October 30, 2009
Graduate students in Speech Pathology at St. John’s
University enhanced their education and gained real-world
experience during afirst-of-its-kind, study abroad trip to Antigua,
Guatemala this past summer.
Nine students enrolled in the course, “Management of Pediatric
Dysphagia in a Developing Country” taught by Nancy Colodny, Ph.D.,
traveled to this rustic Central American country where they
explored the mountainsides, hiked the volcanic trails and
volunteered at an at-risk orphanage/hospital for children with
swallowing disorders.
The 10-day trip to Guatemala challenged the hearts and minds of
students who witnessed first-hand the need for efficient medical
care, treatment and supplies at the orphanage/hospital.
Graduate student Bunnie Schuler reflects on the trip as a gift to
the group. “We not only gained added insight into the real-world
but a sense of global unity, infinite potential for career growth,
and knowledge to make appropriate clinical decisions. Gaining hands
on experience is of added value to what is learned in the classroom
environment.”
She adds that “the discussions, literature and research can never
fully prepare you for the unexpected factors that arise in the
field. During my short time in Guatemala, St. John's has equipped
me with the confidence and resources needed to succeed.”
The group, each of whom is pursuing a
M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology with a concentration in
Communications Disorders, attended classes on pediatric swallowing
disorders, developed field assessment and intervention skills and
were educated about infants and children with a variety of special
swallowing and feeding ailments such as cleft palate and cerebral
palsy.
“This program is geared towards those individuals who aim to
achieve practical skills in the theories of early intervention and
pathophysiology,” explains Dr. Colodny. “It is wonderful
opportunity for the students to integrate theory and practice and
learn the importance of making recommendations with limited
equipment, supplies and staffing constraints.”
The orphanage/hospital shelters nearly 80 infants and adults with
special needs associated with swallowing disorders and neurological
illnesses. With limited resources available, the upperclassmen
jumped in to teach, evaluate, treat and manage feeding techniques
and proper positioning.
According to Dr. Colodny, the study abroad program will help
students foster their skills as future speech pathologists and
obtain positions in hospitals, clinics, outpatient centers, private
practices, and schools. Speech Pathologists are experienced in
diagnosing and treating feeding and swallowing problems as well as
a variety of speech-language and communication problems across the
lifespan.
For more information on the “Management of Pediatric Dysphagia in a
Developing Country” graduate course, contact Dr. Nancy Colodny at
(718)-990-2052 or via email colodnyn@stjohns.edu.