Home Health: Suit + Scrubs Podcast Episode 12: From Field Clinician to Executive - One SLP's Journey

Home Health: Suit + Scrubs Podcast

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This episode is an absolute must-listen for anyone in home health looking to expand their horizons!

Our guest, Teresa Davis, takes us on her incredible journey from a speech-language pathologist who was initially terrified of home health to becoming the Executive Director of Hospice and Palliative Care Services at Accent Care in Chicago. Teresa drops serious knowledge bombs about what speech therapists bring to the table - think respiratory therapy for COPD and Parkinson's patients, breathing techniques for anxiety management, and how they can complement PT goals in ways you probably never realized.

But the real magic happens when she shares her career transition story, revealing how every time someone told her "you can't do that," it became fuel for her next big move - from clinician to rehab manager to business development to executive leadership. Her philosophy is pure gold: treat the whole patient, prioritize customer service, be a servant leader who gets in the weeds with your team, and never stop learning. Teresa is honest about the daily challenges we all face in home health - from creating your own materials to obtaining additional testing for homebound patients - but she also shares game-changing solutions, like mobile swallow study trucks, that most of us didn't even know existed.

This conversation is packed with practical insights and career inspiration that even Dan C. said he's going to rewatch. And, we're already planning a Part 2 to dive deeper into her leadership transition strategies.

Whether you're a treating clinician wondering what's next in your career or a manager looking to lead with more impact, Teresa's story proves that your clinical background is your superpower for leadership roles.

Make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, check out www.careinmotion.co for resources designed for home health professionals, and get ready for an episode that might change how you think about your career possibilities!

The Home Health Suit + Scrubs Podcast is your weekly dose of real talk for home health clinicians. Hosted by Dan Haggerty—a national home health therapy executive—and three seasoned home health PTs, each episode dives into the topics that matter most: safety, efficiency, clinical care, and career growth. Whether you’re a new grad or a home health veteran, you’ll find practical tips, relatable stories, and candid conversations designed to help you thrive in the field. From navigating tricky documentation to setting boundaries and staying safe on the road, Suit + Scrubs blends real-world insight with a touch of humor to make your commute between visits more useful—and more fun.

Hosted by Dan Haggerty, Dan Catuccio, Brendan Kirby, and Lisa Thompson