After an unexpected summer hiatus, we’re back with a solo episode that’s part update, part confession, and 100% from the heart. In this deeply personal kickoff to the new season, Theresa opens up about a professional ego check she didn’t see coming—one that hit close to home.
As a board-certified swallowing specialist, choosing a feeding tube for my own son was never part of the plan. But what started as a tough decision turned into something surprisingly beautiful: freedom, nourishment, and a whole lot of learning.
In this episode, Theresa Richard shares the behind-the-scenes updates on her dissertation, the MSLP-C™ Certification accreditation, exciting changes in the MedSLP Collective—and the very real parenting moments that led her to a new understanding of what feeding success can look like.
Whether you’re a med SLP, a parent, or someone navigating what it means to truly support patients and families, this episode is for you.
Clinical insights.
Emotional realness.
Growth in unexpected places.
Stay through to the end for a powerful reminder that sometimes, the best decisions challenge everything we thought we knew.
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Theresa Richard, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, is a distinguished medical speech-language pathologist and Board Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders, currently completing her PhD in Healthcare Leadership and Healthcare Education. Her entrepreneurial journey began with founding a successful mobile FEES business, where she identified a critical knowledge gap among medical SLPs—leading to the creation of the acclaimed Swallow Your Pride podcast. The podcast, which debuted at #11 on the Science and Medicine chart, has garnered over 5 million downloads and established her as a leading voice in the field.
As an influential advocate for patients with swallowing disorders, Theresa has contributed to two landmark papers in the Dysphagia journal addressing assessment and treatment during COVID-19. Her patient-focused book, “So You’re Having Trouble Swallowing,” has achieved bestseller status on both Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Beyond her clinical work, Theresa serves as a sought-after keynote speaker at professional conventions, has held the position of President of the Nevada Speech & Hearing Association, and has been featured in prominent publications including Authority Magazine, Medium, and Thrive Global.
Theresa’s commitment to advancing the field of medical speech-language pathology is further exemplified through her role as founder and CEO of the Medical SLP Collective, a thriving community of over 6,000 members. This platform provides editorial-reviewed resources, ASHA CEU webinars, and comprehensive mentorship opportunities. Her latest venture, MedSLP Education, offers specialized medical courses for SLPs and includes a pioneering Medical SLP Certification program currently in the accreditation process. Through her various platforms, including an educational YouTube channel, Theresa continues to elevate the standard of care in medical speech-language pathology.
