Clinical Fellowship Program

Welcome to the official webpage of the Voice, Swallowing, and Upper Airway-Specialized Speech Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship Program at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. As the sole interdisciplinary center in the region, we offer unparalleled expertise in the comprehensive management of voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders. Our program is an integral part of the Wake Forest University School of Medicine Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery with collaboration among nationally recognized experts including head and neck surgical oncologists, laryngologists, physician assistants, and specialized speech-language pathologists. Together, our team provides exceptional quality care to our patients, ensuring their well-being and optimal health outcomes.

Our 12-month full-time clinical fellowship position is designed to provide speech-language pathologists with comprehensive training in the specialized area of voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders. We offer a unique combination of comprehensive clinical skill training, didactics through the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, active engagement in research activities, and leadership opportunities in community outreach programs to ensure a well-rounded fellowship experience.

Our Mission

Our clinical fellowship program mission is to empower speech-language pathologists with specialized training in the management of voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders while equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and leadership abilities to provide exceptional patient care and become valuable contributors to the field of speech-language pathology. We are committed to fostering a collaborative learning environment that combines clinical excellence, advanced interdisciplinary education, research advancements, and community outreach. This mission is driven by our team’s deep dedication to patient-centered care, professional growth, and making a positive impact in the lives of individuals with voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders and the communities we serve.

Curriculum Overview

Clinical Skill Training

As a clinical fellow, you will receive the highest level of training in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of the full spectrum of voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders including:

Flexible and rigid endoscopic laryngeal imaging and interpretation
Acoustic and aerodynamic instrumental voice assessments
Advanced voice, swallowing and upper airway evaluation and therapy
Administration and interpretation of flexible endoscopic examination of swallowing (FEES) and modified barium swallow studies (MBS)
Laryngectomy management (stoma care, TEP, alaryngeal communication)

Academic Opportunities

Our program offers scholarly opportunities to develop a solid foundation in clinical knowledge for speech-language pathologists specializing in voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders including:

Didactic sessions organized by the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery
Interdisciplinary and cross-institutional educational seminars, including regular voice and swallowing team meetings and bi-monthly VASE (voice, airway, swallowing education) meetings with field experts
Financial support for the clinical fellow to attend a national conference with access to expert presentations on innovative and emerging trends in the management of voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders

Research Opportunities

We encourage our clinical fellows to engage in research activities to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders through:

Collaboration with our renowned research team who is actively engaged in clinical and translational voice and swallowing research
Completion of at least one clinical research project under our experienced researchers' guidance with the following expectation:
- Participation in data collection, analysis, and dissemination of research findings
- Development of critical thinking, research methodology, and scientific writing skills
- Submission of at least one abstract to a national meeting for oral presentation
- Submission of one manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal during training

Community Outreach Program Leadership

As a clinical fellow in our program, you will have the opportunity to take a leadership role in organizing and implementing a community outreach program of your choice. This may involve developing educational materials, organizing workshops or seminars, and/or collaborating with local organizations to promote voice and swallowing health education and awareness. This aspect of the program will allow you to develop your leadership skills and make a positive impact in the community.

Clinical Fellowship Program Goals

Train speech-language pathologists to be competent and compassionate practitioners within the subspecialty of voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders

Our program aims to provide speech-language pathologists with immersive and comprehensive training in voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders. Through didactic coursework, clinical practicum, and mentorship, we equip fellows with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience for evidence-based care. Fellows develop a profound understanding of anatomical and physiological mechanisms impacting communication and swallowing. They receive rigorous training in specialized assessment and therapeutic tools and techniques for accurate diagnoses. Therapeutic skills are refined through individualized treatment plans, evidence-based techniques, and patient-centered care approaches. Guided by experienced clinicians, fellows cultivate critical thinking, research literacy, and clinical decision-making. Our program also emphasizes the development of compassionate practitioners who prioritize patient-centered care and demonstrate empathy in their interactions. This comprehensive training empowers fellows to become skilled and confident in providing exceptional care for voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders.

