An interview with Pélagie Beeson, Ph.D.

Dr. Beeson: As a freshman in college, I used my electives to study language (Spanish) and to explore special education. Then, in the summer after my freshman year, I worked at a camp for special needs children and adults. The camp director was a speech-language pathologist, so I began to learn about the profession. I realized that it might be a good fit for my interests in special education and language, so I took a survey course in communication disorders in the fall of my sophomore year at the University of Kansas. I knew immediately that it was the right profession for me. I now teach such a class at the University of Arizona; I love it because I have many students making their career decisions in that class, just like I did.

My specialization in aphasia emerged during the first several years after I graduated with my Master’s degree. Although I was also interested in child language, laryngectomy, cleft palate, and voice, I found my clients with aphasia to be the most interesting and rewarding. I ultimately returned to get my Ph.D. so that I could learn more about the brain and the neural substrates of language.

Dr. Beeson: Right now, I think that it is particularly challenging to respond to patient and family desires and assumptions regarding the use of technology to address acquired language impairments. For example, it is increasingly common for well-meaning family members to purchase computers, reading devices, and PDAs without an appreciation of the true rehabilitation needs of the individual. While I think that such devices hold potential for specific patients, effective use typically requires behavioral intervention with the device. Unfortunately, purchase of the devices and plans to obtain professional training often do not go hand in hand. This is one avenue of the current research in our lab.

Dr. Beeson: Like many other aphasiologists, I have a knack for understanding aphasic utterances that seem incomprehensible to others. This makes patients view me as a good communicator and often establishes a special interpersonal bond with specific patients. I love that.

The other aspect of my job that brings me great satisfaction is helping students develop strong clinical, research, and teaching skills. I especially enjoy it when one of my students gives a spectacular presentation. I have been fortunate to have that happen many times.

Dr. Beeson: If possible, I recommend that you keep your options open in your first job so that you sample a wide range of disorders. This should help you find your passion.

I also encourage students to continue to read in the field after graduation. If you use the internet to “google” the answer to your clinical questions, don’t forget to use Google Scholar so that you remain connected to ongoing research.

Finally, I encourage strong students who truly enjoy the science of our profession to consider getting a Ph.D. Although it requires considerable long-term effort, an academic career provides a lifelong learning opportunity that can be combined with the clinical aspects of our profession.