Swallow the Gap

What does it look like to bring value as a speech-language pathologist when productivity demands are real and time is limited? In this episode, I talk with Jaimie Anderson, SLP and clinical researcher at one of the nation’s first multidisciplinary swallowing centers. We get into what this looks like in practice. Not in ideal settings, but in the day-to-day. Hallway conversations. Documentation tha...

Why do so many clinicians feel underprepared when they first begin treating dysphagia? In a discussion that applies to SLPs in various settings, Dr. Jordan Hazelwood and I dive into challenges students face when transitioning from theory to clinical decision making, the importance of mentorship and critical thinking, and how simulation and structured training may help bridge the education-to-pract...

This discussion explores what cognitive communication therapy can look like when it moves beyond worksheets and test scores. Guest Lauren Schwabish, an SLP with more than two decades of experience, explains how shifting into community-based practice allowed her to engage patients in more meaningful, real-life problem solving. She describes using self-anchored rating scales, functional observation,...

Three head and neck cancer specialists from coast-to-coast share insights that may challenge some traditional dysphagia management approaches. Dr. Carly Barbon (MD Anderson), Dr. Mario Landera (University of Miami), and Dr. Heather Starmer (Stanford) discuss why functional goals are important with this population, the critical importance of shared decision-making, and how quality of life factors l...

The BOLUS framework helps clinicians move beyond the idea that aspiration always translates to pneumonia by encouraging a critical, multi-factor approach to dysphagia care. Designed for use before, during, and after patient encounters, the framework supports more comprehensive assessment, treatment planning, and interdisciplinary communication. In this episode, Dr. Phyllis Palmer and Aaron Padilla...

We bring attention to a widespread challenge in clinical care: decisions and recommendation that don’t follow the patient. Whether it’s missing imaging, undocumented rationale, or unclear explanations, these breakdowns in continuity disrupt care, bias clinical judgment, and strip patients of informed choice. Explore what happens when information isn’t transferred in a usable, human-centered way—an...

This episode explores the concepts of patient centric care and research—does intervention matter if your patient doesn’t care about it? With insights from decades of clinical practice and research, the guests share strategies for therapy that actually fits real lives. Guests: Dr. Giselle Carnaby, MPH, PhD, CCC-SLP, F-ASHA Dr. Michael Crary, PhD, F-ASHA Gap Education: https://swallowthegap.com Inst...

With our dedication to our patients, we've gained a deeper understanding of the complexity of swallowing and dysphagia. How can we use these insights to advance SLP education and our own professional growth? Guest: Nicole Wiksten, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S Gap Education: https://swallowthegap.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swallowpatho

What does pre-stroke neurological health have to do with swallowing prognosis, post stroke? In this episode, Dr. Janina Wilmskoetter, Assistant Professor at the Medical University of South Carolina, discusses her recent publication, Cerebral Small Vessel Disease is an Independent Determinant of Dysphagia After Acute Stroke. Join us for insights into clinical implications for patients with dysphagi...

Dr. Catriona Steele , president of the Dysphagia Research Society, discusses her journey in dysphagia research, including motivation from her pre-PhD days, and focuses on systematic reviews. She highlights the need for rigorous and transparent methodologies in evaluating research quality, introduces the FRONTIERS framework, and underscores the importance of continual learning and questioning in th...

What happens when you get 6 speech pathologists with 150 years of collective experience stuck together in a room? You’ll have to listen to find out! Join Julie Blair, Laurie Sterling, Dr. Deb Suiter, Dr. Barbara Messing, Jo Puntil, and Dr. Tim Stockdale (that’s 1, 2, 3, 4 ASHA fellows!) in a special edition episode, as we enjoy a laid-back evening conversation at the 2024 ASHA Convention in Seattl...

Believe it or not, there is extensive variability in how dysphagia is defined. Listen in as Drs. Giselle Carnaby, Debra Suiter, and Martin Brodsky discuss challenges and importance of defining dysphagia. The discussion highlights variability in how dysphagia is understood and defined across research, clinical practice, and healthcare systems. This gap has implications for patient care, reimburseme...

Join us for an insightful discussion with Jaclyn Pederson, CEO of Feeding Matters, as we discuss the critical gaps in education for pediatric feeding disorders. Jaclyn sheds light on the challenges faced by clinicians, who often lack the specialized training needed to manage complex feeding issues in children. Drawing on her background in nonprofit leadership and healthcare innovation, she shares...

