AudiologyOnline Phone: 800-753-2160


Starkey Signature Series - Learn More

A Note from the Youngest to the Oldest (in Class)

A Note from the Youngest to the Oldest (in Class)
Kevin P. Ruggle
August 8, 2000
Share:

I learned a great deal in my first course at the Arizona School of Health Sciences this June. In the inaugural class we had 33 students and at least that many personalities! I learned that at 33 years of age, I was the youngest student in class. I am used to being the youngest, being number 10 (yes, 10) in my own family.

It's easy to understand why I am enrolled in the Au.D. program. I have 25-30 years left in my career. I seek education and knowledge for myself and I believe the doctoral direction is the right and appropriate next step for our profession.

However, one of the most impressive lessons for me was Not academic, but was acquired through a simple, electronic bulletin board posting by the oldest member of our class, Herbert McCollom, age 68.

I know many of you know Herb personally.

The question I posed was two-fold ''Why are you seeking the Au.D.? and, How will it benefit you?''

This is how the senior member of our class responded:

''What did I plan to do with an Au.D.? Or, to put it another way, why do I even try to get one? Simply put, I knew that to have a Ph.D. and work with the public was frowned upon by our peers. I should want to be a professor, instead. So I stopped short of the dissertation in 1966 and began working with the public. What I wanted wasn't available then ... a graduate professional degree. Now at age 68, I want to get it and continue to practice long enough to scare the bejeezus out of other audiologists and force them to sign up. Also, I am visible in audiology -- having been a part of it for 41 years. I want a lot of my colleagues to think, if that guy can
do it, so can I.''

Herb, I believe your wish has been answered. Audiologists are seeking distance education programs in powerful numbers. I am inspired by the names I see in my classes, many of whom are well known due to their positions, contributions, and/or successful practices.

This is a group I am proud to be a part of. I enjoy learning with and from them.

Herb, we all know you didn't have to take these courses. The fact that you chose to pursue your doctorate at age 68, speaks volumes about your character and your desire to look beyond personal gain for a higher
purpose, the future of our profession. Nobody would have blamed you for cruising through until retirement. In your position I might well have taken the easier road.

Nobody told Herb to get his doctorate, and nobody told me to write this. Some things are just done because they are right. From the youngest to the oldest: Thanks Herb, for leading by example

Phonak Infinio - December 2024

Kevin P. Ruggle



Related Courses

Everyday Cybersecurity Best Practices for Audiology Clinicians
Presented by Josiah Dykstra, PhD
Recorded Webinar
Course: #34706Level: Intermediate1 Hour
This course will cover practical steps and cybersecurity best practices to help protect professionals and their patients’ protected health information. Participants will learn how to recognize malicious emails and websites, how to select strong passwords, how to protect smartphones, and how to secure sensitive data.

Sustaining the Well-Being of Healthcare Workers During Coronavirus
Presented by Kathleen Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L, CMDCP, CDP
Text/Transcript
Course: #35071Level: Intermediate3 Hours
The coronavirus (COVID-19) is presenting new and unique challenges. We are navigating unchartered waters with this virus, making it important to find new ways to work and interact while also taking care of our mental health and well-being. Many are teleworking full-time for the first time, isolated from co-workers, friends and family. Others are on the front lines caring for others. No matter what, our daily living routines are disrupted causing added anxiety, stress and strain—physically, mentally, and financially. Now more than ever, we all must take care of our mental health and well-being. The purpose of this session is to provide wellness considerations for work settings as we all navigate the uncharted territory and response to novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). In this webinar, the learner will be offered strategies, exercises, activities and considerations for addressing their own health and wellness including stress management, sleep behaviors, and social connectedness. Additionally, symptoms related to trauma are reviewed along with techniques supervisors can utilize for effective, empathic management.

Understanding Privilege, for Healthcare Professionals
Presented by Esther Clervaud, EdS
Recorded Webinar
Course: #36096Level: Intermediate1 Hour
Systems of privilege have created a wide division of inequality. This course will help hearing care professionals identify their privilege and determine how to make a difference in their places of employment.

Creating Leadership in Audiology Through a Mentoring Circle
Presented by Natalie Phillips, AuD
Recorded Webinar
Course: #37632Level: Introductory1 Hour
There are so many components to quality patient care that it is challenging to “master” them all. What if you could come together with other professionals who possess knowledge or experience that could help you or your practice? There are a number of veteran audiologists as well as rising professionals who have wisdom, qualifications, narratives, and unique journeys to share. The purpose of this talk is to rethink the traditional mentor/mentee vertical relationship and explore collaboration in the form of circle…where all professionals, regardless of age or experience, learn from each other.

Using Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) to Improve Patient-Clinician Communication and Enhance Treatment Efficacy
Presented by Carren Stika, PhD
Recorded Webinar
Course: #35841Level: Introductory1 Hour
Due to the recent increased focus on providing patient-centered healthcare, use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have become an essential component of assessing whether the services provided improved patients’ health and sense of well-being. This course will discuss the role of PROMs in healthcare and how using these measures in clinical practice can enhance treatment efficacy, improve patient-clinician communication, and assist clinicians in providing better person-centered care.

Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.