Traci Fink-VanOoteghem

Adjunct Professor, Speech-Language Pathologist, Clinical Specialist, Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders

"I am excited to teach the dysphagia class each year because the field is so dynamic. So in turn, my curriculum changes each year to reflect the most current up to date information and best practice information possible."

34 Madeleva Suite 150 | 574-284-5210 | tfinkvanooteghem@saintmarys.edu

I am a clinical specialist with my area of expertise being dysphagia. I have published research in an international journal on dysphagia, and have presented at state and national conventions on dysphagia. In my practice, I have supervised numerous SLP graduate student interns, as well as been a CFY supervisor for at least 3 SLPs. I am the SLP student intern coordinator. I have served as an expert witness in legal cases where dysphagia was at the forefront of the case.

Education

MS, University of Minnesota at Moorhead

BS, University of North Dakota

Area of Expertise

Dysphagia

Aphasia

Concussion/TBI

Voice after laryngectomy

Research Interests

Dysphagia

Graduate Courses Taught

SLP 522 Dysphagia

Professional Experience

Since graduating with my master's degree, I have worked as an SLP in the acute care, ECFs, home care, inpatient rehab, and outpatient settings. I have evaluated and treated adults and children with speech, language, swallow and cognitive communication deficits and disorders. I also worked for 7 years in a management position supervising PTs, PTAs, OTs, COTAs, SLPs, TRs and rehabilitation aides, which also included writing policies with regards to dysphagia. I have served as an educator for nursing staff with regards to swallowing, as well as implemented a nursing swallow screening for the stroke unit.

Awards and Honors

George Soper Award

Professional Memberships

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Member with Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology

Professional Presentations

ASHA & Indiana conference on Dysphagia

Publications

Fink, T.A. & Ross, J.B. Dysphagia: Are We Testing a True Thin Liquid (2009) 24: 285.