Learn from Debra Suiter and 840+ other industry-leading experts. Browse Plans
Debra Suiter
PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, F-ASHA
Debra Suiter is the director of the Voice and Swallow Clinic and an associate professor in the Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky. She earned her master's and doctoral degrees at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Dr. Suiter has been a speech-language pathologist for 24 years and has worked across a number of settings, including acute care, acute rehabilitation, outpatient, and skilled nursing facilities. Her primary clinical and research interests focus on assessment and treatment of adults with swallowing disorders. Together with Dr. Steven Leder, she developed the Yale Swallow Protocol, a tool used to identify aspiration risk. Dr. Suiter has presented her work locally, nationally, and internationally, and she has published a number of manuscripts in peer-reviewed publications. She is a board-certified specialist in swallowing and swallowing disorders, a fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and a member of the Dysphagia Research Society.
Courses with Debra Suiter
Browse Course CatalogScreening and Bedside Swallow Evaluation Across the Continuum of Care
Presented by Jo Puntil, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, F-ASHA and Debra Suiter, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, F-ASHA
Screening and Bedside Swallow Evaluation Across the Continuum of Care
Screening is the first step in the continuum of dysphagia assessment. There are many different approaches to screening, and clinicians are often unclear about which one to use. In this course, we will discuss methods of screening, how to choose the best screening approach, and how to implement screening in various healthcare settings. Clinical swallow evaluations are often the next step after screening. In this course, we will discuss components of a clinical swallow evaluation. We will delineate what can and cannot be ascertained regarding swallow function during a clinical swallow evaluation. Finally, we will discuss how screening and clinical swallow evaluation can be incorporated in various healthcare settings, including intensive care, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient settings.
Exercise-Based Treatments for Dysphagia
Presented by Debra Suiter, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, F-ASHA
Exercise-Based Treatments for Dysphagia
Treatment for dysphagia has long included the use of exercises designed to improve muscle strength. Many of the traditional exercises for dysphagia have been based on concepts developed by physical therapies for treatment of limb muscles. However, it remains unclear whether these same principles can be applied effectively to the muscles involved in swallowing. Additionally, little guidance has existed regarding how to incorporate specific exercises for the treatment of dysphagia. In this course, we will discuss principles of strength training and how they are being incorporated into newer dysphagia treatments. Patient and care partner factors that should be considered when developing treatment plans will also be reviewed.
Yale Swallow Protocol: When, How, and Why to Use It (Recorded Webinar)
Presented by Debra Suiter, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, F-ASHA
Yale Swallow Protocol: When, How, and Why to Use It (Recorded Webinar)
Screening is the first step in the continuum of dysphagia evaluation. There are a large number of tools available for dysphagia screening, including the Yale Swallow Protocol. How, when, and why to implement this protocol are frequently raised questions. In this webinar, we will discuss the development and rationale for the Yale Swallow Protocol. Recommendations for implementing it within various healthcare settings will be discussed.
Interpretation of Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing
Presented by Debra Suiter, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, F-ASHA
Interpretation of Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing
This course will provide guidance to clinicians who wish to enhance and improve upon their interpretation of endoscopic evaluations of swallowing. Suggested protocols for administration and interpretation of FEES will be discussed.
Case Studies in Videofluoroscopic Swallow Evaluations
Presented by Debra Suiter, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, F-ASHA
Case Studies in Videofluoroscopic Swallow Evaluations
Treatment planning based on videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) should be based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, swallowing pathophysiology. These cases will highlight factors that must be considered when planning treatment following VFSS.
Communicating Results of Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies
Presented by Debra Suiter, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, F-ASHA
Communicating Results of Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies
Communication breakdown often occurs when patients transfer from one care setting to another. Ineffective communication of videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) results can impact patient care and necessitate additional testing. In this course, we will discuss strategies for improving communication of VFSS results across settings to ensure appropriate and effective patient care. This course is appropriate for speech-language pathologists working across the continuum of healthcare settings.
Swallowing Assessment in Patients With Tracheostomy Tubes
Presented by Debra Suiter, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, F-ASHA
Swallowing Assessment in Patients With Tracheostomy Tubes
Clinicians who complete swallow assessments with patients with tracheostomy tubes are often faced with a number of clinical questions. These include whether a tracheostomy tube impacts swallow function, whether cuff deflation is necessary prior to completing a swallow assessment, and if speaking valve placement is necessary. In this course, we will discuss specific issues that must be considered when completing a swallow assessment with a patient with a tracheostomy tube.
Do Tracheotomy Tubes Affect Swallowing?
Presented by Debra Suiter, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, F-ASHA
Do Tracheotomy Tubes Affect Swallowing?
There is equivocal information in the research literature regarding the effects, if any, tracheostomy tubes have on swallow function. It remains unclear if it is the tracheostomy tube per se that affects swallowing or if it is the underlying medical condition necessitating tracheostomy placement. This course will review research findings and clinical implications of those findings for speech-language pathologists working with individuals with tracheostomy tubes.
Start any course for free!
Get access to the first chapter of all 2600+ courses when you create a free account.
Sign Up for FreeWebinars with Debra Suiter
Apr 27, 2023
Yale Swallow Protocol: When, How, and Why to Use It
Presented by Debra Suiter
No Recording Available