Dr Omar Abdus Samad Ali

About Maggie Speech-Language Pathology was a career change for Maggie, who became fascinated by the process of reading development while working as a Montessori early childhood educator. “My interest in early literacy skills and language disorders led me back to school to become a speech-language pathologist,” she explains. She was also strongly inspired by her mother, who has been a physical therapist for 45 years.“ I grew up knowing my mother deeply enjoyed her work in rehabilitation.” As a speech-language pathologist, Maggie evaluates and treats voice and swallowing disorders.“ I have the privilege of providing care for adults with swallowing and communication disorders secondary to head and neck cancer, including disorders of articulation, voice and resonance.” Maggie also provides evaluation and treatment of voice disorders in adults and adolescents, and particularly enjoys helping patients overcome symptoms of irritable larynx syndrome, including chronic cough, chronic throat clearing, vocal cord dysfunction, laryngospasm and painful swallowing. Maggie chose to practice at Beacon because she is driven to work with a top multidisciplinary team to improve speech pathology treatment protocols and advance patients’ functional outcomes following head and neck cancer treatment.“ I am thrilled to partner with Beacon’s exceptional ENT & Audiology care team in providing outstanding patient care.” Maggie’s philosophy of patient care is rooted in sensitivity to her patients’ unique personal and social factors.“ Each of us navigates aspects of our lives that can help or hinder our ability to achieve our goals,” she says.“ I strive to deliver personalized care that leverages patient strengths and support systems to help patients achieve their therapeutic goals.” In her own words… What was your first job growing up? What do you remember most about it? I was a lifeguard and swim instructor at my hometown’s community pool. I remember the feeling of delight when a child would pop up through the water’s surface after jumping off the diving board for the first time. It was incredible to share in a child’s pure excitement and pride in those moments. What is your favorite food? I have never had a dish with noodles and cheese that I didn’t enjoy. What are your hobbies, interests? I relish time spent outdoors with my family. I enjoy digging in the dirt and nurturing growth in our vegetable and perennial flower gardens. I particularly enjoy bringing blooms and branches in from the yard or the South Bend Farmer’s Market. Flower arranging is a favorite creative outlet of mine. Do you have pets? I am a frequent flier on the local animal shelter websites — I’ll be ready for our next family dog by the time my children begin making a case for a four-legged friend.