Academy President's Blog

August 15, 2010
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February 15, 2010




August 15, 2010

As summer comes to a close, and a new school year starts, there are a lot of exciting happenings in the world of audiology!

First, the State Fair is almost here!!  For the 8th year, audiologists from the Minnesota Academy of Audiology will be screening hearing in the KARE 11 Health Building.  If you've volunteered with us before, you know that this audiology awareness opportunity is a lot of fun, a great way to teach the public about who we are and what we do, and can also bring new patients into our practices!  I have seen a number of patients in the clinic that I first met at the Fair.  Some for hearing evaluations and hearing aids, a few who came to see me in our Balance Center after learning about audiology in the State Fair booth.  While I always appreciate new patients, I really love the chance to meet and talk to people about what we do.  I have met the most interesting people at the Fair!  If you haven't signed up to volunteer, do it now!  In addition to the great time in the Health Building, you get into the Fair for free.  Screen hearing, have some mini donuts... it's a great way to end the summer!!  For more information, email statefair@minnesotaaudiology.org

After the Fair, the new school year starts.  One of the things our Membership Committee is truly excited to work on this year is a Mentor Program with Au.D. students at the University of Minnesota.  We would like to match up Au.D. students with an audiologists in the community-- to talk to about the profession, to answer questions, possibly offer observation opportunities, for networking, to discuss their futures, meet for coffee... I had a supervisor at one of my practicum placements in grad school who took me under her wing.  She taught me about professional issues, talked to me about professional organizations, encouraged in me a spirit of volunteerism.  That relationship is still something I think back on as one of the most valuable parts of my education.  I intend to try and foster that in a student.  We are going to be looking for interested audiologists to become mentors soon-- I really hope you are all interested.  We will be looking for audiologists from all practice settings and from all over the state.  We will be talking to the students at their Grand Rounds in September.  If you are interested, or if you'd like information, please contact me at membership@minnesotaaudiology.org. 

I hope everyone is having a fantastic summer!  I look forward to seeing you at the Fair!!

Shanna