Pediatric Acute Care 

The UNC Health Rehabilitation Services Pediatric team offers 1 clinical fellowship position starting early August 2027 for a 54 week program.

Mission:

UNC Health’s Clinical Fellowship in Pediatric Acute Speech-Language Pathology is dedicated to supporting UNC Health’s mission to improve the health and wellbeing of North Carolinians and others whom we serve. Aligning with UNC Health’s vision to be the nation’s leading public academic health care system, this Clinical Fellowship provides the robust clinical education necessary to develop future experts in the practice of acute neonatal and pediatric speech-language pathology. 

Recognizing the highly advanced knowledge and clinical precision required in inpatient pediatric care, our program faculty and fellows seek to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care that directly improves feeding, swallowing, and communication outcomes for our youngest and most vulnerable patient populations.

Eligibility criteria:

  • Clinical placement in Acute Pediatric SLP required, NICU experience preferred
  • NC temporary license obtained prior to start date
  • Resident of the US

Program:

  • Sunday-Thursday schedule
  • Clinical work in inpatient pediatrics which may include outpatient feeding therapy
  • Hired through GME with full medical benefit package
  • Didactic curriculum to support clinical learning including wellness and professional development
  • Exposures: Feeding Team, Interdisciplinary Clinics, Outpatient Neurodevelopmental Therapy

Application process:

Applications open January 1st, 2027 through February 26th, 2027 5PM EST.

1. Complete this survey:  https://forms.office.com/r/R21hLXFxW4ubmit  

2. Submit the following to clinicaledreq@unchealth.unc.edu : 

  • Resume
  • 1 page letter of intent

Label your documents as follow:

Resume: First and Last Name-Academic Program you are attending-Resume

Letter of intent: First and Last Name-Academic Program you are attending-Letter

3. Ask 1 Clinical Supervisor to complete this recommendation by the above deadline: https://forms.office.com/r/HKRW5F2kW8

We will invite strong candidates for an on-site interview on Tuesday March 23rd, 2027.

For more information, please contact Kristel Maes, HCS Education Coordinator at  clinicaledreq@unchealth.unc.edu . 

Meet our mentors

Kim Sellinger, MS, CCC-SLP Kim Sellinger

Undergraduate school: UNC-Greensboro

Graduate school: UNC Chapel Hill

Professional Interest: I am passionate about providing high-quality assessment and intervention with infants and children in the acute care and NICU settings. I love the fast pace, variety and problem solving required in the hospital. In addition to direct patient care, I am driven by supporting families and collaborating with other members of the healthcare team.

Why I serve as a mentor: Pediatric acute care experience and education can be difficult for new grads to obtain. I serve as a mentor to help develop the skills of new clinicians who are passionate about this setting.

Isabel Blanco, MS CCC-SLP Isabel Blanco

Undergraduate school: University of Colorado - Boulder

Graduate school: Rush University

Professional Interest: Neonatal feeding, medically complex peds, TBI

Why I serve as a mentor: To contribute to the growth of our profession and support the next generation of clinicians in being empowered by evidence-based practice.

Meet our fellow

Michaela Stambaugh, MS CF-SLP Michaela Stambaugh

Undergraduate school: University of Alabama

Graduate school: Vanderbilt University

Professional interest: Pediatric feeding and swallowing

Why I chose to do a fellowship at UNC: UNC provided an opportunity to gain full-time experience in pediatric acute care speech pathology in a supportive environment. This fellowship gave me the opportunity to work alongside clinical specialists who want to shape me into a competent and confident SLP.

What I like about Chapel Hill: There are so many fun things to do and try here! Being in the triangle provides so many options.

Meet our Graduates

Carly Hodges, MS CCC-SLP Carly Hodges

Why I chose to do a fellowship at UNC: To work with the UNC feeding team who specialized in pediatric feeding disorder.

What I like about Chapel Hill: I was born and raised in Durham, NC. I love the variety of restaurants, music venues, and activities that are available within the triangle area. I also love how easy it is to access either the mountains or the beach for a weekend vacation.

Employment: UNC Health-Chapel Hill Speech Feeding team