Swallow 360 - The FEES Masterclass

May 17 & 18 | August 16 & 17 | November 15 & 16

Optional pre-meeting MBS bootcamps: May 16, August 15, November 14

Course Description

Swallow 360 is the FEES Masterclass you’ve been asking for! This 2-day, immersive training is meticulously crafted to ensure participants leave with comprehensive skills in FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing). Completion of this program promises a distinct advantage in learning FEES technique, completing at least 15 unique passes, gaining experience with normal and patient swallows, handling multiple scope models/equipment, and, importantly, training FEES in a 360 perspective that incorporates modified barium swallow studies (MBS),, and surface electromyography (EMG). Swallow 360 is a hands-on, in-person course held at Swallowing Wellness, the world’s first outpatient clinic dedicated to people with swallowing disorders. This course can accommodate up to 21 attendees. Whether you are new to FEES or looking to elevate your skills, Swallow 360 provides the tools and knowledge you need to deliver exceptional patient care.

Swallowing Wellness Address: 4641 Montgomery Ave Suite 300, Bethesda MD 20814. (301) 288-1313.

What you’ll gain in the Swallow 360 course

  • Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) Knowledge: Gain deep understanding of the structures involved in normal and disordered swallowing.

  • Hands-On Training: Perform at least 15 supervised unique FEES passes on healthy normal volunteers and patient volunteers.

  • Evidence-Based Techniques: Learn cutting-edge, evidence-based methods to assess and treat dysphagia using FEES.

  • Instrument Proficiency: Master the technical aspects of endoscope handling and safety protocols with equipment from multiple scope models.

  • The Swallow 360 Advantage: Enhanced 360 swallowing A&P interpretation with simultaneous FEES and various other instrumental techniques (MBS, EMG).

  • Extended Online Learning: Your registration for the hands-on Swallow 360 course will include two-month access to The Swallow 360 lecture curriculum, which will be added to STEP (Swallowing Training and Education Portal) as part of the Swallow Physiology Masterclass.

Why choose Swallow 360?

·       Over 25 Combined Years of Clinical Dysphagia Experience

Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP and Dr. Tim Stockdale, SLP have over 20 combined years of graduate-level teaching experience and FEES training. With a heavy focus on curriculum design, teaching methods, and facilitation of critical thinking, attendees can expect to receive personalized training tailored to their clinical needs.

·       Unparalleled Expertise
Dr. Ianessa Humbert, SLP, CEO of Swallowing Wellness, is a professor, scientist, business owner, and a world-recognized expert in swallowing and swallowing disorders with 25 years experience as a speech-language pathologist. She is the co-founder of STEP (Swallowing Training and Education Portal) and two popular podcasts Down the Hatch and Evidence & Argument.

·       Industry Support
Our intimate, small-group setting allows for extensive one-on-one mentorship from clinical trainers and industry partners invested in clinician growth in dysphagia management. Industry partners will be on-site to answer questions about equipment and products and offer clinician support beyond the purchase of the FEES equipment.

Optional One-Day MBS Bootcamp - May 16, 2025

This One-day MBS Bootcamp offers experiential learning designed to prepare SLPs for real-world, clinical environments with firsthand experience in swallowing diagnostics in Modified Barium Swallow Studies. Participants will conduct and interpret MBS studies with specific emphasis on incorporating anatomy and physiology into clinical decision making. Dr. Humbert will provide real-time feedback about how to operate and lead MBS studies, including providing instruction to Radiological Technologists and to patients when trialing various textures, postures, and maneuvers. Real-time education and counseling in easy-to-understand language will be encouraged and trained in this MBS Bootcamp. Registration includes access to online STEP content prior to May 16th to prepare attendees for immediate hands-on training on the course date.

Additional Cost: $400

  • Jeanette Benigas, Ph.D., SLP

    Owner of the mobile FEES company Safe Swallowing Diagnostics, currently practicing as a PRN medical SLP in acute care, HH, SNF, and OP. She has over a decade of teaching experience at universities in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and New York and for multiple CEU platforms. Her primary goal as an educator is to contribute to the knowledge of future and practicing clinicians with foundational or advanced clinical knowledge related to adult neurological and swallowing disorders for more relevant, functional, and confident practice. You can find her advocating for SLPs as the owner and operations director of the grassroots advocacy firm Fix SLP (@fix.slp) and on the Fix SLP podcast.

  • Ianessa Humbert, Ph.D., SLP

    A world-renowned scientist, researcher, educator, and highly sought-after speaker with expertise in swallowing and swallowing disorders. With over 400 speaking invitations from around the world, the most common feedback from attendees continues to be “This is the first time a course has really forced me to think about what I’m doing”. Dr. Humbert’s teaching philosophy requires attendees to question everything they think they know before learning can begin. Dr. Humbert’s innovative training style extends to non-traditional learning formats. She is the CEO of Swallowing Wellness, the world’s first outpatient clinic for people with swallowing difficulty.

  • Timothy (Tim) Stockdale, SLPD

    Served as an SLP primarily in university and acute care settings. He has taught at the graduate level for several years, focusing on adult dysphagia and acquired communication disorders. He is particularly passionate about addressing gaps in dysphagia education and practice. He is the founding director of the 'Hard to Swallow: A Catalyst for Change in Dysphagia Management' conference at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions and started Gap Education, LLC. Through Gap Education, he hosts the podcast 'Swallow the Gap' and hosts continuing education content. He serves as ASHA's SIG-13 (Dysphagia) Professional Development Committee. .

  • Candace Thomas, M.S., SLP

    Candace is the lead Speech-language pathologist at Swallowing Wellness. She has diverse experience across schools, inpatient rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, and hospitals, working with both adult and children, including in an inpatient pediatric unit and a Level III NICU. She has expertise in managing tracheostomy and speaking valve needs, cleft lip and palate, as well as neurodevelopmental disorders. Candace holds advanced certifications in pediatric dysphagia, Infant-Driven Feeding (IDF), Neonatal Oral-Motor Assessment Scale (NOMAS), Simon Says (orofacial myofunctional therapy), and the AEIOU Approach.

Instruction level: Intermediate - CEU amount pending.

Registration Fee: $2000.00 (inquire about payment plans)

Enroll now! Take the next step in your professional journey with Swallowing360. Spaces are limited to 21 learners.