Did you know? May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month!
We are excited to celebrate the audiology team at Children’s Minnesota, especially as they are celebrating the 10-year anniversary of our cochlear implant program.
In celebration, we sat down with Jesi Novak, Au.D., CCC-A, PASC, lead audiologist, to learn more about her role at Children’s Minnesota.
Get to know Jesi!
What inspired you to pursue a career in audiology?
I had a friend who was an audiologist tell me that it was a great career. She was not wrong. She encouraged me to become an audiologist. I was a non-traditional undergrad student and did not know what I was going to do after graduation. I took a few classes and fell in love with the complexities and opportunities that being a clinical audiologist encompasses.
What impact has the cochlear implant program at Children’s Minnesota had in the last decade?
The cochlear implant program has had substantial growth over the last 10 years. We have grown from two audiologists with two surgeons to seven audiologists with four surgeons. With this increase in staffing, we are able to serve a large number of families at multiple locations. Over the years, ENT/audiology has also grown from three to five clinics.
Before the growth of our program, children with cochlear implants only had one clinic and one site to be seen at. Now we have coinvent locations all over the metro. Follow-up for cochlear implants is intensive and numerous. The increase in staffing and locations has allowed the Children’s Minnesota cochlear implant team to see patients where it is more convenient.
What do you want patients, families and staff to know about the work you do?
That the family’s and child’s goal for language and hearing are my goals. Every child is unique, so outcomes and goals are tailored to that family. I want to do my best to help each family and child achieve their goals.
What do you think makes kids remarkable?
Their viewpoint of the world. They are unique and open to everything around them.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Meet people where they are at, not where you are.