Faculty Feature: Elizabeth Hoover

Dr. Hoover is a Clinical Professor at Boston University, a Core Faculty member for the Center for Brain Recovery, and the Clinical Director of the BU Aphasia Resource Center.

Q&A with Elizabeth Hoover

What is your current research focus, and how does it align with the Center for Brain Recovery’s mission?

Our research is focused on socially oriented treatments for aphasia. We are currently investigating the benefits of conversational group treatment for people with aphasia through a multi-site, multi-year, randomized clinical trial. Conversation treatment is a naturalistic, dynamic intervention that has previously been considered as an adjunct to traditional language-based aphasia therapies. However, there is evidence that this intervention may provide both language, and communication benefits to individuals with aphasia. Our work is building on this efficacy and elucidating the critical ingredients within the intervention, such that we might better understand how different variations of the treatment can support individuals with different profiles of aphasia. In other words, which version of the treatment might work better for whom based on their goals. This work aligns with the mission of the CBR in terms of trying to maximize benefits for individuals in the community. Conversation treatment is a cost-effective intervention which can be offered to manage changing goals and help support social connectedness in the community.

How did you initially become involved and/or interested in your field?

My journey to this field was a meandering one which began with studying foreign languages then linguistics more broadly before discovering Speech-Pathology and aphasia. Looking back, I think I have always paid attention to the way people communicate and admired how a person’s communication reflects their personality. The words one chooses to use in a conversation, to communicate exactly what one want to say is so individualized. When I met my first client with aphasia in graduate school in 1994, I was struck by the enormity of the impact of his aphasia on his ability to participate in his life roles. It was not subtle – aphasia robbed him of his career, his ability to tell a joke, his independence in navigating finances, and in reading an email let alone a book. It changed the way he shared his personality and his ideas. Since meeting this gentleman, I knew I wanted to make and impact helping these kinds of clients.

What brought you to Boston University?

I was recruited in 2003 to teach an adjunct course and came on board full-time the following year.

What courses do you teach?

I teach the graduate courses our MS SLP professional program in Aphasia SH 736 and Motor Speech Disorders (SH 721). The aphasia course focuses on the neurological substrates for this condition as well as the process for differential diagnosis and management for various profiles of aphasia. The motor speech disorders course teaches students about the disease processes and conditions (e.g. stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, ALS) that underlie different types of acquired speech disorders (dysarthias & apraxia of speech) and their respective assessment methods to determine differential diagnosis and appropriate treatment approaches.

What research are you most proud of?

I am proud of all the work we do in the Aphasia Resource Center and my lab there. I think our first big publication was related to the impact of interprofessional ICAPs. This work from a multiyear study (2011-2015) was one of the first interprofessional intensive comprehensive programs to be offered for individuals with aphasia. Our study showcased the integrated use of technology with aphasia programming and intentional goal training across multiple treatment environments and communication partners. This work was one of the first studies within the Aphasia Resource Center and helped to launch our center as a place where research and practice intersect.

What do you consider the most pressing challenge in your field today, and how is your research addressing this challenge?

Our national payment systems continue to fund rehabilitation for aphasia as though it is a short-term, curable condition that will resolve within 3-months despite all evidence to the contrary. We need a systems change to show that aphasia is a chronic condition which requires ongoing access to management at all stages of recovery. We are attempting to address this challenge by demonstrating the need for long-term services and showing that individuals in the chronic stages can continue to demonstrate meaningful change in recovery. Conversation group treatment is a cost effective treatment that has potential to meet many needs for individuals with aphasia.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting out in your field, what would it be?

It sounds simple, but I learned from the late, great Dr. Audrey Holland who was one of my dissertation committee mentors, to always take the time to listen first to what your client wants from you before you try to help. Try to focus your research in what will make an impact rather than trying to chase the funding mechanism. I believe that this is the secret to longevity, success and happiness.

What is something unique about you that people might not know?

I love to travel and spend time with my family and beloved dog, Lily. I like to be outside (hiking, skiing, kayaking). Growing up in the UK (and in the rain), I have embraced al fresco dining and the American grill and firepit and enjoy a good glass of wine.

Is there any additional information you would like to share with the CBR community?

This is an exciting time to be in the field and I am optimistic about where our science and our compassion will ultimately lead us.

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