Karen McQuaide, AuD
Member Since
2020
Introduction
Karen is an audiologist whose dedication and advocacy efforts throughout her career has directly and positively impacted the professions as well as patients. She earned her doctorate from the University of Florida, her graduate degree from Northwestern University, and her undergraduate degree from Montclair State University. Karen joined NJSHA as a new professional immediately after earning her master’s degree. She continues to be a proud member of NJSHA and an active member of the audiology committee
Karen has made remarkable contributions to the audiology profession in both clinical and volunteer capacities. She has, over the course of her career, worked in two different teaching hospitals, private practice as well as served in a consultant capacity. Over the past 12 years, she has worked as the Director of Audiology at a large medical practice. She wears many hats: seeing patients as part of a multi-disciplinary team and managing administrative tasks. Karen is also a dedicated volunteer who has served as an ASHA Ambassador on the Committee of Ambassadors, as a national advocate, since 2018. She also serves as a Clinical Director for Healthy Hearing in the Healthy Athletes program for the Special Olympics of New Jersey .
Karen received an award from the American Speech- Hearing Association (ASHA) in 2022 – the “ASHA Media Champion Award” – for radio and television interviews highlighting the importance of hearing and vestibular diagnostics. Karen’s focus was on the connection of hearing and cortical health, as well as hearing conservation. All her efforts and accomplishments through ASHA are aligned with NJSHA’s mission, vision and actions which also has positively benefited NJSHA in the areas of public awareness of hearing disorders.
Karen and her husband live in South Jersey. She has two grown sons. Her youngest “child” is a Mini Australian Shepherd named Ezra. She enjoys reading, hiking, sewing, cooking, yoga, and she takes time out of her busy schedule to run every weekday morning.
Karen sat down with VOICES to discuss her many contributions to NJSHA:
What excites you most about your contributions to your profession?
I love sharing my passion for hearing health with my patients and the public at large. I enjoy working with audiology students, and hope to inspire teens to consider becoming an audiologist during the high school career day events that I regularly attend.
You are very adept and talented when it comes to promoting the audiology profession in the media. Is there one interview that has left a lasting impression?
Absolutely, yes. I did a recent interview on WHYY, the Philadelphia NPR affiliate station, which was hosting a segment about hearing healthcare.
The very next day after the segment aired, a patient came to my office and was thrilled that she had heard the interview on her radio. After hearing what I said to the reporter, she is now moving forward with hearing testing and working to keep her hearing as healthy as possible. This interview was just another great way in which we can educate people about audiology, and the important role we audiologists play in protecting hearing and supporting cortical health.
Why is your ongoing membership in NJSHA so important?
I joined the association to stay connected to other audiologists and speech-language pathologists in the state. There is value in being a part of a state association in which you can learn so much about
different experiences from industry leaders. The lasting professional connections, the insightful continuing education and networking opportunities with fellow members are key reasons why everyone in our profession needs to join NJSHA and be active.
Why should professionals join this organization?
All audiologists and speech-language pathologists should join NJSHA. ASHA provides information on a national level and NJSHA provides information on a state level, they both look at things differently.
We need this association and its members to help be the voice in Trenton. There is power in numbers and as a group we can make a bigger impact for our patients including helping with relevant legislative issues and learning new information. “The more knowledge we have the better we are at providing services to our patients.”
How do you suggest others can be more active in NJSHA?
Join and be a part of NJSHA. Attend seminars, conferences and the annual convention, ask “How can I get involved?” It is as simple as going to the website and sending an email. Find an interest, something you are passionate about, sit in on a committee meeting and listen to hear what they are doing. You don’t have to be a chairperson or an active leader in the committee; you can just listen and learn.
Who is your “NJSHA Hero” and why?
That would be Linda Tucker-Simpson. She is a former NJSHA president and has served in many different capacities within the association. I am amazed by Linda’s wealth of knowledge about our field and NJSHA. She was my inspiration for joining.
What is your next NJSHA challenge?
I would like to become much more involved in advocacy. It makes a huge difference when we can positively change policy to the direct benefit of our patients. I would also like to recruit many more NJSHA members from southern New Jersey, where I am from. Many people think NJSHA is more for professionals in the central and northern parts of the
state. That’s not so; the association benefits all of us. We just need to spread the word!