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."
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.