Redefining Clinical Training: Lessons from Audiology

Re:Imagining SLP

In this podcast episode, Megan Berg (SLP), and Dr. Ian Windmill (audiologist), discuss the shortcomings of clinical training in speech-language pathology. Both share experiences of feeling unprepared for clinical practice despite completing their academic training. They critique the current model where limited clinical experience during master’s programs is followed by a Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) for ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), noting that audiology addressed similar issues by establishing its own accrediting body and a four-year doctoral program with integrated clinical training. They explore ASHA’s reluctance to change, partly due to financial incentives from CCC renewals, and emphasize the need for allies within academia to challenge the status quo and prioritize consumer protection through better clinical preparation.

00:00:01 Introduction and Background
Megan Berg introduces the podcast's aim to reimagine clinical training for speech-language pathologists (SLPs). She shares her experience of feeling unprepared for practice after graduation and questions the current system of limited master's program training followed by a Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) for ASHA's Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC).

00:04:30 Dr. Windmill's Early Career Experiences
Dr. Ian Windmill recounts feeling unprepared despite his academic training, which led him to challenge audiology education. He describes writing to his program and dean about training gaps and patient risks.

00:14:20 Audiology's Separation from ASHA
Dr. Windmill explains why audiology separated from ASHA to form the Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE), citing ASHA’s focus on its interests rather than effectively representing audiologists.

00:39:07 Questioning the CCC and Accreditation
Dr. Windmill and Megan Berg discuss ASHA's reluctance to change due to CCC renewal fees and potential liability issues. They question the accreditation process and call for innovation and reform.

00:57:10 Audiology's Transition to a Doctoral Program
Dr. Windmill describes audiology’s shift to a four-year doctoral program with integrated clinical training, emphasizing the benefits of comprehensive training and increased clinical hours.

01:08:51 Challenges and Strategies for Change
Dr. Windmill and Megan Berg discuss the difficulties of implementing change in established systems. They stress finding academic allies, presenting ideas at state meetings, and securing financial resources for initiatives.

01:20:56 Prioritizing Consumer Protection and Comprehensive Training
They highlight the importance of prioritizing consumer protection and comprehensive training over convenience, advocating for a reimagined approach to align with the expanding scope of practice and better prepare graduates.

Reach out to Megan Berg @re.imagining.slp on Instagram or [e-mail] if interested in collaborating on efforts to reimagine clinical training for speech-language pathologists.