New Explore Medbridge Pathways

Medical Professionals and Vocal Fatigue: How to Support
Your Voice (Recorded Webinar)

Presented by Katelyn Swiader

Medical Professionals and Vocal Fatigue: How to Support Your Voice (Recorded Webinar)

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Medical professionals in clinics, hospitals, and healthcare settings face unique vocal demands. Long shifts, noisy environments, and constant communication are factors that can contribute to vocal fatigue for many individuals, and recurrent voice issues such as vocal fatigue can have a negative impact on an individual’s ability to do their job. Traditional medical education, however, overlooks training medical professionals on vocal health and technique, creating a critical practice gap that impacts patient communication and professional well-being.

This webinar, led by Katelyn Swiader, MSEd, CCC-SLP, a voice-specialized speech-language pathologist, directly addresses these challenges. We’ll explore vocal anatomy and the medical environment, identify common voice concerns, mitigate setting-specific challenges like noisy rooms, and implement practical exercises to build stamina. Participants are encouraged to bring a straw, tissue, and water for these exercises. You will learn fundamental vocal health and conservation techniques tailored for medical professionals.

Learning Objectives
  • Identify the three subsystems involved in voice production to understand their role in vocal function and potential sources of strain.
  • Outline the medical professionals and resources available to support individuals experiencing voice-related challenges in their professional roles.
  • Visualize optimal workspace adjustments to enhance acoustics and reduce vocal strain in healthcare settings.
  • Highlight practical strategies to modify vocal demands during work tasks, ensuring sustainable voice use throughout a healthcare professional’s shift.
  • Practice three evidence-based vocal exercises to promote vocal health and endurance, integrating them into daily work routines.

Meet your instructor

A woman in a white lab coat stands smiling against a turquoise background, representing medbridge.

Katelyn Swiader

Katelyn Swiader is a speech-language pathologist specializing in vocal health and performance with more than 15 years of voice coaching experience. She holds a master’s degree in speech-language pathology and a bachelor’s in vocal performance. With a background as a professional singer, she provides comprehensive voice care…

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Chapters & learning objectives

Voice Production,Common Vocal Ailments,and Professional Support

1. Voice Production,Common Vocal Ailments,and Professional Support

In this chapter, the learner will understand how their voice is produced, what are common voice ailments secondary to phonotrauma and/or muscle tension dysphonia, and what medical professionals to seek out for support when they have voice complaints.

Creative Solutions and Optimizing Your Environment for Your Voice and Occupation

2. Creative Solutions and Optimizing Your Environment for Your Voice and Occupation

In this chapter, the learner will identify competing noises that reduce an individual’s ability to be heard and to optimize their acoustics to support their voice. The learner will be provided various solutions on how they may reduce their vocal output and how to incorporate vocal resets throughout the day.

Vocal Exercises and Participant Engagement

3. Vocal Exercises and Participant Engagement

Learners will complete up to three exercises, empowering them with the knowledge to incorporate a vocal warmup and cooldown throughout their workday as needed.

Question and Answer Session

4. Question and Answer Session

This chapter is a viewer-submitted question and answer session facilitated by Amber Richardson.