Name: Karley Magsig
Hometown: Jackson, MI
Major: Communicative Sciences and Disorders
Graduation Date: May 2016
Company: Hillsdale Hospital
Location: Hillsdale
Amount of time at internship: Jan-April 2016
How did you become interested in becoming a speech-language pathologist? I always knew I wanted a career where I would have the opportunity to help people. I was exposed to the field of Speech Language Pathology through a family member who utilized the services of a SLP throughout their life. Seeing him excel and achieve great accomplishments provided me with a passion for the career. I declared my major as an incoming freshman to Michigan State University and have pursued my career choice ever since.
Tell us about your graduation school journey: I began graduate school in the Fall of 2014. I have had four diverse clinical internship opportunities throughout my graduate career. I started at the Jackson ISD doing early-on, then worked at a skilled-nursing facility in Ann Arbor, moving to Ingham ISD at a center-based school, finishing at Hillsdale Hospital which I am currently at. These internship opportunities have provided me with clinical knowledge for all settings and populations necessary for me to be successful as a future SLP.
Describe the clinical setting and population you are working with at your current internship: I am currently at Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, MI where acute care, outpatient, skilled nursing and home health SLP services are provided. The population served ranges from young children to geriatrics, depending on the day. The services provided vary greatly due to the numerous settings served within Hillsdale Hospital. I have gained ample experience in the areas of cognition, language, and swallowing in both evaluation and treating of patients. I have thoroughly enjoyed the variation in the day-to-day schedule while at this internship as it allows me to gain experience in many areas of the field. Learning more on modified barium swallow studies has been a highlight of this internship for me.
How has your internship helped prepare you for your career? This internship has helped me to become well-rounded and knowledgeable in the many services provided in a hospital setting. It has also given me a great opportunity to implement knowledge gained throughout my coursework. I have acquired clinical decision making skills as well as various therapy strategies and practices. I have obtained experience with documentation, collaborating with other professionals, and providing education to family and staff members. I have thoroughly enjoyed the exposure to the medical aspect of speech language pathology and am very grateful for this internship experience.