Phillip Sechtem, PhD, CCC-SLP, serves as Director of the Voice and Swallow Research Lab and Associate Professor in the Master of Science in Medical Speech-Language Pathology (MS MedSLP) program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. He earned his B.A. in Communication and M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from Fort Hays State University and completed his Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Wichita State University in 2013.
Dr. Sechtem’s academic and clinical career has centered on advancing evidence-based practice in medical speech-language pathology. His teaching focuses on the neurologic bases of communication, acquired neurologic communication and swallowing disorders, anatomy and physiology of speech and swallowing, and speech and hearing science. He has a particular interest in the use of simulation-based educational experiences to enhance clinical competency, clinical reasoning, and entrustable professional performance among developing clinicians. His research interests include voice, swallowing, aphasia, and educational approaches that support effective clinical training and patient-centered care.
As Director of the Voice and Swallow Research Lab, Dr. Sechtem fosters scholarship that bridges research, education, and clinical practice. He mentors graduate students through capstone development and implementation, promoting critical inquiry, evidence-based decision-making, and lifelong learning. He regularly collaborates with students on scholarly projects and research dissemination, including peer-reviewed presentations at state and national professional conferences. Through these efforts, he seeks to prepare future clinicians to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the profession.
Clinically, Dr. Sechtem supervises graduate student clinicians providing assessment and treatment for individuals with communication, voice, and swallowing disorders. He maintains an active medical speech-language pathology practice with specialized expertise in tracheoesophageal voice restoration, videostroboscopic examination of the larynx, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), and modified barium swallow (MBS) studies. By integrating clinical practice, scholarship, and mentorship, he strives to prepare highly competent clinicians who deliver compassionate, evidence-based care across medical settings.