Gap Education
Basic FEES Course
Hybrid, 16 Hour Course
Asynchronous/Online Material +
In-Person on Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14
16 Hours of Content for Speech-Language Pathologists Who Already Have Basic Competency in Oropharyngeal Dysphagia
This intensive 16-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.
08
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.
Topics and Schedule
Online Material:
Online content is taught by Tim Stockdale, SLPD, CCC-SLP, unless otherwise noted.
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Course Introduction -- 19 minutes, 47 seconds
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Expert Panel Recommendations for Training in FEES, Regulations, Adverse Reactions, Contraindications, & Informed Consent -- 72 minutes, 25 seconds and assessment
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Equipment & Infection Control -- 15 minutes, 42 seconds with Jeanette Benigas, PhD, SLP
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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, 36 seconds with Alexandra Brandimore, PhD, CCC-SLP and Tim Stockdale, SLPD, CCC-SLP
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FEES Protocol & Clinical Decision-Making -- 41 minutes 29 seconds and assessment
In-Person:
In-person content is taught by Tim Stockdale, SLPD, CCC-SLP, unless otherwise noted.
Saturday, December 13, 2025
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
10:45 - 11:15 AM – Integrated Case
11:15 – 12:00 PM – Standardized Tools for FEES
12:00 AM – 12:15 PM - Equipment Orientation
12:15 – 1:15 PM – Lunch (on own)
1:15 – 2:00 PM – Informed Consent with a Mock Patient
2:00 – 3:30 PM – FEES Administration, Scoring, and Documentation
3:30 – 3:45 PM – Break
3:45 PM – 6:00 PM – Hands-On Scoping Practice with Tim Stockdale, SLPD, CCC-SLP and Ryan Curfman, MS-SLP, CCC-SLP
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Sunday, December 14, 2025
8:15 – 10:15 AM – Hands-On Scoping Practice with Tim Stockdale, SLPD, CCC-SLP and Ryan Curfman, MS-SLP, CCC-SLP
10:15 – 10:30 AM Break
10:30 AM – 12:15 PM – Hands-On Scoping Practice with Tim Stockdale, SLPD, CCC-SLP and Ryan Curfman, MS-SLP, CCC-SLP
12:15 – 12:30 PM – Course Exam
To receive a certificate for this course, participants must do the following:
1. Complete approximately 4-hours of online, asynchronous material prior to attending in-person (deadline to complete is 7:00 AM EST December 13, 2025)
2. Attend the entire in-person course (December 13 and 14, 2025)
3. Complete periodic knowledge checks with a score of 80% (can be retaken as needed)
4. Complete a short exam with 80% accuracy (can be retaken as needed)
5. Complete items related to CEUs on post course survey
(No partial credit is given for this course)
In-Kind Course Sponsors
Endoscopes for Training Provided by PatCom Medical
Instructors
Cost
Early Bird Rate: $600 (Good through November 30th)
Late Bird Rate: $650 (December 1 - 10)
Online, asynchronous part of the course (approximately 4 hours):
Scheduled for release on or before December 1st and must be completed before the in-person part of the course.
In-Person part of course (Approximately 12 hours): December 13 (Full Day) and December 14 (half day, morning);
Location: Online and at AdventHealth Tampa
3100 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33613
