Avery Elkins

Background

About Avery Elkins

I am an Acute Care Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) and Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS)As a FEES-competent, MDTP-certified, and MBSImP-certified medical SLP, I have the honor of serving a diverse group of patients by evaluating, diagnosing, and treating dysphagia, dysarthria, dysphonia, aphasia, and cognitive-linguistic disorders at Adventist Healthcare White Oak Medical Center in the Washington DC Metro Area.I have extensive training and experience conducting and evaluating Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluations of Swallowing (FEES) and Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) studies for dysphagia diagnostics in acute care, long-term care, ENT clinic, and outpatient settings. Following evaluation, I am able to provide highly skilled intervention as a McNeill Dysphagia Therapy Program (MDTP) Certified Provider.I am passionate about improving the quality of life, and the quality of care, afforded to our patients and their families through evidence-based best practices delivered with excellence and compassion.I have had the privilege of conducting research synthesizing the reported effects of compensatory strategies for persons with dysphagia and dementia, under the guidance of ABSSD Chairperson, Dr. Memorie Gosa.I am pursuing a Board Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BCS-S) Certification. I plan to leverage my expertise and experience to advance the field of dysphagia research, diagnostics, and treatment, and to improve the lives of patients by delivering accurate evaluation, precise treatment, and the very highest-quality care.