Phillip Sechtem
PhD, CCC-SLP
RMUoHP Faculty

Biography

Dr. Sechtem joined Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions as an Associate Professor in the M.S. SLP program in July 2017. He earned his B.A. in communication and his M.S. in speech-language pathology at Fort Hays State University (Hays, Kansas) in 1990 and 1994, respectively. He earned his Ph.D. in communication, sciences and disorders at Wichita State University in 2013. Dr. Sechtem has worked extensively in medical settings concentrating on acquired neurologic, cognitive, communication, voice, and swallowing disorders. Advanced procedures he conducts include videostroboscopic examinations of the larynx, computerized speech analysis, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluations of swallowing, modified barium swallow studies, and tracheoesophageal voice restoration. Dr. Sechtem’s teaching interests include neurologic bases of communication, acquired neurologic communication and swallowing disorders, anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing, and speech and hearing science. His research interests and publications encompass aspects of voice, swallowing, and aphasia. His aim is to advance colleagues and professionals who can competently provide evidence-based, patient-centered care upon graduation. He is honored and blessed to be a faculty member of the M.S. SLP program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. He and his wife, Josefina, reside in Provo with their dog Jack.

Clinical Expertise
Dr. Sechtem’s clinical expertise includes neurologic, cognitive, communication, voice and swallowing disorders. 

Education

  • Ph.D Sciences and Disorders
    Wichita State University
    2013
  • M.S Speech-Language Pathology
    Fort Hays State University
    1994
  • B.A Communication
    Fort Hays State
    1990

Publications & Scholarly Works

  • Fretti, S., Pettitt, R., Le, J., Sechtem, P., & Scherck, B. (2021). Effects of electronic cigarette use on pulmonary and vascular function: Implications for blunted exercise performance. [Abstract]. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 35(4), e3-e288.
  • Maeda, M., Sechtem, P. R., & Scudder, R. (2009, March). Peer reviews of teachers: Are they useful? Poster presented at the 6th Annual Capitol Graduate Research Summit, Topeka.
  • Shaw, G. Y., Sechtem, P. R., Searl, J., Keller, K., Rawi, T. A., & Dowdy, E. (2007). Transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation (VitalStim) curative therapy for severe dysphagia: Myth or reality? Annals of Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology, 116, 36-44.

Presentations

  • Sechtem, P. R., Scherck, B., Pettitt, R., Fretti, S., & Le, J. (2021, March 5). Influence of vaping on voice, pulmonary, and vascular functions [Presentation]. Utah Speech Language Hearing Association Virtual Conference, Murray, UT.- https://www.ushaonline.net/conference-agenda-2021/
  • Sechtem, P. R., Scherck, B., Pettitt, R., Fretti, S., & Le, J. (2020, August 14). Influence of vaping on voice, pulmonary, and vascular functions [Presentation]. RMUoHP Faculty and Student 4th Annual Virtual Scholarship Symposium, Provo, UT.- https://rmuohp.zoom.us/i/5701515156
  • Sechtem, P. R., Scherck, B., Pettitt, R., Fretti, S., & Le, J. (2019, November 23). Influence of vaping on voice, pulmonary, and vascular functions. Poster presented at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Convention, Orlando.

Awards

  • Award for Continuing Education (ACE)
    ASHA | 2021
  • SPEAK OUT! & LOUD Crowd Grand Recipient
    Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions | 2020
  • RMUoHP Internal Research Grant Award (Vape Study)
    Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions | 2019
  • Difference Maker Award - RMUoHP
    Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions | 2019
  • Award for Continuing Education
    ASHA | 2019

Memberships

  • American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
  • ASHA Special Interest Group (SIG) 03: Voice and Upper Airway Disorders
  • Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences (ANCDS)
  • Dysphagia Research Society (DRS)