Jacqueline Foley

About Jacqueline

Jacqueline Foley, BS, is a second-year AuD student in the department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, MA. Prior to her studies at the IHP, she graduated from Stonehill College in 2023 with her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in CSD. She has been involved with SAA since 2024 and currently serves as the President of the local Student Academy of Audiology chapter at the IHP, where students coordinate outreach opportunities to serve the greater Boston community and educate members about hearing health. She looks forward to continuing her efforts on a larger scale in partnership with the national SAA board of directors over the next year. Outside of audiology, Jacqueline enjoys sightseeing around New England, especially during the fall months.

If you could change one thing about the profession of audiology, what would it be?

The one thing I would change about the profession of audiology would be access to care. Now that I am much more immersed in the clinical realm of audiology and seeing patients consistently, I am beginning to see and somewhat understand the large discrepancies that exist with healthcare coverage as it relates to hearing care and treatment. For example, patients who have full coverage for traditional hearing aids, but are only a candidate for Bone-Conduction hearing aids, which are not at all covered by their insurance. These types of discrepancies, not just between patients but within the same person’s coverage and needs, are an aspect that I think needs much more discussion and continued advocacy for. I do acknowledge that insurance companies are ultimately behind these types of concerns, but hearing care coverage is an aspect of healthcare that I believe many legislators and decision makers should know about the implications of at the patient level.

What unique traits or skills will you bring to a leadership position with the national SAA?

Through my previous roles, I have developed and maintained an ability to connect people, whether that is through an event on campus, between classmates in a tutoring session, or among faculty at a meeting. I believe this will help me in my future role with the national SAA in bridging the gaps between students at schools across the country. I tend to have a positive communication style, which facilitates smooth communication and understanding among fellow board members and allows for all voices to be heard in decision-making processes. Additionally, I have a proactive mindset, which allows me to step up to the task and come to meetings prepared/ready to tackle any upcoming tasks consistently and reliably. I enjoy staying organized and on-topic during meetings, but also enjoy the excitement of uniting a new group of people, offering ice-breakers, and finding common ground between us.