“I’m looking for a guy in finance…”

Okay, while that’s the start of a recent viral song, I spoke with an SLP who *was* in finance.

Fred Stahl is a second-career medical SLP who shares how he went from hedge fund management to voice and dysphagia management for head and neck cancer survivors.

Together we discuss why he left finance for speech pathology, his learning experience, his involvement in a research study on swallowing (and the unexpected findings), and the incredibly dynamic nature of our field. From embracing opportunities to learning from failures, Fred’s insight is both eye-opening and incredibly motivating!

Tune in and get inspired.

Get show notes here: https://syppodcast.com/332

Fred Stal is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Certified Brain Injury Specialist. He completed his initial training and clinical fellowship through Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospital. Currently, Fred works in the outpatient setting as well as per diem in the acute care setting. He recently published research as a co-author with the NYU Swallowing Research Lab, which was presented by the incredible lead author at the 2024 Dysphagia Research Society conference in Puerto Rico. His main areas of clinical interest include dysphagia management, upper airway disorders, and most of all… all things related to the head and neck cancer population.

Research Link mentioned: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9513300/

Timestamps:

Fred's Journey into Speech-Language Pathology (00:01:45)
Fred's Clinical Experience and Career Path (00:02:29)
Passion for Head and Neck Cancer Patients (00:05:47)
Learning and Implementing New Techniques (00:07:59)
Specialized Field within Speech-Language Pathology (00:08:46)
Manual Therapy and Lymphedema in Head and Neck Patients (00:11:36)
Presentation at ASHA and Case Studies (00:13:47)
Continuous Learning and Adapting in the Field (00:16:41)
The research publication (00:18:02)
Learning from failures (00:21:26)
Instrumental assessment and patient outcomes (00:25:28)
Challenges in patient recovery (00:28:20)
Value of long-term patient relationships (00:31:38)
Advocacy and improvement in skilled nursing facilities (00:33:30)
The power of basic tools in dysphagia therapy (00:34:17)
Wada testing and awake craniotomy (00:35:15)
Exploring new areas in speech pathology (00:36:16)

The post 332 – From Hedge Funds to Medical: Fred Stal’s Unique Journey appeared first on Swallow Your Pride Podcast.

The Medical SLP version of a “Battle of the Bands” would be, without a doubt, a “Battle of the Instrumentals.”

As in, which is better: MBS or FEES?

The MBS has historically been viewed as the “gold standard” of instrumentals, but a LOT more research has come out about FEES since its introduction into the dysphagia world.

And Dr. Jessica Pisegna is here to talk about it in this week’s episode of The Swallow Your Pride Podcast!

Dr. Pesegna is the section chief at Boston Medical Center of the voice and swallowing center and has worked closely with the one and only Dr. Susan Langmore.

In this episode, we cover:

-When Dr. Pesegna chooses FEES, MBS, or BOTH simultanously.
-What her latest research found when it comes to absent or reduced epiglottic inversion on FEES and what it can mean
-The importance of the brand and color of food dye
-Why FEES should be used in acute care
-The use of residue rating scales and the consistency of clinician ratings.
-Laryngeal sensory testing
-The ice chip protocol and the Frazier Free Water Protocol
-The reliability of Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) on FEES.

Prep your barium and get your scopes out, because this episode will leave you motivated to step up your game in the world of instrumental swallow studies!

Get the show notes full of references here:
https://syppodcast.com/331

TIMESTAMPS:

Simultaneous FEES and Video Fluoroscopy (00:03:40)
Research Findings (00:06:18)
Sensitivity of FEES (00:10:00)
FEES in Acute Care (00:14:49)
Triage Protocol (00:16:17)
Simultaneous FEES and Video Fluoroscopy (00:16:45)
Turnaround Time for FEES (00:17:33)
Rating Scales for Residue (00:18:12)
Assessing Reliability Between Clinicians (00:19:48)
New Zealand Secretion Scale (00:22:15)
Global Picture of Patient Care (00:23:44)
Management of Secretions in Acute Care (00:24:39)
Laryngeal Sensory Testing (00:25:17)
Ice Chip Protocol (00:28:55)
FEES and PPIs Ratings (00:35:10)
Challenges and Considerations in Using PAS on FEES (00:38:34)
Reliability of Digest FEES (00:40:26)

The post 331 – MBS vs FEES: Time to Dig Deeper into Instrumental Swallow Studies with Dr. Jessica Pisegna appeared first on Swallow Your Pride Podcast.

If you want to serve the head and neck cancer population or HOPE to one day…you do NOT want to miss this episode!

Jennifer Larssen, an SLP at the University of South Florida, shares her experiences in developing innovative programs for head and neck surgery patients. She shares innovative programs and tools like…

✅A groundbreaking laryngeal speaking device for those who struggle with the traditional electrolarynx.
✅A self-dilation program for patients with laryngectomy and/or radiation to the neck.
✅A TEP clinic.
✅Support groups - include one for women who have undergone a laryngectomy.
✅Social events (like a trip to Busch Gardens and makeup lessons post-surgery and/or radiation)

Prepare to feel inspired!

Download the show notes: https://syppodcast.com/330

TIMESTAMPS:

Introduction (00:00:00)
Program Development at USF (00:00:42)
Tracheoesophageal Prostheses and TEP Clinics (00:02:51)
Larynx Demo Days (00:03:09)
Competencies in TEP Changes (00:04:28)
Self-Dilation Program (00:06:13)
Advocating to Administration (00:07:56)
Head and Neck Cancer Community Group (00:09:26)
Funding and Resources (00:12:21)
Women's Retreat (00:13:06)
Clinical Pathway and Rehabilitation (00:16:38)
Feeding Tube Removal (00:19:32)
Collaboration with Dietitian (00:20:11)
Patient Observation (00:20:54)
Transitional Care Program (00:21:44)
Fluoro MS Suite (00:23:33)
Becoming an X-Ray Tech (00:25:09)
Supportive Team at USF (00:28:11)
Human Element in Healthcare (00:30:43)

The post 330 – Makeup Lessons, TEP Clinics, Self-Dilation Programs, and More: Innovative Services for the Head and Neck Cancer Population appeared first on Swallow Your Pride Podcast.