explore the power of proactive dysphagia intervention for individuals with head and neck cancer. Together, they break down key strategies for supporting swallowing function before, during, and after treatment. Tune in to learn how you can implement evidence-based care that empowers your patients and improves long-term outcomes.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the evidence around proactive intervention to address dysphagia secondary to head and neck cancer

• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address acute and chronic issues resulting in dysphagia for individuals with head and neck cancer
• Solve patient case scenarios involving multiple underlying causes of dysphagia for people with head and neck cancer

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:00:49) Introduction to proactive dysphagia intervention
• (00:03:06) Understanding head and neck cancer and dysphagia
• (00:05:51) The importance of early intervention
• (00:09:08) Proactive treatment strategies for dysphagia
• (00:11:50) Patient-centered approaches in therapy
• (00:15:08) Managing lymphedema and swallowing issues
• (00:17:59) Interdisciplinary collaboration for better outcomes
• (00:20:46) Real-world applications and case studies
• (00:24:01) Overcoming barriers in clinical practice
• (00:26:58) Final thoughts and key takeaways

Speech Scope is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Speech Scope, visit ⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/speech-scope⁠⁠⁠

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Marta Kazandjian, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, NBC-HWC, F-ASHA, and Dr. Cynthia X. Pan, MD, FACP, AGSF, join host Sarah Baar to explore why swallowing and communication are critical components of quality palliative care. Together, they share how speech-language pathologists can lead early conversations, align care with patient values, and make a bigger impact on interdisciplinary teams. Join us to learn practical strategies you can use to support whole-person care for patients with serious illness.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the evidence around CAPC’s “Clinical Training Recommendations for Speech-Language Pathologists Caring for Patients with Serious Illness”
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to address patient care issues, such as avoiding premature NPO orders, aligning care with patient values, and initiating early, inclusive serious illness conversations with a team approach
• Solve patient case scenarios involving patients with serious illness in need of palliative care and SLP expertise

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome

• (00:00:55) Understanding palliative care
• (00:08:10) Defining palliative care
• (00:10:45) The role of SLPs in palliative care
• (00:17:04) Interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare
• (00:22:44) The PARTNERS framework for serious illness conversations
• (00:28:11) The importance of prognosis in healthcare
• (00:32:00) Navigating serious illness conversations
• (00:39:12) Interdisciplinary communication in palliative care
• (00:44:51) Empowering patient voices in decision-making
• (00:48:13) Actionable takeaways for SLPs in palliative care

Speech Scope is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Speech Scope, visit ⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/speech-scope⁠⁠

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Dr. Carolyn Baylor, PhD, CCC-SLP—creator of the Framework for Participation-Focused Intervention and expert in motor speech disorders—joins host Sarah Baar to explore how clinicians can prioritize life participation in dysarthria intervention. Together, they unpack how to set meaningful goals, measure real-world outcomes, and move beyond the drill-and-repeat rut. If you’re ready to help clients reconnect with what matters most, this episode offers the practical strategies to get you started.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the evidence supporting participation-based approaches to intervention
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address barriers clients face to full participation in the communication aspects of their lives
• Solve patient case scenarios involving participation-based interventions for dysarthria

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome

• (00:01:30) Introduction to guest, Dr. Carolyn Baylor
• (00:03:30) The clinical motivation behind the framework
• (00:06:50) Understanding the framework: a practical approach
• (00:12:10) Identifying ideal clients for the framework
• (00:16:10) Assessment strategies for participation-focused therapy
• (00:19:30) Setting goals: from participation to outcomes
• (00:22:00) Engaging clients in goal setting
• (00:23:10) Real-life applications and client stories
• (00:24:40) Balancing participation and impairment goals
• (00:27:30) Environmental accessibility in therapy
• (00:31:15) Wild card question
• (00:32:40) Effective intervention strategies
• (00:37:06) Patient and family compliance/push back
• (00:41:34) Actionable takeaways for clinicians
• (00:47:30) Empowering clinicians in therapy

Speech Scope is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Speech Scope, visit ⁠https://www.medbridge.com/speech-scope⁠

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Dr. Peter Meulenbroek, PhD, MSCI, CCC-SLP, joins host Sarah Baar to explore how SLPs can help patients with TBI return to work. They discuss assessment, intervention, and workplace advocacy, sharing practical strategies for supporting cognitive-communication and social skills on the job. Tune in for actionable takeaways to help your clients succeed.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the evidence around the parameters of the workplace and your client to cover before return to work
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address social communication, cognitive-communication, and language challenges related to workplace activities
• Solve patient case scenarios involving identifying concerns with the workplace and the social interactions within it

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome

• (00:00:55) Introduction to returning to work in speech therapy

• (00:03:50) The importance of meaningful work
• (00:06:25) Understanding client goals and challenges
• (00:10:12) Vocational rehabilitation approaches
• (00:13:17) Interprofessional collaboration in rehabilitation
• (00:19:34) Assessment strategies for return to work
• (00:26:20) Setting goals for clients
• (00:28:06) Social communication and pragmatics in therapy
• (00:30:01) Therapeutic interventions and evidence-based practices
• (00:43:15) Case study: Jason's journey to employment
• (00:48:15) Final thoughts on the role of SLPs in vocational rehab

Speech Scope is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Speech Scope, visit https://www.medbridge.com/speech-scope

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Dr. Nina Benway, PhD, CCC-SLP, an expert in artificial intelligence (AI) and speech therapy, joins host Sarah Baar, MA, CCC-SLP, to explore AI’s role in treating speech sound disorders. AI is rapidly transforming healthcare, but what does that mean for speech-language pathologists? Together, Sarah and Nina discuss the latest research, ethical considerations, and practical strategies for evaluating AI tools in clinical practice.

