Skip to content
Student Academy of Audiology
  • Career
    Resources
    • Job Board
    • Externships
    • Certification
    • New Audiologist Resources
  • Education
    • Grants and Scholarships
    • Events
    • SAA Conference
    • Doctoral Programs
    • Undergraduate Programs
  • Get Involved
    • Chapters
    • Advocacy
    • National Campaigns
    • Committees
    • Volunteer
  • Publications
    • SAA Blog
    • Audiology Today
    • JAAA
  • About
    • Membership
    • Benefits
    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
    • Leadership
  • Contact Us
  • Audiology Community
  • The Academy
  • Join
  • Member Login
FacebookLinkedinYoutubeInstagram
  • Audiology Community
  • American Academy of Audiology
  • Join
  • Member Login
  • Renew
Student Academy of Audiology
  • Career
    Resources
    • Job Board
    • Externships
    • Certification
    • New Audiologist Resources
  • Education
    • Grants and Scholarships
    • Events
    • SAA Conference
    • Doctoral Programs
    • Undergraduate Programs
  • Get Involved
    • Chapters
    • Advocacy
    • National Campaigns
    • Committees
    • Volunteer
  • Publications
    • SAA Blog
    • Audiology Today
    • JAAA
  • About
    • Membership
    • Benefits
    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
    • Leadership
  • Contact Us
  • Audiology Community
  • The Academy
  • Join
  • Member Login
wave-mark-white
November 22, 2019

Research is Not Only for PhDs

  • Education
  • Research

The word “research” evokes a wide range of reactions often on opposite sides of the spectrum. I was someone who had a very all or nothing mentality when it came to research — either I was a “researcher” or I was a “clinician.” However, I had the wonderful opportunity to be involved in an intensive, full-time research traineeship over the summer at Washington University in St. Louis. The more experience I’ve gotten as being both a student clinician and now a research assistant, I’ve realized quite a few things about myself and what it means to participate in research in the field of audiology: 

  1. If you have questions, there are research labs exploring the answers.

Research is hugely variable and having a research position does not mean you will be solely working on statistics, spreadsheets, or foreign, complex equations. If you have interests in otolaryngology, you have the power and access to search for the right fit for you. For example, I am someone who really enjoys patient contact, but I also have specific interests, so I was sure seek out possible supervisors with the same passion. 

  1. You can do both research and work as a clinician — a crazy concept for a student, right?

Perhaps not, but I find I have to remind myself of it often. The fantastic thing I was able to learn from being a research trainee over this past summer is that you have the ability to explore unanswered questions and things that need to be improved, while simultaneously interacting with patients and applying what you’re learning. Research does not have to be your one and only focal point, but it can be a fantastic outlet to strengthen your clinical practice. 

  1. Anyone can do research.

I’ve heard from many students, including myself, that they are not “built” for research. However, over the summer, I found myself stretching and learning in more ways than I could count: I was fully immersed in assisting my supervisors in their research and also reviewing and discussing research in many areas of otolaryngology. In addition, I was able to attend research conferences, rubbing shoulders with brilliant physicians, professors, and researchers. Everyday was a learning experience and not without its challenges, but I made it through and improved my work ethic, critical thinking, and my ability to evaluate and discuss research. 

  1. You don’t need a PhD to explore unanswered questions.

This ties with many of my aforementioned points, but it bears mentioning. When I considered involving myself in research, I put immense pressure to consider pursuing a PhD, because in my mind, if I wanted to be heavily involved in research, I would have to have that degree. Of course, there are many fantastic reasons to pursue a PhD, but you can also be a research audiologist with a clinical doctorate. The wonderful thing about being a research audiologist is that you can serve patients in the clinic while also being involved in hands on research. 

So, what’s the moral of my story? That you and I are absolutely capable of doing research, whether as our sole passion or in conjunction with being a clinician. There is no prerequisite to being curious and wanting to explore unanswered questions. So, why not start now? 

 

Victoria Shihadah is a second-year audiology student at Washington University in St. Louis. She is passionate about supporting all communication modalities and hearing technologies such as sign language, hearing aids, and cochlear implants.

 

Share this

Related Posts

Studying Tips for the Winter Months
Education

Studying Tips for the Winter Months

By Kylie DeLaney, BSA.T. Still University Brrrrrrr, it’s getting chilly outside! That makes me want to grab a blanket, curl up by the warm fire, and put on a nice holiday movie. But, unfortunately, I still have some studying to do, so I can’t relax just yet. I often find myself to be unmotivated to…

Read More
Alexis Leiderman 2022-2023 SAA President
Education, President's Corner

November 2022
President’s Corner

If you are like me, you are not the biggest fan of standardized tests. Maybe you thought you were done after taking your GRE® (some of us more than once) and that was the end of that. And now, you’re completely overwhelmed because you have to complete another standardized test while also balancing clinic and…

Read More
T35 Testimonials: Program Experience (Joyseulay/shutterstock.com)
In the News, Research

T35 Testimonials: Program Experience

By Abigail Simon, BA Abigail is a third-year audiology student at The Ohio State University. She serves on the SAA Board of Directors and is currently chair of the Education Committee. This summer, I had the opportunity to serve as a T35 research trainee at Boys Town National Research Hospital (Boys Town). I remember first…

Read More

Join the Student Academy of Audiology

SAA members receive many benefits from externship and career development and networking opportunities within the American Academy of Audiology and more. 

 

Become a Member
saa-logo@2x

Student Academy of Audiology
11480 Commerce Park Drive
Suite 220
Reston, VA 20191

Tel: 703-790-8466
Fax: 703-790-8631

  • Career
    Resources
    • Job Board
    • Externships
    • Certification
    • New Audiologist Resources
  • Education
    • Grants and Scholarships
    • Events
    • SAA Conference
    • Doctoral Programs
    • Undergraduate Programs
  • Get Involved
    • Chapters
    • Advocacy
    • National Campaigns
    • Committees
    • Volunteer
  • Publications
    • SAA Blog
    • Audiology Today
    • JAAA
  • About
    • Membership
    • Benefits
    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
    • Leadership
  • Contact Us
  • Audiology Community
  • The Academy
  • Join
  • Member Login
  • Audiology Community
  • American Academy of Audiology
  • Join
  • Member Login
  • Renew
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Antitrust Policy
  • Sitemap

© Copyright 2023 American Academy of Audiology

Website by Yoko Co

Scroll To Top