Kramer, Abigail, Marie

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.

About Dr. Poulin It may surprise you to know that, originally, Dr. Thomas Poulin intended to become a dentist. However, his fraternity brothers had other ideas. They encouraged him to attend medical school with them at Indiana University School of Medicine – and the rest, as they say, is history. When it comes to his patients, Dr. Poulin believes that one-to-one communication is first and foremost. “I don’t use PAs or RNAs,” he says. “My patients have taught me the importance of listening to each and every one of them and personally understanding their symptoms. That makes diagnosis and treatment easier, and ultimately makes for better care.” In his own words… Who is or was the most influential person/role model in your life? My parents, and the surgical staff I worked with during my residency at Medical College of Wisconsin. Do you come from a long line of physicians? No, I don’t. But I did have one uncle who was a doctor. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? I was a grade school cafeteria dishwasher! I got free lunch as payment. What is your favorite food? Movie? My favorite food is Dover sole. I like any James Bond movie. What were your best/worst subjects in school growing up? My favorite subject in school was Math. My worst was French class. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? Jesus Christ. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? I am most passionate about my family. My favorite hobby is golf. What question are you asked most often by those outside of medicine? How do you get up so early? What is something most people don’t know about you? My wife and I have been together for 58 years!