The Speech Pathologist’s purpose is to provide physician-prescribed services for swallowing and communication disorders in the most effective, efficient and economical manner, compatible with exceptional patient care. These services are available to both inpatients and outpatients Monday-Friday.

The Speech Pathologist is an essential member of the Rehabilitation Services department and is dedicated to the provision of excellent patient care, achieved through a collaborative relationship with the physician and other health care personnel, the family and the patient. He/she is state-licensed and certified and holds at least a Master’s Degree in Speech and Communicative Disorders from an accredited six-year program, followed by one year of postgraduate clinical internship.

The Speech Pathologist strives to:

• Preserve the rights and dignity of the patient
• Lessen patient frustration
• Assist the patient and his family in gaining an understanding of his swallowing or  communication problems
• Assist the patient in achieving the highest level of functional swallowing and or communication possible.