On the Job in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Did you always want to work in healthcare?
Janet: I realized I wanted to work in healthcare in the 10th grade after I went for a hearing test because my father had hearing loss. I was interested in doing something in the area of speech but over time found that audiology was more my speed.
Janet, Audiologist, pictured left.
Becky: I knew I wanted to have some sort of career in healthcare but I didn’t narrow it down to Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) until I was in university. SLP appealed to me because it is such a diverse field. You can choose to work with people of all ages- from infants to the elderly, in all sorts of settings and a variety of clinical areas.
How would you describe what you do?
Janet: I do diagnostic hearing testing for children and adults. I also do specialized auditory processing testing to help with learning issues. I prescribe and dispense hearing aids as well.
Becky: I work mainly with adults. I provide communication and swallowing assessments and intervention. I see inpatients in the intensive care unit and in general internal medicine, outpatients through IMRAC (Internal Medicine Rapid Assessment Clinic) and outpatients who have undergone laryngectomy surgery.
The St. Joes mission is simple. Living the legacy. What does that mean to you in your job?
Becky: For both Janet and I the patients always come first. We strive to do as much for them as we can and ensure we provide client-focused care. Working in the area of communication (speech, language, and hearing), I think it’s also important that we advocate for those who are unable to advocate for themselves.
What is your favorite part about working at St. Joes?
Janet: I would have to say the patients. The patients that I get to work with on a day-to-day basis are what make my job fun and rewarding. I love the staff here.
Becky: Having the opportunity to collaborate with other healthcare professionals and participate on various teams, as well as being part of a great SLP team. I find my work in the area of head and neck cancer to be very rewarding, as I am able to work with clients on a long term basis. I have worked with one client, Jan, for almost 14 years!
Do you still keep in touch with any of your past patients?
Janet: We often find that when we have a patient with hearing loss we do end up following them for years! I have a lot of patients who I knew when I was pregnant with my 15 year old daughter and they still ask for updates on her and my family. We are very lucky because we do become close with our patients.
Becky: As I mentioned, I have known Jan, a client who underwent laryngectomy, for almost 14 years! Jan now volunteers with SLP as a laryngectomee visitor, providing psychosocial support to people currently going through laryngectomy surgery, and she also volunteers time in the Firestone Clinic. It is very rewarding to be able to go on a journey with your patients and still keep in contact with them for years to come.
What is your favorite spot in Hamilton?
Janet: I would have to say hiking the Bruce Trail.
Becky: I don’t live in Hamilton but I love trying out all of the new restaurants in the city.
Becky, Speech Language Pathologist, Jan, Volunteer, Firestone