Kaveri B Chopra MA., CCC-SLP
Chicago,IL
Summary
Experienced and results-driven Speech-Language Pathologist with nearly 13 years of expertise in dysphagia, communication disorders, and performance improvement within acute care and outpatient settings. Proven track record in leading and mentoring interdisciplinary teams, optimizing clinical operations, and implementing evidence-based patient-centered care. Demonstrates strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills. Adept at applying quality improvement methodologies to drive organizational change and enhance clinical outcomes. Committed to delivering high-quality care, fostering interprofessional collaboration, and advancing operational excellence.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Speech-Language Pathologist & Team Leader
University of Chicago Medicine (UCM)
01.2012 - Current
- Senior SLP on a team of 25 SLPs in providing comprehensive care for patients with complex medical conditions in a Level 1 trauma center and outpatient centers
- Specialize in managing communication and swallowing disorders in patients with conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, neurodegenerative diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders.
- Provide expert care for tracheostomized and ventilator-dependent patients, as well as those recovering from head and neck cancer, including voice restoration post-laryngectomy
- Perform advanced diagnostic procedures including Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Studies (VFSS), Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), and voice prosthesis replacement.
- Oversee staffing, mentoring, and administrative functions to ensure the department operates efficiently, applying Lean principles to improve team communication and operational efficiency.
- Supervise new hires, conduct interim performance reviews, and provide feedback at 30- and 60-day intervals.
- Mentor graduate students and clinical fellows, contributing to program development and continuous improvement
- Lead and participate in quality improvement initiatives, utilizing process improvement methodology principles to enhance clinical operations and outcomes.
- Facilitate cross-functional meetings, collaborating with clinical and operational leaders to align quality projects with organizational goals and drive improvements in patient care.
- Analyze clinical data and outcomes to assess the effectiveness of implemented changes and ensure alignment with performance metrics.
- Spearheaded workforce well-being initiative, utilizing quality improvement principles to set and track quarterly team goals to improve employee engagement scores.
- Foster a culture of open communication, transparency, and accountability through surveys, team meetings, and ongoing support for interdisciplinary teams.
- Serve as primary liaison between the Speech Pathology department and various interdisciplinary teams including ALS Multidisciplinary Clinic, Lung Transplant, CT ICU, and Geriatrics, ensuring seamless collaboration and high-quality patient care.
- Led the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for post-lung transplant patients, resulting in a 50% increase in SLP consultations
- Spearhead creation of interprofessional education programs in collaboration with the Interprofessional Education Curriculum Committee at Pritzker School of Medicine
- Develop and support a medical student observation program, enriching their educational experience and providing insight into speech pathology services during years 2 and 3 of medical school.
- Provide ongoing education through in-person and virtual presentations, enhancing knowledge of medical students, residents, and interdisciplinary teams regarding dysphagia, tracheostomy management, and other speech-language pathology concerns.
Speech Language Pathologist (Consultant)
ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter
12.2014 - 05.2022
- Program development managed loaner closet with AAC devices and mounts, and provided software updates
- Provided low- and high-tech communication for PALS (Patients with ALS)
- Completed AAC evaluation, training, vend, and education for PALS, family members, and caregivers in the home
- Developed and presented, in-person and virtual, in-service for healthcare providers, pALS, and PALS caregivers
Speech-Language Pathologist- Clinical Fellowship
VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Managed communication and swallowing impairments in adults with varying complex medical diagnoses in acute care, sub-acute rehabilitation, and outpatient settings
- Provided the full range of speech pathology services to a variety of patient populations including tracheostomized and ventilator-dependent patients, patients with head and neck cancer including voice restoration following total laryngectomy, and participated in evaluating, planning, and providing treatment to persons with aphasia in intensive outpatient aphasia rehabilitation program
- Independently perform clinical swallowing evaluations, assessment, and treatment of motor speech disorders, aphasia, and cognitive-communication disorders
- Under supervision, performed videofluoroscopic swallowing studies, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluations of swallowing (FEES), and replacement of voice prostheses
- Provided multiple in-services to medical students and residents on management of patients with tracheostomies
Education
Master of Arts - Communication, Science and Disorders
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA01.2010
Bachelor’s Degree - Speech-Language Pathology
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN01.2006
Skills
- Healthcare Knowledge
- Clinical Expertise
- Analytical thinking
- Project Management
- Interpersonal skills
- Excellent communication
- Multidisciplinary team collaboration
- Creativity and innovation
- Stakeholder coordination
Certification
- Institute of Healthcare Improvement (IHI), Basic Certificate in Quality and Safety, 2024
- Stanford Healthcare Leadership Certificate, 2022
- American Speech and Hearing Association Connect, poster presenter, 2019
- IDFPR Certified Speech Language Pathologist, 2012-Present
- ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence, 2011-Present
Timeline
Speech Language Pathologist (Consultant)
ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter
12.2014 - 05.2022
Speech-Language Pathologist & Team Leader
University of Chicago Medicine (UCM)
01.2012 - Current
Speech-Language Pathologist- Clinical Fellowship
VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System
01.2011 - 01.2012
Bachelor’s Degree - Speech-Language Pathology
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Institute of Healthcare Improvement (IHI), Basic Certificate in Quality and Safety, 2024
- Stanford Healthcare Leadership Certificate, 2022
- American Speech and Hearing Association Connect, poster presenter, 2019
- IDFPR Certified Speech Language Pathologist, 2012-Present
- ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence, 2011-Present
Master of Arts - Communication, Science and Disorders
University of Pittsburgh
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