Gap Education
Basic FEES Course
Hybrid, 15 Hour Course
Asynchronous/Online Material +
In-Person on Saturday, December 12, in Tampa, FL
15 Hours of Content for Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) Who Already Have Basic Competency in Oropharyngeal Dysphagia
This 15-Hour intensive course introduces the principles and practices of Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES). Designed for speech-language pathologists looking to enhance their diagnostic skills in dysphagia assessment, this course offers both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.
Participants will delve into the nuances of the anatomy and physiology of swallowing as captured through endoscopy. The curriculum covers indications and contraindications for FEES, as well as a procedure for performing the evaluation. Topics include patient preparation, equipment handling, safety protocols, and interpretation of findings.
Interactive lectures, demonstrations, case studies, and supervised practice sessions ensure an engaging and comprehensive learning experience. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the foundational knowledge to conduct FEES.
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Please contact Tim@SwallowtheGap.com for input or assistance regarding special needs (eg, dietary, visual, hearing, physical).
Learning Objectives
01
Anatomy
Identify key anatomical features relevant to FEES via clinical observation and endoscopically.
02
Typical vs. Atypical
Differentiate between typical and atypical anatomical appearance and functions related to nasal, pharyngeal, laryngeal, and tracheal regions as viewed via transnasal endoscopy.
03
Utility and Limitations
Recognize the utility and limitations of FEES in various clinical scenarios, including contraindications and the impact of specific patient conditions.
04
Hands-On Skills
Complete transnasal endoscopic passes with supervision, utilizing proper technique and monitoring patient/participant comfort.
Learning Objectives
05
Critical Thinking
Assess swallowing function with various consistencies of foods and liquids using transnasal endoscopy.
06
Pre - PO Trial Assessment
Assess the management of oropharyngeal secretions, noting any deviations from expected patterns.
07
Diagnosis
Assess swallowing physiology as visualized via transnasal endoscopy in a way that compliments your prior diagnostic skills.
Patient Specificity
Demonstrate technique for passing a transnasal endoscope to visualize and assess function of the of the pharynx and larynx for swallowing.
Learning Objectives
09
Management Techniques
Discuss management options for the FEES examination to address swallowing problems, such as the use of therapeutic maneuvers and interventions.
10
Clinical Adaptation
Evaluate participant responses to therapeutic strategies using endoscopy, adjusting technique as necessary to improve swallowing function and airway protection.
11
Infection Control
Apply infection control technique effectively during the setup, execution, and post-procedure stages of FEES to facilitate a safe environment for both patient and healthcare provider.
12
Documentation
Document a FEES study with background, data, basic clinical interpretation / impressions, and recommendations.
Course Schedule
Online Material (there is likely to be 1 hour of material from the 'Tentative In-Person Schedule' schedule added to the online material below):
Online content is asynchronous (on demand) and taught by Timothy Stockdale, SLPD, CCC-SLP, unless otherwise noted below.​
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Course Introduction – 20 minutes, 1 second
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Expert Panel Recommendations for Training in FEES, Regulations, Adverse Reactions, Contraindications, & Informed Consent – 66 minutes, 21 seconds and assessment
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Equipment & Infection Control – 25 minutes, 16 seconds
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Gross Anatomy Through FEES & Cranial Nerves – 36 minutes, 24 seconds and assessment
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Typical Vs. Atypical Anatomy: What to Look for & Report – 26 minutes, 32 seconds with Alexandra Brandimore, PhD, CCC-SLP and Timothy Stockdale, SLPD, CCC-SLP
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FEES Protocol & Clinical Decision-Making – 36 minutes 07 seconds and assessment
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Strengths and Limitations of FEES - Part 1 – 20 minutes, 13 seconds (based upon word count at 100 words per minute)
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Case Simulation – 71 minutes, 12 seconds (based upon videos + word count at 100 words per minute)
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Tentative In-Person Schedule (One hour of the content below will likely be moved to the 'Online Material' above):
In-person content is taught by Timothy Stockdale, SLPD, CCC-SLP, unless otherwise noted.
