MEET OUR STAFF - Eric Blicker, M.A., CCC-SLP.D, BRS-S

Dr. Eric Blicker, M.A. CCC-SLP.D; BRS-S is an American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) board recognized specialist in swallowing disorders. Eric received his doctoral degree from Nova Southeastern University and was trained in Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing with Sensory Testing (FEESST) by Dr. Jonathan Aviv, the otolaryngologist who developed FEESST. Eric has started multiple Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) programs in the south Florida area while training speech-language pathologists and physicians in the process.

Dr. Blicker has lectured at Florida International University, Florida State University, and Boston University. Moreover, he has provided FEES training courses in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Florida, Missouri, and California for licensed speech language pathologists. Dr. Blicker owns a portable FEES company that provides testing services throughout the state of Florida. His clinical FEES experience includes working in long term acute care, inpatient acute care, outpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility, outpatient otolaryngology, and outpatient neurology settings.

Flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) is a well-known procedure that has advanced the field of dysphagia assessment. FEES is an accurate and safe method that provides pertinent data regarding the physiology of the pharyngeal phase of the swallow and airway protection while swallowing. The procedure involves passing a small flexible endoscope along the floor of the nose into the pharynx. This technology allows the larynx, pharynx, and upper esophageal opening to be viewed during the swallow in full color endoscopic imaging. The patient is then provided with different food and liquid consistencies in order to determine safe swallowing function. FEES can easily be done in the office setting. There is no anesthesia, no barium, and no radiation exposure. FEES provides assessment of common dysphagia symptoms including and not limited to: coughing and choking with meals, vocal related changes when swallowing, gastric reflux, feeling of food or pills sticking in the throat, throat discomfort when swallowing, increased phlegm during meals, and frequent throat clearing with meals. The FEES exam is an excellent component to the complete dysphagia diagnostic process and is performed by a specialty trained speech language pathologist.