Gena Scrivano, SLP

I feel like I was destined to work in medicine. Several family members are healthcare providers, and my mother ran a group home for adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. Some of the residents had cerebral palsy, and they needed special care to manage swallowing disorders. I loved volunteering there on the weekends.

During college, I worked as a research assistant at the Joy McCann Culverhouse Center for Swallowing Disorders at the University of South Florida. I became fascinated by speech–language pathology and the opportunity to solve complex medical problems. 

As a speech–language pathologist, I manage communication, voice, and swallowing problems resulting from head and neck, esophageal, lung, or breast cancer. I also care for patients who have vocal cord disorders and chronic cough.

I perform flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, in which a flexible laryngoscope—a thin tube with a light and a lens or video camera on the end—is passed through the nose and down the throat. I can give food or liquid during the test so I can observe the swallowing process. 

Sometimes I recommend a modified barium swallow study, also known as a videofluoroscopic swallowing study. During this test, patients consume food and drinks mixed with barium, a contrast agent. X-rays are then used to create images of swallowing. To assess a person’s voice, I offer videostroboscopy, a type of endoscopy that helps me visualize vocal cord vibration. 

Radiation treatment for head and neck cancer can cause scarring in the muscles of the mouth and throat, which can lead to significant swallowing problems. I teach patients exercises to help them avoid the need for a feeding tube. 

When a patient has a voice disorder, I teach them how to relax the larynx—the organ that connects the throat to the windpipe—and optimize the use of their respiratory muscles. I encourage them to do their exercises regularly, so they can accomplish their goals. 

My philosophy is to empower patients to understand and manage their condition and treatment. For instance, a laryngectomy—in which the voice box is removed—affects speaking, swallowing, and breathing. I ensure patients understand how to communicate effectively after surgery and keep their airway clean. 

I love getting to know my patients and managing challenging health problems. It is rewarding when I can give patients the support they need and they are satisfied with my care.  

I have conducted research on swallowing and communication disorders related to head and neck cancer surgery. In addition, I completed more than 70 hours of advanced training in voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders and received the ACE Award for Continuing Education from the American Speech–Language–Hearing Association in 2014.