Since BHSC is full of wonderful staff that are making differences in the lives of those we serve every day, we thought it would be fun if you got to know us better! Let’s learn about Danielle with her Fast Four about BHSC and being an audiologist at BHSC’s Williamsville Clinic.
Danielle has been at BHSC for over 10 years as an audiologist at the Williamsville location of BHSC. She tests hearing and processing skills and helps patients of all ages hear and communicate better. Through knowledge of the auditory system and its disorders, Danielle is able to determine if a hearing impairment exists, and if so, the nature and extent of the impairment. Danielle fits, checks and distributes hearing aids to her patients.
What is your favorite memory at BHSC?
Professionally, so many patients have left significant marks on my heart and I so enjoy watching their families and lives change over the years. I recently had a patient who upon my thorough diagnosis followed my recommendation to consult his otolaryngologist (a doctor who manages diseases of the ear and throat) and found an acoustic neuroma that was quickly scheduled for removal. He called so very thankful that I had encouraged him to seek out that consultation and not just simply move forward with hearing aids. It helped to remind me that even sometimes the basic procedures of a hearing test can result in real life changes for a patient.
Personally, BHSC has brought me so many memories and great friends. From driving in a snowstorm to Salvatore’s for a Christmas Party to celebrating each other’s weddings and babies, having been here for over 10 years I have been blessed to have co-workers that I enjoy collaborating with and laughing with often.
What is a challenge being a clinical audiologist?
The main challenge is finance and insurance. Patients often know they need care and help for their hearing difficulties, but not having insurance cover these challenges and having to pay privately often creates a larger barrier to helping them achieve their best lives. It is party of what makes BHSC a great place to work, as our mission includes working with a variety of insurances and programs to help make this possible to many more than other places that I have worked.
How do you measure success?
I measure personal success by an internal feeling of having done my best and gone the extra mile at every opportunity. I try to be thorough and complete and make sure every concern and option is discussed with the patient so they leave being strong ambassadors for their own success. Ideally, that would translate to patient success and happiness but in our field each person’s path is varied and as a facilitator, along with the path, I do not assume that I’m near the finish line of that success, but rather a sideline cheerleader and supporter.
How do you hope to grow in your position at BHSC or how have you grown?
I hope to grow in my clinical skills continuously, constantly learning and evolving what I can do to help patients, and I really enjoy finding ways to encourage more patients to come see the benefits of what BHSC can provide through marketing and business development practices.