In this episode, we explore how a solid understanding of cranial nerves can make dysphagia evaluations more precise and guide treatment. By knowing which nerves impact each part of the swallow and how to interpret the oral mechanical exam, clinicians can tailor treatments to lead to better patient outcomes. Guest: Kendrea L. Garand, PhD, CScD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CBIS, CCRE This episode is graciously...

In this episode, we turn the tables as guest host Jeanette Benigas, PhD, interviews Tim on the concept of "functional" swallowing. They explore what truly defines functional swallowing by delving into its core impact on nutrition, hydration, quality of life, and pulmonary health. Together, they reframe our understanding of swallowing function, challenging traditional views and grounding...

Join Tim and Dr. Gabriela "Gabi" Constantinescu as they explore the use of surface electromyography (sEMG) in swallowing rehabilitation. Gabi, with her background as a clinician and PhD in Rehabilitation Medicine, shares insights on how sEMG biofeedback can enhance patient engagement and outcomes in dysphagia therapy. Whether you're familiar with this technology or new to it, this e...

We’re thrilled to have a neurology physician out of Düsseldorf, Germany join us to explore neurogenic dysphagia and the role of interdisciplinary treatments in its management. Dr. Bendix Labeit will introduce central compensatory mechanisms, brain stimulation, pharmacological therapies, and more, offering insights to shift the way SLPs approach dysphagia care. Episode Sponsor: Phagenesis -Non-surg...

How can Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training (IMST) be integrated into your patient care? In this episode, we explore respiratory muscle strength training (RMST), with a specific focus on IMST—one of the less familiar tools for speech-language pathologists. Tune in as we discuss the science and real-world applications of RMST, with expert insights from Dr. Alex Brandimore. Whether you’re new to RM...

This episode continues the discussion from the April 20th, 2024 webinar "Dysphagia in Patients with Pulmonary Compromise: ICU and Beyond." It is a special release that falls between Season 1 and Season 2, covering topics related to dysphagia practice in patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). It is also relevant to long-term acute care units (LTAC) and other settings. This episode exp...

In a startling sample of patients, 67% of those with a modified diet and 61% of those with feeding tubes who were then assessed with FEES did not appear to even have dysphagia (Bice et al., 2024)! Soon to be Dr. Matthew Ward (🤞April 18th) and Tim discuss jarring data from Matt’s recent publication Dysphagia and Diets in Skilled Nursing Facilities When Patient's Health Status Changes: The Rol...

How can you prevent ~40 pneumonia cases and save $1.5 million in 1 year? Listen to find out! Join us today with three doctorate-level healthcare providers and an advanced practice nurse as we unravel startling data on the effect of oral hygiene on hospital-acquired pneumonia. Our expert guests will dive into how something as simple as improved oral hygiene can not only enhance patient outcomes (by...

This episode is a must-listen for those who dream big about inspiring positive change and for clinicians who may need a boost in their motivation. Sam Walker, an SLP and business owner, shares transformative lessons from her mother's 72-day hospitalization battling sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and the rigors of invasive airway support. With her unique blend of personal...

In this episode, we discuss diagnosing and managing dysphagia in patients with dementia. Dr. Jeannette Benigas and Rinki Varindani Desai integrate various sources with their own professional experience to help better equip SLPs to partner with our  patients. Episode Resources: Free webinar of NFOSD: https://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/webinar-recording-dysphagia-dementia/ NFOSD blog post for...

Corinne Jones, Ph. D., CCC-SLP delves into how SLPs can analyze and interpret clinical trials to facilitate translation of the science to our clinical practice. There is an emphasis on how clinicians form the foundations of research and how to build synergy with researchers. Bio Dr. Corinne Jones is an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Austin, focusing on Neurology and Speech, Lang...

From publication pushback to trailblazing in the continuing education world, Dr. Ianessa Humbert and Rinki Varindani Desai discuss challenges - and payoffs - of infusing new ideas into the field of speech-language pathology.  Biographies: Dr. Humbert, PhD is an accomplished scientist, professor, and highly sought-after speaker with expertise and swallowing and swallowing disorders. Dr. Humbert is...