Volunteer Spotlight: Rupa Balachandran, PhD

Rupa Balachandran, PhD, is a member of the Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE). If you’re interested in volunteering for any of our committees, please review them on the committees and councils page.

What is your background in audiology?

I did my bachelors in audiology and speech pathology in Mumbai, India, and did my masters and doctoral work at the City University of New York (CUNY). I have had the opportunity to be both in clinical settings (Hearing and Speech Center of Northern California) and in an academic setting (Sacramento State) and more recently University of the Pacific where I have been for the past eight years.

Why do you volunteer with the Academy?

I love our profession and feel we have a lot to offer. Strengthening academic programs is the best way I see to influence the future of audiology in both national and international settings. I believe that the Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE) is the right organization for the present and future of audiology education.

Who was the first audiologist or hearing healthcare professional to inspire you and how/why?

There have been many, but my most inspiring audiologist is Dr. Malvina Levy from the Hearing and Speech Center of Northern California. She is a tinnitus and hyperacusis specialist and a transformative clinician. She mentored many of us to truly practice in a holistic manner, actively listen to our patients, and stay engaged and involved in updating our knowledge and skills in order to serve our patients. She actively embraces new technology and is enthusiastic about working with her patients. She is a generous professional and inspiring mentor.

What do you most look forward to at the start of each new year?

I currently work in an academic setting, and I am thrilled by the possibilities that a new year brings in terms of new cohorts of health profession students who are ready take that next step to train and become part of the group of providers that can transform the lives of our communities.

Now that you’ve been a practicing professional for some years, what advice do you wish you could go back and give yourself back when you were starting out?

That’s a good one! I would say “calm down, appreciate each opportunity, and know that as long as you keep your patient at the focus of journey, you will always find your way.”

Interesting in volunteering? Check out the current available opportunities here under “How to Apply.”