S7E6 - Treating Medical Cases Through Telepractice

This episode explores the challenges of communicating effectively with the administration about overwhelming caseloads. Our anonymous guest shares the struggle of articulating the impact on job efficiency. Plus, we'll explore why many clinicians might opt for compliance over confrontation.

This episode dives into the challenges faced by new and seasoned speech-language pathologists (SLPs) as they navigate the often turbulent waters of school-based therapy. We will explore a range of issues, from “bullying” co-workers to unexpected caseload expansions. Join us for insights into maintaining compassionate communication amidst chaos and strategies for standing up for your professional well-being. Learn how to weather the storm and shift towards a more supportive and fulfilling work environment.

In this first episode of the miniseries, join host Stephanie Michele Sweigart | MS, CCC-SLP, as she explores solutions and inspires listeners to cultivate compassionate communication in their lives. Guided by core values of empathy, authenticity, and growth, practical tools and insights will be provided that empower individuals to navigate work challenges with understanding and resilience. The goal is to promote positive change, foster personal and professional growth, and build a community centered around compassionate communication in a safe and supportive space.

Guest: Gila Cohen-Shaw, MA, CCC-SLP - This episode delves into the practical methods and myriad benefits of integrating mindfulness and movement practices into your routine as a clinician. Exploring how these practices contribute to heightened focus, reduced stress, and increased emotional resilience, as well as emphasizes the pivotal role of self-care in optimizing your abilities as an SLP. By cultivating mindfulness, you're equipped to offer better support to your clients and maintain a sustainable, impactful practice.

Guest: Marileda Cattelan Tome, Ph.D., CCC-SLP - This Making Sense of Myo episode features Dr. Cattelan Tome, who explains the importance of malocclusion on speech and swallowing functioning. She then dives into treatment planning for myofunctional disorders.

Guest: Lauren Calendruccio, Ph.D., CCC-A - This podcast will provide listeners with information about the ethical requirements for research participants’ informed consent, ethical issues related to publication of research findings, culturally appropriate approaches to research design and implementation, confidentiality and security of research information, pre-registration of research studies, and ASHA’s Code of Ethics principles and rules on the conduct and use of research.

Guest: Lynne Brady Wagner, MA, CCC-SLP - This podcast will provide listeners with information about the foundational principles of ASHA’s Code of Ethics, ethical issues surrounding palliative care and patient safety, the relationship between ethics and cultural competence and cultural sensitivity in medical speech-language pathology practice, and ethical issues that can arise from poor decision making in medical practice.

Guest: Piya Gandhi, DDS - Dr. Gandhi, a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist, shares the impacts tethered oral tissues can have on oral functioning. Dr. Gandhi shares her “Function First” model for diagnosing tongue and lip ties and the process of frenectomies. Throughout the episode, Dr. Gandhi shares the importance of interdisciplinary care for frenectomies and how she collaborates with SLPs throughout the process.

Guest: Melissa Vagts, MSP, CCC-SLP, - This episode explores how knowledge of orofacial myology allows speech pathologists to effectively use differential diagnosis to determine the best care plan for their patients. Melissa explains when a myofunctional approach would not be appropriate and the qualifications a patient needs to effectively participate in a myofunctional program. Melissa wraps up this episode by sharing ways knowledge of typical oromyofunction can allow SLPs to modify treatment approaches to include myofunctional concepts to support speech and swallowing skills.

Guest: Char Boshart, MA, CCC-SLP - This episode features a practical and informative perspective of myofunctional therapy for speech sound disorders and the oral stage of swallowing. Char discusses “myo” treatment from three points of view. She covers the rationale behind myo (and why sometimes its treatment validity is unfairly questioned) and, most importantly, outlines the essential components of myofunctional therapy.