The University of Central Arkansas College of Health and Behavioral Sciences received an equipment donation from Conway Regional Health System in May.
The health system gifted a KayPENTAX Videostroboscopy System to the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders within the college. Health care professionals such as speech language pathologists use videostroboscopy equipment to diagnose patients. Using a video camera attached to a tube that can enter the nose or mouth, the system allows for imaging and photos of the throat and vocal folds.
“Having this equipment donated to the UCA Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is a game changer for our students because it will enhance our students’ educational experiences,” said Dee Lance ’86, ’88, chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. “This equipment has significant implications for our graduate students training to be speech-language pathologists because it will allow us to provide our students with specialized training needed to work in medical settings.”
Graduate students will first be able to use the system in clinical simulations and then later use the equipment with patients in the UCA Speech Language Hearing Center. The videostroboscopy system will also be used to conduct demonstrations in undergraduate classes.
“The Speech Pathology department of Conway Regional has always had a great relationship with UCA’s Communication Sciences and Disorders department. For years, we have worked closely with their faculty to provide opportunities for observation or clinical rotations with their students,” said Jessica Dewberry, director of therapy services at Conway Regional Health System. “So when the videostrobe was reaching the end of life and we were utilizing it less and less, we saw an opportunity to donate this to UCA so that they could continue to utilize the equipment for educational [and] training purposes.”