Learning Objectives

• Interpret the evidence around AI-based speech therapy
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address the ethical use of AI-based speech therapy
• Solve patient case scenarios involving the ethical use of AI-based speech therapy

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:01:31) Understanding AI and its application
• (00:04:37) Clinical AI definitions and levels
• (00:09:00) AI possibilities in the context of ethical clinical decisions
• (00:20:26) Ethical considerations in AI usage
• (00:23:44) Motor learning principles in AI research
• (00:27:11) Practical application of AI in therapy
• (00:30:05) Actionable takeaways for clinicians
• (00:31:35) Case example
• (00:35:41) The research process and future directions

Resources Mentioned in Episode

• Artificial Intelligence–Assisted Speech Therapy: A Single-Case Experimental Study

• Speech Production Lab

• Speech Motor Training

Speech Scope is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Speech Scope, visit https://www.medbridge.com/speech-scope

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Brooke Richardson, MS, CCC-SLP, medical SLP, and founder of Breathehab, joins hostSarah Baar, MA, CCC-SLP, to discuss respiratory muscle training (RMT) for neurodegenerative conditions. They explore evidence-based strategies, recent research, and practical tools to improve outcomes like swallowing, speech, and exercise.

Learning Objectives

• Interpret the evidence around respiratory muscle training in neurodegenerative disease
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to address clinical decision-making for occupation-centered respiratory muscle training interventions, focusing on enhancing participation in meaningful activities for individuals with neurodegenerative diseases
• Solve patient case scenarios involving considerations of neurodegenerative diseases and implementation of respiratory muscle training

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:00:30) Introduction toSpeech Scope and guest introduction
• (00:05:10) Understanding functional voice disorders
• (00:09:15) Recent research on functional voice disorders
• (00:13:29) Assessment techniques for functional voice disorders
• (00:19:05) Treatment approaches for functional voice disorders
• (00:25:28) Common mistakes in treating functional voice disorders
• (00:30:00) Actionable takeaways for clinicians
• (00:32:53) Case studies and practical applications
• (00:39:30) Final thoughts and inspiration

Speech Scope is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Speech Scope, visit https://www.medbridge.com/speech-scope

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Join host Sarah Baar as she welcomes Dr. Adam T. Lloyd, a clinical assistant professor in otolaryngology and vocal performance at the University of Miami Health System. With his unique background as a professional singer and expert in voice disorders, Adam shares his passion for helping individuals with functional voice disorders regain their voice and confidence. Together, we explore the latest research, essential assessment strategies, and evidence-based treatments that SLPs like you can implement in your practice. Don’t miss this engaging conversation packed with practical insights to expand your voice therapy toolbox and empower your patients.

Learning Objectives

• Interpret the evidence around speech-language pathology treatment of functional voice disorders
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address dysphonia associated with functional etiologies
• Solve patient case scenarios involving muscle tension dysphonia, functional aphonia, and secondary functional dysphonia

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:00:30) Introduction to Speech Scope and guest introduction
• (00:05:10) Understanding functional voice disorders
• (00:09:15) Recent research on functional voice disorders
• (00:13:29) Assessment techniques for functional voice disorders
• (00:19:05) Treatment approaches for functional voice disorders
• (00:25:28) Common mistakes in treating functional voice disorders
• (00:30:00) Actionable takeaways for clinicians
• (00:32:53) Case studies and practical applications
• (00:39:30) Final thoughts and inspiration

Speech Scope is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Speech Scope, visit https://www.medbridge.com/speech-scope

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Join host Sarah Baar as we welcome Dr. Tabia Pope, an expert in the areas of athlete brain health and sports concussion management. In this episode, Dr. Pope shares with us her journey from collegiate sports to spearheading interprofessional education through her nonprofit, Head to Speech, which emphasizes the critical role of SLPs in concussion care. The discussion delves into essential strategies for bridging gaps between athletic trainers and speech-language pathologists to enhance proactive care and support adult athletes in return to play and return to learning. Discover research highlights, collaborative models, and actionable strategies that redefine how SLPs and ATCs can work together in sports concussion management.

Learning Objectives

• Interpret the evidence around interprofessional education and collaboration
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address concussion management, return to play, and return to learning
• Solve patient case scenarios involving collegiate student-athletes

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:02:04) Personal journey into concussion management
• (00:04:23) Understanding the importance of concussion care
• (00:08:41) Interprofessional collaboration between speech-language pathologists and athletic trainers in concussion management
• (00:12:01) The role of SLPs in sports rehab
• (00:16:19) Research insights on concussion management
• (00:20:51) Practical applications of concussion protocols
• (00:26:11) Assessment strategies for concussion recovery
• (00:32:49) Current treatment trends in concussion care
• (00:35:27) The concept of prehabilitation
• (00:38:30) Building interprofessional networks
• (00:42:40) Actionable takeaways for clinicians
• (00:44:38) Case study: collaborative care in action
• (00:51:32) Final words of wisdom

Resources Mentioned in Episode

• Head to Speech, Incorporated
• Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 6 (SCAT6)
• Cognitive-Communication Checklist for Acquired Brain Injury (CCCABI)

Speech Scope is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Speech Scope, visit https://www.medbridge.com/speech-scope

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/