The Johns Hopkins Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery is offering a speech-language pathology (SLP) clinical fellowship with specialization in the assessment and treatment of voice and swallowing disorders.

Duration: 12 months
Number of positions: one
Accreditation: accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
Application deadline: Feb. 1, 2025
Program start: July 1, 2025
Program end: June 30, 2026
Clinic location: Levi Watkins, Jr, MD, Outpatient Center
Eligibility requirements: an applicant must have, (1) a strong academic background and understanding of voice and swallowing disorders, with exposure to the assessment and treatment of voice disorders in a graduate clinical placement; (2) a master's degree in speech-language pathology prior to start date; (3) eligibility for SLP licensure in the state of Maryland.
How to apply: Applicants should email [email protected] with a letter of intent, CV and two letters of recommendation (at least one from a clinical supervisor).

Program Goals

Following completion of the speech-language pathology clinical fellowship year, the fellow will be able to:

• Independently conduct a comprehensive evaluation of all voice, upper airway and swallowing disorders and develop an appropriate, evidence-based plan of care.
• Skillfully provide the breadth of behavioral therapies available for the treatment of voice, upper airway and swallowing disorders via in-person and telemedicine modalities. 
• Independently perform flexible and rigid laryngeal videostroboscopy examinations, interpret the functional parameters of vocal fold vibration and write comprehensive reports.
• Independently perform and interpret acoustic and aerodynamic assessments of voice.
• Independently perform fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and videofluoroscopy evaluations, interpret the functional parameters of oropharyngeal swallowing, and develop care plans and recommendations based on results.
• Demonstrate understanding and competence in alaryngeal speech management.
• Provide culturally responsive services with the understanding that growth in cultural competence is a lifelong journey.
• Confidently collaborate with referring physicians in the development of treatment recommendations.
• Present research or clinical education at the state or national level.
• Meet all requirements to complete the ASHA clinical fellowship year and apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence.

Program Features

Patient Care

Training is provided in direct patient care for adults and children with voice and upper airway disorders, including gender-affirming voice care, alaryngeal voice restoration, speech and swallowing disorders after head and neck cancer, and adult dysphagia.

Mentorship

The fellow will receive mentorship from a team of speech-language pathologists who specialize in voice disorders and head and neck conditions. They work directly in multidisciplinary teams with head and neck surgeons and team members, fellowship-trained laryngologists, and an annual laryngology fellow.

Research and Education

The fellow will participate in stroboscopy, dysphagia, head and neck and research rounds, clinical research, and a variety of educational and outreach opportunities.