A two-day immersive course in FEES technique, normal and patient swallows, multiple endoscope systems, and 360-degree interpretation with MBS and surface EMG.
Archive status
The source page states that registration is closed
2 days
hands-on, in-person FEES training
15+
supervised unique FEES passes
21
maximum course participants
Preserved from the former Swallow 360 page; its optional 2025 MBS Bootcamp dates have ended.
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Course description
Swallow 360 was designed as a two-day, immersive FEES masterclass. The program aimed to give participants comprehensive skills in Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing, including at least 15 unique passes, experience with normal and patient swallows, and handling of multiple scope models and equipment.
Its 360-degree perspective incorporated modified barium swallow studies and surface electromyography alongside FEES. The hands-on course was held at Swallowing Wellness, the world’s first outpatient clinic dedicated to people with swallowing disorders, at 4641 Montgomery Avenue, Suite 300, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.
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What participants gained
Anatomy and physiology knowledge: a deep understanding of structures involved in normal and disordered swallowing
Hands-on training: at least 15 supervised unique FEES passes on healthy volunteers and patient volunteers
Evidence-based techniques for dysphagia assessment and treatment using FEES
Technical proficiency in endoscope handling and safety protocols across multiple scope models
The Swallow 360 advantage: 360-degree anatomy-and-physiology interpretation with FEES, MBS, and surface EMG
Two months of access to the Swallow 360 lecture curriculum on STEP as part of the Swallow Physiology Masterclass
Swallow Physiology Masterclass
The original course included extended online learning through STEP’s masterclass curriculum.
Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Dr. Tim Stockdale brought more than 20 combined years of graduate-level teaching experience and FEES training, with a focus on curriculum design, teaching methods, critical thinking, and personalized clinical training.
Dr. Ianessa Humbert brought 25 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist, professor, scientist, business owner, and world-recognized expert in swallowing and swallowing disorders.
The small-group setting also allowed one-on-one mentorship from clinical trainers and industry partners. Sponsors listed on the source page were PatCom Medical, Bracco, ATMOS, SimplyThick, and Accelerated Care Plus.
The source course offered an optional one-day MBS Bootcamp on August 15 and November 14, 2025, for an additional $400. Participants conducted and interpreted MBS studies with an emphasis on using anatomy and physiology in clinical decisions.
Dr. Humbert provided real-time feedback on operating and leading MBS studies, instructing radiological technologists and patients, trialing textures, postures, and maneuvers, and providing clear education and counseling. Registration included access to online STEP content before the hands-on course date.
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Course instructors
Jeanette Benigas, Ph.D., SLP
Owner of Safe Swallowing Diagnostics and a PRN medical SLP across acute care, home health, skilled nursing, and outpatient settings. She has more than a decade of university and CEU-platform teaching experience, owns and directs the Fix SLP advocacy firm, and co-hosts the Fix SLP podcast.
Ianessa Humbert, Ph.D., SLP
A world-renowned scientist, researcher, educator, and speaker in swallowing and swallowing disorders. Dr. Humbert’s teaching asks participants to question everything they think they know before learning can begin. She is CEO of Swallowing Wellness.
Timothy Stockdale, SLPD
An SLP and graduate educator in adult dysphagia and acquired communication disorders, founder of the Hard to Swallow conference and Gap Education, host of the Swallow the Gap podcast, and a member of ASHA SIG 13’s Professional Development Committee.
Candace Thomas, M.S., SLP
Lead speech-language pathologist at Swallowing Wellness, with experience across schools, inpatient rehabilitation, assisted living, hospitals, inpatient pediatrics, and a Level III NICU. Her advanced training includes pediatric dysphagia, IDF, NOMAS, orofacial myofunctional therapy, and the AEIOU Approach.
