Balancing Patient Autonomy and Aspiration in Acute Care

This one-hour seminar will equip beginner to intermediate clinicians with skills to navigate complex decisions in acute care, emphasizing a holistic approach to managing acutely ill patients who aspirate. A case study will highlight how a patient with severe dysphagia can safely continue oral intake with proper support from the SLP and care team.

Laura Byrne, MA CCC-SLP, is a senior medical speech-language pathologist at Montefiore Einstein Medical Center in the Bronx, NY. She specializes in the evaluation and treatment of swallowing disorders in the acute care setting. Her clinical focus includes working with patients experiencing neurogenic dysphagia, head and neck cancers, and swallowing difficulties after cardiothoracic or spinal surgeries. In addition to her clinical work, Laura is deeply committed to lifelong learning and education. She actively participates in dysphagia research, mentors graduate students and early-career clinicians, and presents at both local universities and national conferences—including the 2024 ASHA Convention…