Staff Associate I in the Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery Full-time NEW

The Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons invites applications for a one-year speech-language pathology clinical fellowship with a specialized focus on the assessment and treatment of voice , swallowing, and upper airway disorders. This fellowship, comprising a 12-month appointment, offers a unique opportunity for clinical fellows to receive dedicated mentorship from our team of three highly experienced Speech Language Pathologists specializing in voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders.

Situated in the heart of New York City, our multidisciplinary center operates within an outpatient clinical setting. Fellows selected for this program will engage in direct collaboration with our two fellowship-trained laryngologists and our laryngology fellow. Our diverse patient population spans across all age groups, encompassing both adult and pediatric demographics, along with professional voice users.

Throughout the fellowship, participants will gain comprehensive experience in videostroboscopy, acoustic and aerodynamic evaluations of voice quality and function, flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), and the implementation of extensive interventions for voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders. The fellow selected will also have the opportunity to train Modified Barium Swallow (MBSS) studies with the potential to lead studies independently. 

Duties  

• 25%: Engage in direct collaboration with our two fellowship-trained laryngologists and our laryngology fellow.
• 70%: Independent assessment, treatment planning and intervention of voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders.
• 5%: Collaboration in ongoing departmental research efforts.

Functional Knowledge

• Foundational knowledge of swallowing and voice and upper airway disorders (VUAD), their assessment, and their rehabilitation.

Problem Solving

• Collaboration in the assessment of voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders alongside laryngology colleagues.
• Planning and implementation of behavioral interventions of voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders.
• Adaptation of assessment and intervention to accommodate patient diversity and differences.

Decision Making/Autonomy (Must equal 10)

Level of supervision required, on a scale of 1 (least) to 10 (most) –

• Month 1-2: 7/10
• Month 3-9 3/10
• Month 10-12 0/10

Degree of independent judgment expected, on a scale of 1 (least) to 10 (most) –

• Month 1-2: 3/10
• Month 3-9 7/10
• Month 10-12 10/10

Leadership

• Participation in community outreach and interdepartmental education efforts.

Technical Expertise

• Execution and interpretation of transnasal and transoral videostroboscopy and flexible endoscopy for swallow studies.
• Execution and interpretation of laryngeal function studies.

Communication Skills

• Independent communication of ongoing therapeutic plans and outcomes to patients, caregivers and collaborating professionals. 

• Completion of a master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from an ASHA-accredited university by August 1st, 2026.
• Eligibility to apply for Limited Licensure as a Speech Language Pathologist in New York State (refer to https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/speech-language-pathology/license-requirements for details).