Download the show notes or full transcript of the conversation.
Meet Lauren Pontoppidan, a pediatric medical SLP who works within the school system and in the hospital setting. She tells us how she discovered speech pathology, walks us through a typical work day, explains what it’s like working with children with severe medical conditions, and offers advice on how newer SLPs can break into the field.
Discussion & Reflection Questions
- Tell us a little bit about why you became a speech pathologist. How long have you been an SLP?
- Did you always want to be a medical SLP, and did you always have an interest in working with children?
- Tell us how your typical day works out. When do you start? When do you end? Do you get a lunch break?
- What do you do if you do start getting burned out? Any words of advice there?
- What is one of the favorite things that you do working in the school system? What about in the hospital?
- Was it scary starting to work with NICU babies? How did you build your confidence in that?
- What are some of the resources you recommend for students or SLPs just starting out?
- What words of advice do you have for the new or fresh SLP who is an inner clinical fellow and wants to move into a career like you have?
Quote of the Conversation
“Be confident in yourself. You’ve gone to graduate school. You have a Master’s degree. You’re a smart, capable person. So, I think a lot of people come out really scared. And it’s good to know your limitations and know what you need more help in, but also know that you know things.”
– Lauren Pontoppidan, MA, CCC-SLP
Lauren Pontoppidan, MA, CCC-SLP
Medical Speech-Language Pathologist
Lauren Pontoppidan is a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist practicing in New Orleans, Louisiana. She earned her Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Memphis in 2013 and completed an Advanced Certification in Pediatric Dysphagia from New York Medical College in 2020. Additionally, Lauren is a Level 2 SOS provider and SOFFI certified.
Lauren works for Jefferson Parish Public School System, where she specializes in treating children with severe communication disorders and is a member of the AAC team. She also works for Children’s Hospital New Orleans and is an independent contractor for Early Steps, where she specializes in infant and pediatric dysphagia and feeding disorders.
Lauren resides in New Orleans with her fiancé (Norwood), Labrador (Magnolia), dachshund (Mona), cats (Graycie and Baloo), and horse (Bailey). When she is not working, Lauren is busy planning her May 2021 wedding. She also enjoys cooking, gardening, Orange Theory fitness, and horseback riding.
Keep the Conversation Going
Lauren Pontoppidan, MA, CCC-SLP
Contact Lauren Pontoppidan
Email: LPontoppidan24@gmail.com
Resources
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