COSD graduate students get hands-on training in voice and swallowing assessment

Seven first-year graduate students from Radford University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (COSD) master’s degree program participated in an unparalleled learning experience at the 19th Laryngeal Imaging and FEES Hands-On Workshop hosted by the Emory Voice Center in Atlanta on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. 

The Emory Voice Center workshop is a premier event in the field of voice and dysphagia, explained COSD Assistant Professor Vrushali Angadi. The workshop brings together leading speech-language pathologists (SLPs), laryngologists, and voice scientists to train clinicians in laryngeal imaging and flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES).

Radford’s students “gained firsthand exposure to cutting-edge techniques in voice and swallowing assessment, engaged with renowned experts in speech-language pathology and laryngology and expanded their professional networks with clinicians and students from across the country,” Angadi noted.

As volunteers, the Radford graduate students served as sample patients for clinicians honing their endoscopy skills and, in return, received free registration, access to all lectures and didactic sessions, catered meals and an exclusive wine and cheese networking reception.

“It was such a fantastic learning experience to be in the patient’s shoes when they are being scoped, and that we also got the opportunity to scope each other,” said COSD graduate student Jillian Oliver of Sacramento, California. 

Beyond their role as sample patients, the students had the rare opportunity to practice endoscopy techniques themselves, allowing them to apply their classroom knowledge of voice and swallowing physiology in a real-world clinical setting. Working closely with SLPs and laryngologists, they experienced firsthand the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in patient care, a critical component of their future careers.

Claire Rupe ’24 of Marion, Virginia, said, “I learned so much about the equipment and technology used within the voice and dysphagia field of speech pathology. Getting to see and use the equipment that we study so much about during lectures and labs provided a wonderful hands-on learning experience.” 

In addition to learning from leading voice and swallowing experts, students had the chance to connect with other graduate students from various universities, fostering relationships that could support future collaborations, research and professional development. 

“It was a great networking opportunity as we got to interact with the SLPs and ENTs (ear, nose and throat specialists that work at Emory, the SLPs that were attending the course and fellow graduate students from neighboring states,” Oliver explained.

The experience broadened students’ understanding of different clinical approaches and reinforced their commitment to excellence in speech-language pathology.

The Emory Voice Center workshop is recognized as one of the most comprehensive hands-on training experiences in the field, drawing participants from a wide range of backgrounds. 

“Radford University is proud to see its graduate students engaging in such high-caliber learning experiences that directly enhance their clinical education and professional growth,” Angadi said.

Radford University’s master's degree in communication sciences and disorders is ideal for individuals who wish to specialize in speech-language pathology. Students gain the knowledge and skills needed to assist individuals who struggle with speaking, understanding or expressing themselves. The Radford program fosters innovative faculty-student collaborations and a supportive environment to inspire student success.

“I'm incredibly grateful that Radford University provides these valuable opportunities for practical experience,” said Meshawn Burks ’17, a certified therapeutic recreation specialist from Virginia Beach, Virginia. “The university is committed to offering hands-on learning experiences and genuinely cares about helping us advance our education.”

Oliver expressed gratitude to Angadi for encouraging students to attend the workshop and organizing the trip. “Attending the course has really helped my understanding of our voice and resonance class that I am taking now, taught by Dr. Angadi.”