Program Overview

Speech-Language Pathology Advanced ICU Fellowship

The Speech-Language Pathology Advanced ICU Fellowship is an intensive program designed to provide advanced practice experience and mentorship in the evaluation and treatment of ICU patients. The goal of this fellowship is to offer support for speech-language pathologists to work toward completion of the Board Specialty Certification in Swallowing.

Duration and Application

• Duration: 12 months
• Application period: December 1, 2025 - March 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST
• Program start: August 2026

Prerequisites

The fellowship is designed for speech-language pathologists who have:

• Completed their clinical fellowship
• A certificate of clinical competency from ASHA
• Are eligible for Maryland state license
• Are eligible to work in the United States without visa sponsorship by the PMR department

Fellowship Features

• Clinical evaluation and treatment experience in the areas of motor speech, language, cognition, swallowing, tracheostomy management, speech-generating devices, and alternative communication
• Didactic experience, including surgery observations, participation in multidisciplinary rounds, weekly swallowing conference, and monthly journal club meetings
• Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile certification
• Participation in scholarly activities, including case presentations, multidisciplinary education, and research projects, with the opportunity to present at a conference or submit for publication
• Participation in quality improvement and research activities
• Opportunities to submit posters and/or publications at regional or national conferences

Fellowship Director

• Brittany Boandl, M.A., CCC-SLP
  • Speech-Language Pathologist II
  • Director of the Advanced ICU SLP Fellowship

Fellowship Alumni

Class of 2025

• Julia Iszler, M.A., CCC-SLP
  • Undergraduate school: University of Florida, bachelor's in communication sciences and disorders
  • Graduate school: University of Florida, master's in communication sciences and disorders
  • Hometown: Crystal River, Florida
  • Professional interests: dysarthria, dysphagia, aphasia, respiratory strength training to improve airway protection
  • Why I chose Johns Hopkins: For the unique opportunity to receive further mentorship regarding best practices for evaluation and treatment within the intensive care environment.

Class of 2024

• Rebecca Brown, CCC-SLP
  • Undergraduate school: Syracuse University, bachelor's in neuroscience and communication sciences and disorders
  • Graduate school: Columbia University, master's in speech pathology
  • Hometown: Haddon Township, New Jersey
  • Professional interests: standardization in dysphagia evaluation, neurologic populations, cough assessment and treatment for dysphagia rehabilitation
  • Why I chose Johns Hopkins: For the advanced ICU fellowship, a unique program that provides experience in the ICU and the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals.

Class of 2023

• Sarah Kim, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
  • Undergraduate school: George Washington University, bachelor's in speech, language, and hearing sciences
  • Graduate school: University of Virginia, master's in communication sciences and disorders
  • Hometown: Closter, New Jersey
  • Professional interests: dysphagia, neurogenic communication disorders, tracheostomies, and speaking valves
  • Why I chose Johns Hopkins: For the opportunity to hone clinical skills in a medical setting with a diverse and medically complex patient population.

Class of 2022

• Holly DiClemente, M.S., CCC-SLP
  • Undergraduate school: Georgetown University, bachelor's in linguistics
  • Graduate school: Columbia University, master's in communication sciences and disorders
  • Hometown: Short Hills, New Jersey
  • Professional interests: instrumental assessment of dysphagia, tracheostomies and speaking valves, aphasia, biofeedback in dysphagia rehabilitation
  • Why I chose Johns Hopkins: To transition into acute care after completing a clinical fellowship in sub-acute and long-term care.

Class of 2021

• Alyssa Cook, M.A., CCC-SLP
  • Undergraduate school: University of Maryland, bachelor's in hearing and speech sciences
  • Graduate school: University of North Carolina at Greensboro, master's in communication sciences and disorders
  • Hometown: Ocean Township, New Jersey
  • Professional interests: dysphagia, tracheostomies and speaking valves, dysphagia management practice patterns between institutions
  • Why I chose Johns Hopkins: For the unique opportunity to expand clinical skills with diverse and complex patient populations through research, didactics, and mentorship.

Class of 2020

• Brittany Boandl, M.A., CCC-SLP
  • Undergraduate school: University of Pittsburgh, bachelor's in communication science disorders
  • Graduate school: Our Lady of the Lake University, master's in speech-language pathology
  • Hometown: Northampton, Pennsylvania
  • Professional interests: dysphagia, apraxia, tracheostomies
  • Why I chose Johns Hopkins: For the opportunity to initiate involvement in research and hone skills as an acute care speech-language pathologist.

Class of 2019

• Joanna Smith, CCC-SLP
  • Undergraduate school: Bloomsburg University, bachelor's in audiology & speech-language pathology
  • Graduate school: East Stroudsburg University, master's in speech-language pathology
  • Hometown: Bellefonte, Pennsylvania
  • Professional interests: dysphagia, neurogenic communication disorders
  • Why I chose Johns Hopkins: For the unique opportunity to advance career and fortify skillset as an acute care speech-language pathologist.