Today’s spotlight is on graduate student Kristen Taylor! She is a 2nd year graduate student in the CSD program. As a 2nd year student she is currently working at her medical externship placement this Fall, at Parham Doctors' Hospital in Richmond, Virginia.
She has been working with a variety of patients including those with, Aphasia, Dysarthria, brain injuries, Parkinson's disease, articulation deficits, and her favorite, swallowing deficits.
Kristen: At Parham Doctors' Hospital I have had the pleasure of conducting Modified Barium Swallow Studies, working as part of an interprofessional team (among physical therapists, occupational therapists, and doctors) and evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a wide variety of disorders.
What has been the most challenging aspect of the externship?
Kristen: I would have to say the most challenging aspect of my externship is discharging my clients. Over the course of intervention it's easy to become your client's friend. When it's time for the client to be discharged, it's hard to see them leave.
What has been the best part of the externship?
Kristen: So far, the best part of my externing experience at Parham Doctors' Hospital has been conducting Modified Barium Swallow Studies. It's a wonderful feeling to know that I have obtained the appropriate knowledge to identify a swallowing deficit on the spot and further treat those deficits.
And anything else you want to add?
Kristen: I am thankful that Longwood is such a close-knit community, as my professors have each gotten to know me, my personality, and my passion behind helping others. It's because of those bonds that Longwood has helped me form that have placed me at an external site that is PERFECT for me.
Good luck to Kristen and the rest of the CSD graduate students on their externships this Fall!