The knowledge and hands-on experience you gain in graduate school is invaluable, and it is important to have a strong academic and clinical foundation as you enter the workforce. However, textbook definitions of communication disorders are not enough to provide meaningful, patient specific therapy. By incorporating techniques such as ethnographic interviewing and patient-centered care and utilizing patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), we can discover that our patients are more than (and don’t often fit) the textbook definition. You’re going to learn so much in graduate school, but our patients aren’t textbook. They will, however, be the ones who teach you the most. Show notes with lots of awesome resources: https://www.speechuncensored.com/podcastepisodes/145

As a specialist we enter a team with our own agenda and expertise related to our field. Most speech-language pathologists find themselves on a team of other specialists and family members who bring their own agenda and expertise to the table. In order to collaborate effectively as a team we must take the perspective, or step into another person’s point of view, of the other team members. Considering multiple perspectives facilitates mutual goal setting and intervention related to an individual’s needs.  Check out the show notes for access to more resources! https://www.speechuncensored.com/podcastepisodes/144

Childhood cancer patients are surviving longer that ever before but continue to experience chronic illness and life-altering deficits from their cancer and it’s treatment. We have to shift our focus from just helping these patients survive to helping patients thrive after cancer. Survivorship has unique implications for speech-language pathologists. Check out what Kristin has to say on this topic and be sure to look into the resources provided on https://www.speechuncensored.com/podcastepisodes/143

As we learn, mistakes are expected. However, as SLPs in-training, we are also expected to maintain professional communication and be open to critique. Learning how to be wrong in the right way can help build your confidence while allowing you to develop professionally. It can be hard to be wrong, especially when learning. But, being wrong in the right way can preserve your confidence and give you space to develop professionally. Check out additional resources at https://www.speechuncensored.com/podcastepisodes/142

Successful clinicians working in healthcare settings possess more than just clinical knowledge and expertise; they also excel at Active Listening. Composed of a series of verbal and non-verbal actions, Active Listening is a key communication behavior that reflects engagement, establishes trust, and conveys respect and understanding. Active listening skills are essential tools for therapist-patient interactions but are also invaluable for a wide variety of professional and personal communication interactions. Check out additional resources to learn more at speechuncensored.com/podcastepisodes/141

Sarah Baar is guest hosting this episode of the Speech Uncensored Podcast and her guest is Michelle Bourgeois! Meaningful speech therapy for dementia is possible! Using a person-centered philosophy is supported by research. Sarah and Michelle dive into assessment, goals, and treatment with this approach. Check out https://www.speechuncensored.com/podcastepisodes/140 to access an incredible list of links and resources, the discussion guide, and more!

Rinki joins Leigh Ann to chat about education vs expertise, advocacy, and impact. Check out https://www.speechuncensored.com/podcastepisodes/139 for more info!

Do you as a clinician ever feel like you’re recommending dysphagia diets and exercises, not knowing if you’re taking the best therapeutic approach for your patients? Does your workplace give pushback when you recommend dysphagia instrumental assessments? Allie and George are here to provide you with a step by step guide on how to get access to mobile FEES services in your clinical setting. After all, you can’t fix what you can’t see! Check out https://www.speechuncensored.com/podcastepisodes/138 to access resources provided by Allie and George, the discussion guide for your very own Table Talk experience, and more!

Isabel Ramati joins Leigh Ann this week to discuss our role and responsibilities when conducting outpatient video swallow studies (may apply to FEES as well), how to obtain all relevant information needed for a comprehensive assessment, and factors to consider when making recommendations. Visit https://www.speechuncensored.com/podcastepisodes/137 to access resources, the discussion guide, and more tools for your SLP practice. 

Kara discusses her experience as a SLP graduate student turned patient, and how that experience shaped her SLP career. She talks about how she navigated graduate school with a brain injury, what helped her recovery the most, and how she now uses that experience to provide holistic and functional treatment for her patients. Visit https://www.speechuncensored.com/podcastepisodes/136 to access the show notes for resources mentioned in the episode and the Discussion Guide for your Uncensored Table Talks!