Emma Karam, M.S., CF-SLP

Provided comprehensive evaluation and treatment of adult patients in an acute care setting, including assessment of swallowing, speech, language, and cognitive-communication disorders. Conducted bedside swallow evaluations and instrumental assessments (e.g., modified barium swallow studies) to develop evidence based dysphagia management plans. Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams including physicians, nurses, dietitians, and occupational/physical therapists to optimize patient outcomes and ensure continuity of care. Delivered patient and family centered education regarding diagnosis, prognosis, and safe swallowing strategies. Maintained accurate and timely documentation in compliance with hospital policies and regulatory standards. Managed a dynamic caseload with a wide range of medical complexities, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, respiratory failure, head and neck cancer and neuro-degenerative diseases.

Completed clinical rotations across multiple acute care hospital settings, providing supervised evaluation and treatment of adult patients with swallowing, speech, language, and cognitive-communication disorders. Performed bedside swallow evaluations and assisted with instrumental assessments (e.g., modified barium swallow studies) to support development of individualized dysphagia management plans. Collaborated with interdisciplinary medical teams to deliver coordinated, patient-centered care in fast-paced hospital environments. Gained experience with diverse and medically complex populations, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, cardiac and respiratory conditions, and post-surgical patients. Provided education to patients and caregivers regarding communication strategies and safe swallowing techniques. Maintained accurate clinical documentation in accordance with institutional standards and supervisor guidance.

Delivered diagnostic and therapeutic speech-language pathology services in an acute care setting for patients with swallowing and communication disorders. Performed comprehensive assessments such as Clinical Swallowing Evaluations (CSE), Oral Mechanism Examinations (OME), Modified Barium Swallow Studies (MBSS), and standardized aphasia assessments (BDAE, WAB-R). Completed detailed electronic medical record documentation including evaluation reports and rehabilitation records. Assessed and treated patients with complex medical conditions including stroke, cardiac arrest, COPD, neuro-degenerative diseases.

Adult Neurogenic Cognition & Communication Clinic (Summer 2024). Aphasia Group Therapy, Semantic Feature Analysis, ACART, MIT. Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test (RBMT), Arizona Battery for Cognitive Communication Disorders (ABCD), The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE).

Voice and Upper Airway Clinic (Summer 2024)

Evaluation Team Member. Videostroboscopy, Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)