Nov 4, 2016

Faces of U of T Medicine: Emily Neufeld

Emily Neufeld
By

Dan Haves

Emily Neufeld

Emily Neufeld is an MHSc student in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology at the Faculty of Medicine and will be convocating on November 9, 2016. Her area of focus is in speech and language disorders or delays in preschool children.

Emily is one of the many U of T students who will cross the stage at Convocation Hall to receive their degrees during ceremonies this November. Share your convocation memories with us using the hashtag #UofTGrad16.

What led you to a career in speech-language pathology?

When I was in high school my parents suggested that I research speech-language pathology. I had been trying to decide what to pursue in university that suited my interests and talents and was struggling to decide between science and language. I then shadowed two different speech pathologists and was thrilled to see how my passions could be combined. In university, I volunteered in a hospital and a clinic and participated in research. From these experiences I developed an appreciation for the broad scope of practice in speech pathology, the academic rigor of the profession and the meaningful impact speech pathologists have in the lives of their clients.

How has your time in the program prepared you to become a speech-language pathologist?

The program provided the opportunity to learn in a classroom setting from distinguished faculty and through hands-on clinical placements. The program was structured so that we could immediately apply what we’d learned in the classroom with real clients under the supervision of practising speech-language pathologists. This combination of academic theory and workplace experience ensured that we have the knowledge and skills to be successful clinicians.

What will you remember most about your time in the program?

We worked and studied hard, but we also had a lot of fun. Our class made two music videos about the program and everyone poured a lot passion and talent into projects like these. I will always remember the creativity and laughs we shared working together.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

My advice to incoming students is to focus less on striving for good marks and more on the skills they need to be a competent and professional clinician. They should view their classmates as their colleagues. There is a lot to learn from each other. 

 

Faces of U of T Medicine introduces you to some of the interesting people studying in the Faculty of Medicine. From advising political leaders to providing care to Toronto’s most vulnerable populations, our students are making an impact on communities at home and around the world.

Do you have an interesting story to share? Contact us at medicine.communications@utoronto.ca.