Elkins Park, Pa. – Rita R. Chaiken, AuD, FAAA has been recognized as the Salus University Audiology Alumnus of the Year for her “extraordinary service and contributions to the profession of Audiology” and for “bringing honor and prestige to Salus University
and the George S. Osborne College of Audiology.” Salus University is an internationally recognized academic institution offering a wide range of graduate and post-graduate degree programs for healthcare professionals. This annual award is presented to an alumnus who has made constructive contributions to society and the profession that display leadership, responsibility and expertise in the field of audiology. Dr. Chaiken was presented with her award recently at an alumni reception at the American Academy of Audiology annual meeting in Orlando, FL.
Dr. Chaiken, an adjunct faculty member for Salus University’s George S. Osborne College of Audiology, is an internationally recognized expert in cerumen management. Graduating first in her class from the PCO School of Audiology (now Salus University Osborne College of Audiology) in 2003, Dr. Chaiken studied for her Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree and simultaneously taught in the school’s distance learning program. An early supporter of the Salus audiology residential program, Dr. Chaiken worked alongside Dr. George S. Osborne, to raise funding to establish what is now the Osborne College of Audiology. She is currently the president of Atlanta Audiology Services, Inc., and serves as a consultant and senior staff audiologist with Atlanta Hearing Associates in Dunwoody, GA.
“Dr. Chaiken is a well-deserved recipient of this award,” said Salus University President Michael H. Mittelman. “She is a passionate educator and inspiring teacher as well as a dedicated leader in the profession of audiology.”
Dr. Chaiken currently serves as the secretary of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology. She is a past board member of the Georgia Speech-Language Hearing Association and past president of the Greater Atlanta Audiology Society (now transitioned to the Georgia Academy of Audiology). Dr. Chaiken’s humanitarian outreach includes her volunteer work with the Hear the World Foundation among other Atlanta-based organizations.
