Speech Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship Program

Our mission

Corewell Health West’s fellowship program’s mission is to provide mentorship and advanced practice experience through evidence based clinical methods and didactic learning to foster leaders in the speech language pathology profession.

Program description
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Corewell Health West’s clinical fellowship program will provide the fellow with clinical training and didactic learning experiences with adults in the hospital and outpatient settings. This is a multi-faculty program that allows fellows to receive mentorship from experienced clinicians to build a full-time caseload across multiple diagnosis.

This is a 12 month program from June-June with the majority of the learning taking place within the adult hospital setting. The hospital setting is a level 1 trauma center and an accredited stroke center. This rotation is composed of a series of clinical rotations including neurology, intensive care unit, head/neck, videofluoroscopic swallow study, and general medical. The adult outpatient rotation focuses on aerodigestive and voice diagnoses with occasional exposure to the cognition, aphasia, and dysphagia diagnoses.

There is a series of observation opportunities to develop further understanding of our interdisciplinary team. There are also opportunities to be involved in special interest groups or committees within the rehab team, share knowledge with the rehab team through lit reviews, presentations, etc.

This is a salary position with benefits. The fellow will be required to be part of the hospital weekend and holiday rotation.

Program outcomes
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At the fellowship's end, the fellow will receive their Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) indicating a professional credential that serves as a mark for excellence and an indicator of an independent practicing clinician. The goal is to be competent and efficient within the adult hospital and outpatient setting.

Minimum requirements
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Master's degree in speech language pathology by May 31. Provisional license in the state of Michigan.

Application process
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Applications will be accepted from 1/22-3/1 at 11:59pm (EST). Applicants will be contacted regarding their status within 2-4 weeks following the application deadline.

Applicants are to submit their resume, along with an essay of 1,000 words or less addressing why they are seeking this clinical fellowship, and what experiences or qualities they have that will allow them to succeed in this role. Please submit your resume and essay to cfyprogram@corewellhealth.org

Faculty
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Don Packard
  • Director of rehabilitation services
  • Clinical fellowship program director 

Karen Duffy, MA, CCC-SLP
  • Clinical fellowship program coordinator 
  • Clinical Education Coordinator 
  • Trained in VFSS and FEES 

Alessandra Puzio, MS, CCC-SLP
  • Certified in MDTP, MBSImp, and FEES
  • Trained in VFSS
Melanie Beukema M.S. CCC-SLP

• Lead clinical fellow mentor outpatient setting

• Certification in LSVT, stroboscopy, myofascial release, and FEES

Jami Elzinga, MS, CCC-SLP
  • Trained in VFSS and FEES
  • Certified in myofascial release, with a special interest in head and neck cancer, and treating patients post-surgically
Meghan Killeen, MS, CCC-SLP
  • Certified in MDTP and myofascial release, with special interest in head and neck cancer, and treating patients post-surgically