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Who or what inspired you to pursue your field?

I knew I wanted to work in the medical field and was interested in rehabilitation professions. After spending some time learning about the rehab professions, I decided to become a speech-language pathologist based on the types of interventions we provide.

What made you choose NYMC?

I chose NYMC specifically because of the dedicated medical track, as I knew I wanted a career in a medical setting. At the time, there were not a lot of masters SLP programs that offered dedicated medical classes and externships.

What is your fondest memory of your time at NYMC?

I have very fond memories of spending time with the friends I made in the SLP program–friendships that continue to this day.

Briefly describe your current role/fellowship

I am currently a post-doctoral fellow at Northwestern University working primarily in the Swallowing Cross-Systems Collaborative lab under the mentorship of Bonnie Martin-Harris, Ph.D. I am additionally affiliated with the Esophageal Function Lab with John Pandolfino, M.D. In both labs, I work on researching different aspects of swallowing disorders and how respiratory-swallowing disorders manifest in different patient populations.

How would you describe your time as a clinical SLP?

After completing a clinical fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic, I returned home to Buffalo, New York, where I worked for the Catholic Health System for seven years in various settings including acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, subacute rehabilitation and skilled nursing, as well as outpatient. I also worked for three years as a per-diem acute care SLP at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. As a clinical SLP I never got tired of the type of critical thinking and problem-solving involved in helping to diagnose and treat patients with dysphagia. I really enjoy the ways in which an SLP can help bridge knowledge and practice gaps between specialties and help to foster interdisciplinary collaborations, especially in acute care. It was these clinical experiences that actually motivated me to pursue a career as a clinical and translational researcher to help clinical SLP’s make the best, most informed decisions about their patients. All of my best research questions have come from real-life experiences where I have stood in patient’s room and wished that I had more information about the nature of their dysphagia and how to treat them.

What do you find most rewarding about your field?

Working with patients with swallowing disorders can be challenging but can also be exceptionally rewarding. There is no feeling better than to be able to tell someone that they can start eating or drinking again after a prolonged period without being able to do either. Now, as a researcher, I get to contribute to the field and help us to better understand swallowing and swallowing disorders.

What is your proudest accomplishment involving your field?

I am very proud of having gone back to get a Ph.D. after working for so long as a clinical SLP. It wasn’t an easy transition, but it was absolutely the right decision for me.

Based on your experiences, what advice would you give to current or future students at NYMC?

Always think of yourself as a student because there is always more to learn–no matter how long you spend in the field.

Outside of work, where are you most likely to be found/what are you most likely to be doing?

I’m happiest outside. Most likely you can find me walking or running on the Chicago Lakefront Trail along Lake Michigan.