Swallow Physiology Masterclass

Tier 2: Abnormal Swallowing

Swallow Physiology Masterclass Tier 2: Abnormal Swallowing introduces learners to scientific thinking, clinical decision-making, and clinical data collection in individuals with disordered swallowing. Tier 2 focuses on interpreting modified barium swallow studies in individuals with swallowing disorders with the Videofluoroscopic Interpretation of Physiology (VIP) training program. Completion of Swallow Physiology Masterclass Tier 1: Normal Swallowing (recorded lectures and practice portal) is strongly encouraged before enrolling in Masterclass Tier 2.
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Masterclass Curriculum

Tier 2: Abnormal Swallowing

  • 1

    Swallow Physiology Masterclass Tier 2: Abnormal Swallowing

    • Welcome to Swallow Physiology Masterclass Tier 2: Abnormal Swallowing
  • 2

    Introduction to Swallow Physiology Masterclass Tier 2

    • Swallow Physiology Masterclass Tier 2: Abnormal Swallowing

    • Palate Cleanser: What to Expect

    • Before You Begin
  • 3

    Scientific Thinking and Clinical Reasoning

    • Scientific Thinking and Clinical Reasoning

    • Introduction to Scientific Thinking

    • Comparing MBS Study Thinking in Research versus Clinic

    • It All Starts with a Question

    • Scientific Thinking in a Clinical Case
  • 4

    Videofluoroscopic Interpretation of Physiology (VIP)

    • VIP Framework

    • VIP Guide
  • 5

    Practice Makes Proficient

    • Practice Makes Proficient

    • VIP in Practice

    • Hawaii Visit 1: Practice Makes Proficient

    • Hawaii Visit 2: Practice Makes Proficient
  • 6

    Abnormal Swallowing Practice Gallery

    • VIP Abnormal Swallowing Gallery

    • VIP Tier 2 Rating Form

    • How to Use the VIP Tier 2 Form

    • Patient 1

    • Patient 2

    • Patient 3

    • Patient 4

    • Patient 5

    • Patient 6

    • Patient 7

    • Patient 8

    • Patient 9

    • Patient 10

    • Patient 11
  • 7

    Final Steps

    • ASHA CEU Information

    • Post-Course Evaluation

Welcome to Swallow Physiology Masterclass with
Dr. Ianessa Humbert

Pricing:  $150 for 0.35 ASHA CEUs (3.5 hours of professional development) 

Educational Level: Intermediate - Advanced 

About: The Swallow Physiology Masterclass (Tier 2) introduces learners to scientific thinking, clinical decision-making, and clinical data collection in individuals with disordered swallowing. Tier 2 focuses on interpreting modified barium swallow studies in individuals with swallowing disorders with the Videofluoroscopic Interpretation of Physiology (VIP) training program.

Educational Level: Advanced
Instruction at the Advanced Level assumes the participant already has established experience, knowledge, and skill within swallowing physiology and dysphagia management. The focus of this course is on synthesis and application of information presented to advance current clinical practices. The pace of instruction and level of difficulty of the material presented are commensurate with the needs of a professional with comprehensive knowledge, ability, and experience in dysphagia management.

Target Audience: Speech-Language Pathologists 

Learning Objectives: As a result of this course, participants will be able to: 

1. Define scientific thinking

2. Differentiate scientific thinking from clinical reasoning in dysphagia management 

3. Ask physiology-based questions to test relevant hypotheses about patients’ swallowing function

4. Explain the importance of practice to gain mastery or proficiency

5. Conduct macro and micro level swallow timing analyses to interpret normal, functional, and disordered swallowing physiology during modified barium swallowing studies.


 This course is offered for .35 ASHA CEUs (Advanced level, Professional area)

Masterclass Tier 2 Collaborator

Special thanks to Amy Allison Shipley, M.S., CCC-SLP


Amy Allison Shipley is a medical speech-language pathologist.  She graduated from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa in May of 2014, where she was afforded the opportunity to experience exceptional training in swallowing and voice from Dr. Aaron Ziegler and Dr. Hope Baylow.  She completed her Clinical Fellowship at CHI Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center in Houston, Texas.  The majority of Amy’s career in medical speech-language pathology has involved clinical practice, leadership, and development of SLP programs on the island of Hawai’i.  Amy serves on the board of the Hawai’i Speech-Language Hearing Association as the Chair of the Medical Caucus and Public Relations.  

Amy views her career in Communication Sciences and Disorders as an opportunity for continuous reflection and learning. Her passion for providing dysphagia services led her to pursue numerous certifications and formal training related to swallowing. As such, she is formally trained in FEES, MBSS, and high resolution pharyngeal manometry.  

Amy is an alumni of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association’s Leadership Development Program.  In 2020, she was awarded the American Speech-Language and Hearing Foundation's State Clinical Achievement Award after creating a FEES program and an interdisciplinary team for tracheostomized patients within a Hawai’i-based hospital system.  She is an active member of ASHA SIG 13, and the recipient of multiple ACE awards. Amy has also founded The Book Club, a small group for SLPs who identify as white to explore their internalized biases via reading, self-reflection, and collaboration. 

Recently, Amy relocated to the Bay Area to join the rehabilitation team at Stanford Health Care. She enjoys rollerskating, surfing, wildlife, meditation, and the cinema.  She also loves to spend downtime with her seven year old son Danny reading graphic novels.