Pediatric Oncology, Palliative Care, and the Role of the Peds SLP

Guest: Kristin Szymanek, MA, CCC-SLP - In this episode, Michelle and Erin are joined by Kristin Szymanek, MA, CCC-SLP, Director of Rehabilitation Services at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. The terms “Pediatric Cancer,” “Palliative Care,” and “Hospice” can easily send shivers down your spine. These terms can stir emotions that are intrinsically difficult to grasp. However, as pediatric speech-language pathologists, we may have the joy of working with little ones and their caregivers while they navigate their journey with pediatric cancer or pediatric feeding and/or swallowing disorders, clinical swallow evaluation or instrumental examination, suspected language delay, or even be called upon to evaluate and treat a suspected phonological impairment. Kristin will guide you on the SLP’s role and responsibilities as part of an oncology team, including unique barriers when working in this setting and with this population and how to infuse grace and evidence-based practice into palliative care.