Claim OwnershipSwallow the Gap
Subscribed: 26Played: 349
Subscribe
© 2025 Swallow the Gap
Description
A pivotal podcast on a mission to improve medical intervention for patients with swallowing disorders (dysphagia). Primarily intended for medical speech-language pathologists (SLP) and also relevant for professionals and students involved in pulmonology, otolaryngology, gerontology, nutrition, rehabilitation sciences, and various other areas of healthcare. Join us as a force for change by inspiring critical thinking, facilitating discussion, and stimulating professional development for those involved in the evaluation and treatment of patients with aerodigestive disorders. For 2025, please keep your eyes peeled for monthly episode release!
https://www.swallowthegap.com (Gap Education, LLC)
31 Episodes
Reverse
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 explore the clinical application of the BOLUS framework. Together, we discuss how clinicians can...
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—and how clinicians can bridge the gaps with clearer communication, defensible rationale, and simple...
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 Support the show Gap Education: https://swallowthegap.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swallowpatho
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 Support the show 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 dysphagia! For questions, reach out to Dr. Wilmskoetter at wilmskoe@musc.edu, and access the article vi...
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 the field. Episode Resources from Dr. Steele: PRISMA guideline: Moher, D., Liberati, A., Tetzlaff, ...
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 Seattle, Washington. Reflections include Swallowing Cinema, patient choice, and growing through v...
1Believe 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, reimbursement, and professional credibility. While acknowledging the complexity of the task, the speakers em...
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 a strategic approach to advocating for improved education and research in this area. This episode...
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 sponsored by Bracco Diagnostics, maker of VARIBAR® (barium sulfate) - Check them out at Varibar...
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 the discussion in clinical outcomes that matter most. Check out Tim's MBSS/VFSS, which is discussed in this...
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 episode offers a clear and practical overview of how sEMG works, its benefits, and its potential for clinical pra...
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-surgical, neurostimulation therapy to restore swallowing control https://www.phagenesis.com/ Hard t...
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 RMST or looking to deepen your knowledge, this episode offers valuable insights for advancing dysph...
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 Role of Imaging. Moving beyond the angst of the metaphorical mirror of dysphagia management, we highligh...
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 ~37%!!) but also potentially save healthcare facilities millions of dollars. This episode contai...
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 experience and professional acumen, Sam elevates a perspective on patient care and education that inte...
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 caregivers: https://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/caregivers-guide-dysphagia-dementia/ ...
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, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS). She completed her undergraduate studies in Linguistics with a...
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 a world renowned 'Swallowologist,' the CEO and Co-founder of STEP - The Swallowing Trainin...
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States
so great