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Saturday, December 12, 2026
8:00 – 8:30 AM – Online Content Review and Discussion
8:30 – 8:45 AM – Imposter Syndrome
8:45 – 9:45 AM – Typical Swallowing Physiology
9:45 – 10:00 AM – Break
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM – Strengths and Limitations of FEES - Part 2
10:45 – 11:15 AM – Integrated Case
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM – Standardized Tools for FEES
12:00 – 12:45 PM - Lunch (on own)
12:45 – 1:00 PM – Equipment Orientation
1:00 – 1:45 PM – Informed Consent with a Mock Patient
1:45 – 3:15 PM – Rotations: FEES Administration, Interpretation, Documentation, and Guided Practice with Timothy Stockdale, SLPD, CCC-SLP and Ryan Curfman, MS-SLP, CCC-SLP
​3:15 – 3:30 PM – Break
3:30 – 5:30 PM – Rotations: FEES Administration, Interpretation, Documentation, and Guided Practice with Timothy Stockdale, SLPD, CCC-SLP and Ryan Curfman, MS-SLP, CCC-SLP
​5:30 – 5:45 PM – Break
5:45 – 7:00 PM – Rotations: FEES Administration, Interpretation, Documentation, and Guided Practice with Timothy Stockdale, SLPD, CCC-SLP and Ryan Curfman, MS-SLP, CCC-SLP
7:00 – 7:15 PM – Wrap Up & Questions
7:15 – 7:30 PM – Course Exam
To receive a certificate for this course, and ASHA CEUs (if eligible and desired), participants must do the following:
1. Complete all of the online material (see schedule above for a tentative list) prior to attending in-person (deadline to complete is 7:00 AM EST December 11, 2026)
2. Attend the entire in-person course (see schedule above) on December 12, 2026
3. Complete a post exam with 80% accuracy (can be retaken as needed)
4. Complete items related to CEUs on post course survey
(No partial credit is given for this course)
In-Kind Course Sponsors
Instructors
Timothy Stockdale, SLPD, CCC-SLP
Role: Primary Course Instructor
Timothy (Tim) Stockdale has served as a speech-language pathologist (SLP) primarily in university and acute care settings. He teaches at the graduate-level, practices clinically, organizes continuing education for SLPs, and hosts the podcast 'Swallow the Gap' to address gaps in dysphagia care. He has served on ASHA's SIG-13 (Dysphagia) Professional Development Committee. He received an undergraduate degree from West Virginia University, a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of South Florida, and a Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD) from Northwestern University.
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Financial Disclosures:
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​Gap Education, LLC - Salary for ownership, teaching, and managing
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University of South Florida - Salary as full-time faculty
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Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions - Salary for teaching as adjunct faculty​​
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Atmos - Finder's FEES for Endoscope Sales
Non Financial Disclosures:
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None
Ryan Curfman, MS, CCC-SLP
Role: Instruction with Hands-On Passing
Ryan Curfman, MS, CCC-SLP, has over 6 years of experience in acute care settings, across two major healthcare systems. He has frequently provided services for patients with swallowing disorders, not limited to the implementation of MBS and FEES. He currently works full-time with the University of South Florida as a clinical instructor. He values humility in clinical practice and leadership principles.
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Financial Disclosures:
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​Gap Education, LLC - Teaching fee
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University of South Florida - Salary as full-time faculty
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Non Financial Disclosures:
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None
Alexandra Brandimore, PhD, CCC-SLP
Role: A portion of online, asynchronous instruction
Dr. Alexandra Brandimore, Ph.D. CCC-SLP joined the USF Communication Sciences and Disorders department faculty in May 2017. She completed her doctoral studies at the University of Florida where she also received her Master’s and Undergraduate education. After obtaining her Ph.D in Speech-Language Pathology, Dr. Brandimore completed a post-doctoral fellowship in the Laboratory for Upper Airway Dysfunction within the Department of Biobehavioral Sciences at Teachers College, Columbia University. Dr. Brandimore has teaching expertise in the areas of: respiratory physiology, cognitive-motor relationships, neural/myogenic adaptations to exercise and training, with emphasis on the swallowing, coughing and respiratory systems, and clinical disorders of motor speech, voice, and airway protection. Dr. Brandimore’s teaching interests include dysphagia, voice disorders, motor speech disorders, speech anatomy and physiology, neuroanatomy, and SLP management of complex movement disorders.
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Financial Disclosures:
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University of South Florida - Full time faculty
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Non Financial Disclosures:
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No relevant disclosures
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Cost
Early Bird Rate: $600 (Good through Nov. 11th)
Late Bird Rate: $650 (July Nov. 12 - Dec. 11)
Total Course Duration: 15 Hours + Breaks
Course Format: Hybrid/Blended. This course includes both online (asynchronous) and in-person (synchronous) learning components.
Target Audience: Intermediate Level
CE Credit: This course will be eligible for 1.5 ASHA CEUs. No partial CE credit is provided. Eligibility to Earn ASHA CEUs.
In-Person Date: December 12
Location: Tampa, FL - Address pending
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