My clinical work as an SLP involved the treatment of speech, language, and swallowing disorders in adult and geriatric populations in skilled nursing facilities. I treated people with aphasia, right-hemisphere communication disorders, dysarthria, language disorders from dementing illnesses, stuttering, and stroke-related swallowing disorders. I was always the sole staff SLP, with dual roles of managing and treating a caseload. This work allowed me to develop broad treatment, administrative, communication, and mentoring skills.
As an SLP, I interpreted and applied the current research in speech-language pathology, in particular the theoretical and clinical research on the effects of stroke and dementing illnesses on communication and swallowing function on many levels. The most obvious was the application of research to my own understanding of a patient's disorder and a patient's treatment plan. Beyond this, I interpreted research for other staff members, from doctors, nurses, and other rehabilitation professionals to the dietary and activities departments. Through this, I developed the invaluable skill of disseminating information about communication and swallowing disorders in a widely accessible way.
In addition, I have extensive experience in service delivery under Medicare and HMOs, including the coordination of speech-language pathology with medical, nursing, and physical and occupational therapy services.