A Comprehensive Endoscopic Training Course for Speech-Language Pathologists and General ENTs
July 11, 2025 - July 12, 2025
Course Description
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Videostroboscopy & FEES Course is a two-day comprehensive training course hosted by faculty and staff of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Join us for an immersive, hands-on course designed specifically for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) at all experience levels.
This dynamic program provides expert-led lectures, interactive group discussions, and case studies as well as hands-on training, where participants will develop essential skills in the performance and interpretation of transnasal and rigid laryngeal videostroboscopy as well as flexible endoscopic evaluations of swallowing (FEES). This course emphasizes real-time decision making and interprofessional collaboration to enhance diagnostic precision and patient outcomes.
This curriculum includes a blend of didactic lectures, high-definition case reviews, and guided, hands-on practice with live models and simulation in a supportive, evidence-based learning environment.
Who Can Attend?
This course is open to licensed SLPs, SLP graduate students, and those in their clinical fellowship year.
This course is ideal for medical Speech-Language Pathologists interested in the assessment and treatment of voice and swallow disorders, regardless of whether they are new to the field or seasoned clinicians. Participants will be taught how to perform and incorporate videostroboscopy and FEES into their clinical practice.
Course Directors
| Libby Smith, DO, FAOCO Professor of Otolaryngology University of Pittsburgh | Sandra Stinnett, MD, MS Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology University of Pittsburgh | Chloe Santa Maria, MD, MPH Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology University of Pittsburgh |
| Laura Habich, MS, CCC-SLP Speech Language Pathologist University of Pittsburgh Medical Center | Tamara Wincko, MS, CCC-SLP Speech Language Pathologist University of Pittsburgh Medical Center |
Course Overview
Attendees will register for a two-day course: Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12
- Day 1 (July 11) will focus exclusively on lectures and intermediate-level interpretation and documentation on videostroboscopy, vibratory physiology, and voice assessment with an opportunity for hands-on flexible and rigid laryngoscopy training.
- Day 2 (July 12) will focus on deglutition physiology and pathophysiology through exploration of case presentations, as well as the performance, interpretation, and documentation of FEES. There will be an opportunity for hands-on flexible laryngoscopy training.
This program is offered for ASHA CEUs (Intermediate Level, Professional area) 
Course Location
1400 Locust St Building D, Suite 2100, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Learning Outcomes
| As a result of this activity, participants will be able to: | |
| July 11 | Perform transnasal flexible laryngoscopy for FEES & videostroboscopy |
| List five parameters for the standardized interpretation of videostroboscopy | |
| Describe how FEES and videostroboscopy can be used to assess, treat, and manage people with swallowing, voice, and upper airway disorders | |
| List equipment options, implementation strategies, and billing considerations for FEES and videostroboscopy | |
| July 12 | List 5 parameters to consider when developing standardized protocols for FEES |
| List 5 standardized and non-standardized assessment techniques for FEES interpretation | |
| Describe the What, Why, When, and How of VASES and how these are used to guide ratings of pharyngeal residue, penetration, and aspiration during FEES |
Satisfactory Completion
For satisfactory completion of this course, participants will:
- Attend the course in full
- Submit a course evaluation
- Complete a learning assessment detailing three new concepts they have learned
Learn about the UPMC Voice, Airway, & Swallow Center.