Episode 75: SLP Diversity through Mentorship: Changing the Face of the Field with Marilouise Nichols, MS, CCC-SLP
According to the ASHA’s 2019 Annual Member and Affiliate Profile, the race and ethnicity demographics in the field of Speech-Language Pathology is largely homogenous—with many minority groups sorely underrepresented. ASHA endorses the idea that “cultural competence=clinical competence”, furthering the representation and understanding of cultural and linguistically diverse groups can result in better patient care. While there have been and currently are many efforts to increase diversity in our field, the numbers have remained relatively stagnant over the years.
This episode will explore the issues of diversity in our field, highlight current efforts increase diversity in our field, and outline steps that clinicians can take to improve their cultural competence. Further, we will discuss the value of mentorship, particularly for pre-professionals and early career professionals, and its role in increasing diversity in our field.
“don’t be afraid to ask questions”
topics covered:
Why is diversity important?
Discussion of benefits to having a diverse workforce.
Decreases attrition rates.
Impacts cultural competency of providers.
Why is mentorship important?
Improves patient outcomes for early career professionals.
Improves job satisfaction.
Builds a stronger community of effective practitioners.
Review of opportunities to engage in mentorship for SLPs:
ASHA’s programs (STEP, MSLP)
meeting up with local groups
networking at conferences
connecting to other SLPS through organizations such as NBASLH
Resources mentioned in the episode:
ASHA Office of Multicultural Affairs: https://www.asha.org/practice/multicultural/
ASHA Self Assessment for Cultural Competence: https://www.asha.org/practice/multicultural/self/
ASHA S.T.E.P Program: https://www.asha.org/students/gatheringplace/step/
ASHA Minority Student Leadership Program (MSLP): https://www.asha.org/Students/MSLP-Award/
National Black Association of Speech-Language and Hearing (NBASLH): https://www.nbaslh.org
M.E.theSLP Blog: www.MEtheSLP.com
Thank you, Marilouise, for these great links!!
Marilouise E. Nichols, M.S., CCC-SLP is a medical Speech-Language Pathologist, who has focused her career on dysphagia and neurogenic communication disorders in adult inpatient rehabilitation and acute care. She currently works full-time in adult acute care—evaluating and treating neurogenic communication disorders and dysphagia in patients with a variety of acute and complex medical diagnoses. As an Early Career Professional, Marilouise is passionate about mentoring students and pre-professionals in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, as not too long ago, she once faced similar challenges and had many of your same questions. She is an active member of National Black Association of Speech Language and Hearing (NBASLH), serves as a discussion leader for my local community stroke support group, supervises and mentors graduate clinicians, and is the founder and writer of a professional blog, www.MEtheSLP.com, aimed to empower and engage young minorities in the field of Speech-Language Pathology.
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