Formula One, part of the US Grand Prix, came to Austin in October and so did I!

The Feeding and Swallowing Team at Dell Children’s were amazing hosts! Speech-Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapists joined us from across the US and Canada to learn interactively along with each other, focusing on a wide variety of practice settings. In the Cue Based seminar, Dr Thoyre and I guided the group in higher level conversations about complex feeding challenges in the NICU and after discharge, watching and scoring videos of neonates feeding and problem-solving next steps. In the Pediatric Swallow Studies seminar, we discussed unique components of the swallow pathway across the pediatric age span, and then peeling apart the pathophysiology and its implications.  In the Advanced Dysphagia seminar, we looked at critical thinking for decision-making, problem-solving and interventions for our neonatal through school aged patients.  It was also a great opportunity to share ways of navigating the practice challenges that each of us faces on a daily basis. It reminded us that we are not alone. One attendee commented: “I feel rejuvenated and validated in my practice, and our conversations reinforced my values as a clinician. ” We all walked away feeling renewed.