Forging a Pediatric Path: UofM Audiology Students Find Community at Children’s of Alabama
by: Kirstein Williams
The University of Memphis (UofM) School of Communication Sciences and Disorders has fostered a meaningful extern partnership with the Children’s Hospital of Alabama’s audiology department. Audiology students have found a uniquely supportive and challenging externship environment—and some alumni have made it their professional home. The hospital’s audiology department has offered a rich, high-volume environment that blends mentorship, diverse pediatric clinical experiences, and community. Three proud UofM Tigers, alumna Dr. Rachel Wilkinson and Dr. Anna (Peeples) Rutledge, and current graduate extern Kelsey Francis, shared how this partnership has shaped their professional journeys.
During her externship, Dr. Rachel Wilkinson discovered just how transformative a
pediatric hospital setting could be for her professional development. She shared,
“the well-rounded training opportunities” have continued to amplify her confidence
as a clinician. From diagnostic audiology to intervention and amplification, there
is no shortage of opportunity to develop skills as an extern; Dr. Wilkinson valued
the exposure to diverse clinical situations.
As she has transitioned into her career, her learning never stopped, noting, “Each day provides ample opportunity for learning whether in a multi-disciplinary clinic, in-patient unit, or the OR.” Working alongside the same audiologists who once supervised her has made Dr. Wilkinson feel supported in her development well beyond graduation. Her decision to stay on as an employee is a testament to the hospital’s commitment to nurturing early-career audiologists and the environment of the department. Today, she contributes to that same cycle of mentorship—helping shape future pediatric audiologists just as her mentors shaped her.
As she has transitioned into her career, her learning never stopped, noting, “Each day provides ample opportunity for learning whether in a multi-disciplinary clinic, in-patient unit, or the OR.” Working alongside the same audiologists who once supervised her has made Dr. Wilkinson feel supported in her development well beyond graduation. Her decision to stay on as an employee is a testament to the hospital’s commitment to nurturing early-career audiologists and the environment of the department. Today, she contributes to that same cycle of mentorship—helping shape future pediatric audiologists just as her mentors shaped her.
Dr. Anna Rutledge, another alumna turned employee, shared that she witnessed firsthand
how each clinician contributes to the hospital’s mission through compassion and creativity.
Every case—from a newborn hearing screening to advanced cochlear implant programming—carried
weight and purpose. “I was struck by the audiology team’s energy and strong sense
of collaboration,” Dr. Rutledge stated. “It’s an environment where you can strengthen
your skills—making it a great place to build a meaningful and fulfilling career.”
Observing providers address both the technical and emotional needs of families reassured
her that children were being supported holistically. This influenced her desire to
become part of that work and to continue refining her practice alongside those who
trained her.
For Dr. Rutledge, joining the Children’s team full-time felt like a natural next step. This connection allowed her to define the type of clinician she hoped to become. “Witnessing the collaboration of the audiology team with other specialists (i.e. physicians, therapists, etc.) has continued to deepen my understanding of patient care and allows me to contribute more meaningfully. It’s a place where I continue to grow, both professionally and personally,” she shared.
Current UofM extern Kelsey Francis is witnessing the culture of Children’s of Alabama from the student side. She describes each day as dynamic, full of opportunities to see a wide range of ages, diagnoses, and care pathways. “There isn’t really a ‘typical’ day as an extern,” she shared. Her weekly schedule shifts between multiple clinical settings, allowing her to participate in behavioral audiometry, amplification fittings, cochlear implant evaluations, auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing, and vestibular assessments.
Kelsey credits her growth to being able to “do and learn” rather than only observe.
She noted that her supervisors genuinely want their students to build autonomy as
clinicians. “Each day I’m with a different supervisor who has unique techniques and
areas of interest. Learning from them has been wonderful because everyone is excited
to teach and encourages me to try things on my own.” She expressed how meaningful
it feels to be treated as a clinician-in-training, trusted to practice clinical decision-making
with strong support. The providers model care that extends beyond the audiogram; every
appointment reflects a desire to improve quality of life for patients and their families.
Being embraced as part of the team has helped build her confidence of a future within
pediatric audiology—and maybe, like Rachel and Anna, a permanent place with Children’s
of Alabama.
Children's of Alabama’s audiology department fosters curiosity, mentorship, and innovation—qualities that stick with trainees long after they graduate. As this partnership continues to grow, students like Kelsey—and alumna-turned-mentors like Dr. Wilkinson and Dr. Rutledge—show how meaningful it is to learn in a space that values excellence, collaboration, and heart. As both alumni and current students continue to excel at Children’s of Alabama, this connection remains a source of pride for the University of Memphis and a testament to the value of community-driven clinical partnerships.
