Testimonials

Katie Shaughnessy - 4th Year AuD student

Searching for the perfect audiology doctoral program can be an overwhelming and daunting task. With so many programs available, it is easy to feel as if you are on a never ending search. That is how I felt until I visited the University of Louisville. I knew that this was the place to complete my doctoral degree.

Moving to a new city and starting a doctoral program was a bit overwhelming. The faculty at U of L quickly dissipated all my fears. During my orientation week, I realized that the professors take a sincere interest in each student. They care about you as an individual and will tailor your educational experience to make sure you succeed.

During my three years at U of L, I have had numerous experiences that I don’t think I would have found elsewhere. For example, I have always had an interest in teaching. Dr. Windmill and Dr. Cunningham provided me with the opportunity to teach the cadaver laboratory portion of the anatomy and physiology course. I was also able to guest lecture for a preparatory class on head and neck physiology.

Research has also been an area I would like to pursue. Dr. Preminger met with me my first semester in the program and discussed a variety of topics. She was extremely supportive and gave me the direction I needed to find my area of interest. I began working on my research during my second year and hope to publish my results by the time I graduate.

The clinical experience provided at U of L is outstanding. When I was interviewing for my fourth year placement site, my prospective employers continued to comment about the variety and quantity of clinical experience I received at U of L. I began clinical practicum my very first semester in the program. By my third year, I was working five days a week, year round, at various placement sites. I had worked in diagnostics performing, balance testing, audiometric testing, and auditory brainstem response testing, auditory processing evaluations. I also worked in rehabilitation with hearing aids, cochlear implants, and auditory rehabilitation classes. During my three years, I was exposed to a diverse patient population: infants, children, adults and geriatrics.

All of these experiences were crucial in finding an ideal fourth year placement site. My lifelong dream has been to work at the Mayo Clinic. Through my education and experience gained at U of L, I was able to acquire the single fourth year resident position offered for the year of 2004-2005 at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville. The training I received through the doctoral program at U of L made for a very easy transition to Mayo Clinic.

Scott Anderson - 3rd Year AuD student

When I began the Doctor of Audiology program at the University of Louisville, I “didn’t know a decibel from a doorbell.” (Dr. Cunningham’s phrase) From the first day of classes I have been challenged at the high level I expected from a doctoral program. I have been continuously challenged in class to learn what to think, and more importantly, continuously challenged in clinic to learn how to think. Classroom knowledge has always been applied and reinforced directly in a wide variety of clinical rotations and experience. I feel that I have received an excellent education and that I have been prepared professionally, ethically, and clinically to assume the role of a Doctor of Audiology.

Sara Carnevale - 2nd Year AuD student

Moving away from home and starting something new is always exciting and a little bit scary. That is definitely how I felt moving over 1200 miles away from home to go to school here at the University of Louisville. The courses are challenging and meaningful. Everything we learn in class relates back to something we do in the clinics. The deciding factor for me when I was choosing a graduate program was the amazing clinical opportunities that U of L offers its students.

The most gratifying experiences that I have had have been in the clinical settings. Even with our toughest clinical supervisors, it is obvious how much they care about our learning and understanding of the practice of Audiology. During my first semester, while learning how to complete a hearing aid fit, I experienced first hand the satisfaction that comes from helping people hear. An elderly gentleman had come in for his initial hearing aid fit. As he heard with his hearing aids for the first time, tears came to his eyes and he said, “You girls have no idea what you have done for me.” I feel confident that the education I am receiving will prepare me for my career as an audiologist.