Graduate students from the Speech-language Pathology and Physical Therapy programs at USF came together for an immersive interprofessional education experience centered on neurological disorders across the lifespan. The event offered students an opportunity to learn with, from, and about one another while building the collaborative skills essential for modern clinical practice.
Faculty and staff from USF Health and the Department of Communications Sciences and Disorders coordinate to put together this event for graduate students.
The two-hour session coordinated by Kelli Gorajec, MA, CCC-SLP; Katie Johnson, MS, CCC-SLP; ; and , blended hands-on demonstrations with problem鈥憇olving activities and interdisciplinary discussions.
During the workshop, students rotated through stations featuring assistive devices such as gait belts and walkers, as well as augmentative and alternative communication tools and respiratory muscle strength training devices commonly used in speech-language pathology practice. Participants also explored evidence-based swallowing strategies and learned when food and beverage thickeners are clinically indicated.
A highlight of the event was the collaborative development of interdisciplinary co鈥憈reatment plans for clients with various neurological conditions. By working through client case studies together, students gained deeper insight into each discipline鈥檚 expertise and the value of integrated care.