Provide the clinical fellow with ongoing experience and active engagement in interdisciplinary collaboration

Our program fosters effective collaboration among clinical fellows, speech-language pathologists, otolaryngologists, and healthcare professionals. Interdisciplinary team meetings provide a platform for collaborative discussions and joint decision-making. Joint assessments and treatment planning sessions enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing fellows to work closely with otolaryngologists to develop comprehensive treatment plans. Participation in inter-professional educational opportunities, such as workshops and conferences, promotes engagement with diverse healthcare professionals and broadens knowledge. Our program instills the skills, attitudes, and experiences necessary for successful interdisciplinary collaboration.

Foster the clinical fellow’s commitment to evidence-based speech-language pathology practice

Our program provides steadfast commitment to providing training in evidence-based practice for the management of voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders. We equip fellows with the essential knowledge and skills required to critically evaluate research literature, enabling them to stay well-informed of the latest advancements in the field and apply evidence-based assessment and treatment approaches in their practice. Additionally, we encourage fellows to actively participate in research activities, providing them with opportunities to contribute to the advancement of knowledge within the field of speech-language pathology. Through involvement in research projects, fellows gain first-hand experience in research design, data collection and analysis, and dissemination of research findings. By nurturing their abilities to critically evaluate, apply, and contribute to the evidence base, our program ensures that fellows become adept practitioners who actively contribute to the improvement and evolution of clinical practice in the management of voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders.

Cultivate the clinical fellow’s leadership and advocacy skills

We believe in empowering our clinical fellows to take initiative in program development, community outreach, and educational initiatives. By providing opportunities for fellows to engage in these areas, we aim to cultivate their leadership abilities and inspire them to be proactive advocates for their patients and the field of speech-language pathology as a whole. Fellows are encouraged to contribute their insights and ideas to program enhancements, allowing them to shape the future direction and impact of our clinical fellowship program. Additionally, we foster a culture of community engagement and encourage fellows to participate in outreach programs that promote awareness, education, and support for individuals with voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders. By nurturing leadership skills, we empower our fellows to become strong advocates, not only for their patients' needs but also for advancing the field of speech-language pathology through innovation, research, and advocacy at local, regional, and national levels.

Create opportunities for professional growth and nurture a commitment to lifelong learning

Our program is wholeheartedly dedicated to creating an environment that fully supports our fellows in their pursuit of continuing education, clinical skill building, and engagement in scholarly activities. We recognize the significance of lifelong learning, and through ongoing mentorship and a collaborative atmosphere, we strive to instill in our fellows a passion for continuous growth and development. We actively encourage and provide opportunities for fellows to attend conferences and seminars, enabling them to expand their knowledge base, network with nationally recognized experts, and gain exposure to cutting-edge research and clinical practices. Additionally, our program encourages engagement in research and scholarly activities, fostering a culture of inquiry and providing guidance for fellows to undertake research projects and participate in interdisciplinary educational initiatives. By fostering a commitment to lifelong learning and facilitating opportunities for professional growth, we strive to empower our fellows to become highly skilled, knowledgeable, and dynamic practitioners in the field of speech-language pathology.

Following completion of this program, the clinical fellow will fulfill all prerequisites for successfully completing the ASHA Clinical Fellowship Year and applying for the Certificate of Clinical Competence.

Winston-Salem Community

Winston-Salem, NC stands out as an exciting destination for young adults due to its vibrant arts, entertainment and cultural scene, as well as its proximity to beautiful travel destinations. The city is a hub of creativity, boasting a rich arts community with numerous galleries, theatres, and performance venues. Winston-Salem is an ideal home base for exploring the region’s food scenes, historical landmarks, music festivals, and more! Situated in the heart of North Carolina, the city also provides easy access to both the Blue Ridge Mountains and the stunning Atlantic coastline with countless opportunities for hiking, camping, and beach trips.

How to Apply

Applications for the voice, swallowing, and upper airway speech-language pathology clinical fellowship will open in January and close at 11:59 PM EST on February 28. We welcome applications from highly qualified individuals who are driven to excel in the domains aligned with our mission and philosophy.

Required documents for application include:

Cover letter (no more than 2 pages) describing why you are interested in the AHWFB clinical fellowship and how this position will help you to achieve your career goals
CV/Resume
Two letters of recommendation

Contact Information

We would be delighted to answer any questions you may have or provide further information about our clinical fellowship program. Please send all inquiries to: kathryn.ruckart@wakehealth.edu.

MyAtriumHealth

Clinical Fellowship Program – Voice, Swallowing, and Upper Airway Disorders