Elizabeth M. VanWinkle, CCC-SLP

Elizabeth VanWinkle, MS, CCC-SLP, believes her specialty chose her. Now the program manager and a speech language pathologist for Head and Neck Oncology at Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center, VanWinkle had the opportunity to train in head and neck cancer rehabilitation early in her career.

"This whole new world of therapy and rehab opened to me, and I felt I could make a real and positive impact in people's lives," she said.

VanWinkle recalled a favorite experience in her career when she was able to make an incredible difference. A patient relied on a feeding tube for nutrition after cancer treatment, and multiple physicians said he would never be able to swallow again. But after a year of therapy, he regained his ability to swallow and eat most foods. It's just one example of how VanWinkle prioritizes her patients' goals.

"I listen to their goals and work with them and their families to get them back to enjoying life," she said.

She strives to build positive relationships with patients and values the lifelong relationships she develops in cancer rehabilitation.

"I've been able to see some of my patients get married, have kids and live life to the fullest after cancer treatment," she said.

Outside of work, VanWinkle enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and being active.