SCHREIBER — Recognized as a “Northern Ambassador,” speech-language pathologist Karen Figliomeni loves her work.
“As a speech-language pathologist, I am very passionate about my job because I get to help people,” the proprietor of Superior Speech Services told Newswatch soon after receiving a Northern Ambassador Award from NOSM University.
“I get to help them communicate better. So whether it’s a non-verbal child who needs picture support to communicate, or an elementary school child who can’t pronounce their speech sounds, I get to work one-on-one with these children and get to see gains every week.
“I work with them, see improvements, see their confidence build.
“And also, being in a small town, I have the absolute joy of seeing these patients out in the community as well.
“Being a professional, I obviously maintain confidentiality, but when I’m out in public with my own kids … children will approach me and hug me and say ‘Hi, Mrs. Figliomeni’ or ‘Hi, Mrs. Fig.’ That’s a really rewarding part of my job.”
She added that her broad range of clients has also included, for example, seniors living with dementia and people rehabilitating after a stroke.
“It all keeps me on my toes and keeps it interesting, and just makes me very passionate about what I do because every day is different, every visit with the client is different, and it’s rewarding.”
NOSM's website describes the award presented to Figliomeni on May 9 as “a celebration of a preceptor who is recognized for being a strong ambassador for their community, and who creates a welcoming environment for learners of all disciplines.” Figliomeni also received the award in 2018.
Figliomeni said as preceptor to a McMaster University speech-language pathology student last year, she took the young learner on hiking and fishing trips in addition to helping her hone her abilities in the profession.
The hiking and fishing jaunts were part of being a northern ambassador, Figliomeni said.
The student’s experience was “not just about learning the job of speech-language pathologist, but also becoming part of the community and appreciating the North,” she explained.
The veteran speech-language pathologist has a bachelor’s degree majoring in psychology and linguistics from Western University and a master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders from McGill University.
Since opening at Thunder Bay and Sudbury campuses in 2005, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine has produced about 1,000 M.D. graduates.
In addition to its M.D. program, the university’s range of programs includes a dietetic practicum program, physician assistant education and a master’s degree in medical studies.
The medical school became NOSM University, Canada’s first independent medical university, on April 1, 2022.