Audiology Students Learn About Addressing the Needs of the Individual Patient at Oticon Summer Camp

Keystone Resort, CO, August 5, 1999--Nearly 70 graduate students in Audiology from the U.S. and Canada attended the second annual Oticon Summer Camp, a four-day educational gathering sponsored by Oticon, Inc., designed to provide students with the opportunity for learning and professional interaction. The theme of this year's series of seminars, discussions and workshops focused on 'Meeting the Needs of the Individual.'

'We believe it is critical that students who are the future of our profession understand that the optimal audiological solutions are achieved through a careful balancing of technology and human experience,' explained Don Schum, Ph.D., CCC-A, Oticon's Director of Audiology who developed the camp curriculum. 'Success in the new millenium will be measured by our ability to not only address technology needs as they relate to successful diagnosis and treatment, but also by our ability to interact with patients, clearly communicate available options, and become trusted counselors.'

Camp sessions reflected Oticon's Human Link philosophy that stresses the importance of combining advanced technology with greater understanding of relevant human factors to guarantee optimal results for the patient. Special guest faculty included David A. Fabry, Ph.D., CCC-A of the Mayo Clinic. Oticon technology, research and patient counseling experts rounded out the camp faculty and included: Peter Mark, MD, Curt Williams, M.S., Maureen Doty, M.A., Steve Myhre, M.S., Jenita Guthrie, M.A., Patty Meyn, M.S., Patty Greene, M.A., Cathy Van Evra, M.A.,MPA, Jim Kothe, M.S., Patricia Robertson, M.S., Creig Dunkel, M.A., and Marija Mihelich, M.A..

To encourage networking among the young professionals attending camp, the event included a series of team building exercises. One exercise included a brainstorming session where groups developed futuristic dispensing products, crafting their ideas with Lego building blocks. Their creations were then 'marketed' to the rest of the group.

'It was incredible to have access to the newest information on hearing health and patient interaction,' said Christina Burnell of the University of Alabama. 'Oticon promised us a camp experience that would send us home with a whole new way of thinking about how we work with our patients. They exceeded our expectations and we are all going home, I believe, better equipped to be the kind of audiologists our patients expect and demand.

Oticon plans to continue Oticon Summer Camp in 2000. To be included on the mailing list for applications for next year's session write to: Oticon Summer Camp, 29 Schoolhouse Road, Somerset, NJ, 08873 or email DJS@Oticonus.com., or pick up an application form at the Oticon booth during the 2000 AAA Convention in Chicago.

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