Duke BOOST (Building Opportunities and Overtures in Science and Technology) is a multidimensional program serving all Durham Public School students in 5th through 8th grades. It is designed to excite young people about science and inspire them to pursue careers in medicine and related health professions.
Members of Duke’s Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences (HNS&CS) shared their knowledge of surgical skills, the physiology of voice & swallowing, the physiology of hearing, and ear anatomy to 8th-grade students from areas of the Triangle through the Duke BOOST Program on Science Saturday.
The program consisted of four hands-on components: a flexible laryngoscope obstacle course and video otoscope demonstration, an overview of swallowing, a discussion on head and neck cancer and the function of vocal cords post-removal, the use of the electrolarynx medical device, hearing and audiological testing, and voice production and breathing.
We extend our special thanks to Dr. Janet Lee, MD FAAP, Gina R. Vess, MA CCC-SLP, Leda Scearce, M.M., M.S., CCC-SLP, Annika Wilson, MS, CCC-SLP, and Karma Tockman, Au.D., CCC-A for their contributions to organizing and participating in the event.