I’ve been a speech-language pathologist with FOX for five years, and I appreciate how FOX’s house call model of care makes every day different and interesting. In a single day, I can practice a mix of cognitive therapy, language therapy, voice therapy, and swallowing therapy.

When I applied for a position with FOX, I was looking for a full-time role after working part-time while my daughter was a baby. I was impressed with FOX’s emphasis on work-life balance and appreciated the stability of a salaried position. I’d never done house calls before, and I wasn’t sure what to expect.

I was won over in my interview. It was clear that the interviewer loved her work and FOX as an organization. We had a genuine conversation about our work and our children.

I’m happy with my choice to work with FOX. If you’re an SLP looking for an organization to call home, here are five reasons why I think you should consider FOX, too.

1. Set Up Your Own Schedule

FOX gives me the autonomy to plan my own workday. The work schedule is flexible across the full seven-day week. SLPs are in charge of their own “mobile offices” and have the freedom to adjust their schedules as needed.

As a mom, I really value my ability to set up a schedule that works best for me and my family. I typically work daytime hours Monday through Friday and see between five and eight patients a day. In addition to seeing patients in their homes, I also visit senior living communities where I might see a few patients in one location.

I also have the flexibility to visit patients in the evenings or on weekends if I need to. I’ve found it helpful to occasionally see my patients at different times of day, under different circumstances, and with different people around them. For example, if I visit a patient while they’re having dinner, I may discover they need additional diet modifications or instruct in new postural techniques for safety.

2. Help Patients Manage a Range of Diagnoses

One of the reasons I chose to work in the SLP field is because it focuses on improving communication — a basic human right. Sadly, I witness that right being diminished with many of the illnesses I help patients manage.

I work with many people who are managing Parkinson’s disease. These patients may get referred to me due to swallowing, eating, or low voice volume issues. I also work with post-stroke patients, who might be experiencing a new onset or worsening of cognitive impairment. Patients with dementia benefit from therapy for memory and dysphagia — and their caregiver needs specific education and training.

I’ve often found patients may get referred to me for one reason, while conversations with them reveal other things that need attention. We may start with a focus on swallowing and additionally build a plan for voice training. Sometimes I need to shift and change my plan for a patient multiple times in one session. As a FOX SLP, I’m always empowered to make the best decision for my patients.

3. Collaboration With Other SLPs

When I took an SLP position with FOX, I was almost a decade into my career. In my previous roles, I’d never had the chance to get to know and collaborate with other SLPs like I do at FOX.

At FOX, there are SLP journal clubs, speech summits, as well as casual collaborative conversations about a variety of topics (like tough cases, sharing results of treatment techniques, documentation strategies, and covering caseload for vacations).

Just recently, we had a virtual meeting to discuss cognitive therapy resources. Everyone who participated was excited to talk and share. After our meeting, there was a flurry of information exchanges. It’s amazing how many new ideas I have to incorporate in my treatment plans as a result of that one meeting. Meetings with colleagues keep me feeling energized and inspired.

Having even one close colleague can make all the difference, especially in a house call model of care. I talk to a FOX SLP in a neighboring region regularly. We share therapy ideas and pick each other’s brains. And of course, when SLPs share ideas, stories, and insights our patients benefit most of all.

4. Access to Professional Development

The culture at FOX Rehabilitation includes a prevailing desire to grow and succeed. Whether it’s pursuing LSVT training and certification or presenting at a conference, achieving professional goals as an SLP is possible because FOX fully supports professional development.

I always want to set the bar a little higher professionally, and there are many ways to do that at FOX. I've taken advantage of opportunities like podcasting and writing blog articles for the FOX media team. You can also take virtual classes, prepare for board certification, and learn new techniques with a free subscription to Medbridge.

5. Opportunity to Listen to Older Adults

I believe FOX gives SLPs one of the best ways to succeed as clinicians: we’re given time with older adults in their own homes. I really treasure these relationships with patients, especially those in their 80s and 90s. They want to share their stories and their wisdom, and I am grateful for the perspective I get in my relationship with them.

As a speech-language pathologist with FOX, I am constantly growing as a clinician and as a person. It is fulfilling to see the direct results of my work as I help older adults make improvements to their daily lives.

If FOX Rehabilitation sounds like a good fit for you, explore other clinicians’ stories by learning about a day in their lives.