Episode 75: SLP Diversity through Mentorship: Changing the Face of the Field with Marilouise E. Nichols, MS, CCC-SLP

According to the ASHA’s 2019 Annual Member and Affiliate Profile, the race and ethnicity demographics in the field of Speech-Language Pathology is largely homogenous—with many minority groups sorely underrepresented. ASHA endorses the idea that “cultural competence=clinical competence”, furthering the representation and understanding of cultural and linguistically diverse groups can result in better patient care. While there have been and currently are many efforts to increase diversity in our field, the numbers have remained relatively stagnant over the years. This episode will explore the issues of diversity in our field, highlight current efforts increase diversity in our field, and outline steps that clinicians can take to improve their cultural competence. Further, we will discuss the value of mentorship, particularly for pre-professionals and early career professionals, and its role it  increasing diversity in our field. Show notes: https://www.speechuncensored.com/podcastepisodes/s3e26