Perspectives Winter/Spring 2019

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY | 41 who participated in this portion gained exposure to the clinical assessment process for infants present- ing with feeding/swallowing disorders. They also increased their knowledge of specific medical issues contributing to feeding/swallowing difficulties, such as ankyloglossia, gastroesophageal reflux, difficulty establishing milk supply for breastfeeding, and clinical signs/symptoms of aspiration. Many of the SLP students also participated in the PT Neuro Boot Camp at the Tampa Bay Regional Campus, where the emphasis is on treatment of adults with neurological impairments. It is an annual, week- long event offered each summer and created for Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) students to complete the clinical portion of their neurology disorders course. The event is coordinated by Joann Gallichio, D.P.T., PT, NCS, assistant professor, along with additional support and collaboration from Mary Blackinton, Ed.D., PT, GCS, CEEAA, director of the Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, and Lynda Ross, D.P.T., PT, assistant professor, as well as additional members of the PT faculty in Tampa Bay. In the previous two years, students in the SLP department, under the direct supervision of Elizabeth Roberts, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, associate professor, took part in a one-day event during the boot camp. The students worked with adult patients who presented with neurogenic communication disorders (i.e., aphasia, apraxia of speech, dysarthria, swallowing disorders, and cognitive/communication disorders). Physical therapy and speech-language pathology stu- dents shared their impressions and treatment possibili- ties and principles for each patient. In 2018, the department was asked to have a greater presence at the PT Neuro Boot Camp, with three days of participation by the SLP students. On August 6–8, the department provided services with the assistance of 17 SLP students. SLP students from the Tampa Bay area and the Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus traveled to the Tampa Bay Regional Campus. They were afforded a variety of experiences in assessment and/or treatment of adult patients with neurogenic communication disorders secondary to numerous causes (e.g., traumatic brain injury, strokes, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkin- son’s disease). Roberts and Fred DiCarlo, Ed.D., CCC-SLP, assistant professor and director of aca- demic and faculty support, supervised the students. The summer 2018 events greatly influenced the students’ awareness of respecting the cultures, values, roles and responsibilities, and experience of other professions. The students expressed that these events encouraged them to feel empowered in their own roles as part of an interprofessional team, and that they look forward to collaborative practice when they enter the workforce. Similarly, the PT students shared their insights and impressions of the SLPs’ roles with these patient populations. † Elizabeth Roberts is an associate professor in the Speech- Language Pathology—Fort Lauderdale Program. Far left: An SLP student works with a toddler. Left: SLP students assess an adult while PT students observe.