03/04/2026
Meet Dawn Neenan, Speech Language Pathologist at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital 🗣️
Dawn is an integral part of patient care, helping individuals with speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing disorders regain essential skills and confidence after illness, injury, or surgery.
🔺Why did you choose a career in medicine, specifically speech language pathology?
“Sitting in my cubicle in NYC shortly after graduating with a degree in business and philosophy, I began to feel that the corporate world wasn’t where I was meant to be. I found myself searching for work that felt more purposeful. That’s when I discovered speech-language pathology — and immediately fell in love. I was drawn to its unique blend of art and science, the opportunity to work across the lifespan, and the profound impact of dedicating my career to fostering human connection.”
🔺What is the most rewarding part of what you do every day?
“The ability to communicate and to eat and drink are fundamental parts of being human — until they’re compromised. Whether it’s giving a tracheostomized patient a voice, helping a child use a communication device, or guiding someone back to safely enjoying their favorite foods, the work is deeply rewarding. It’s a privilege to support patients and their caregivers during such vulnerable moments and to witness their resilience.”
🔺Was there a defining moment or female role model who inspired a career in medicine?
“My mom is a nurse, and I was always struck by her ability to be fully present with people in their suffering, especially in hospice care. She naturally sparked my interest in the palliative side of speech-language pathology. That passion eventually led me to discover Marta Kazandjian’s work as a graduate student, and more than a decade later, I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of her department. Her deep commitment to patient-centered, high-level care is truly inspiring.”
🔺If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self at the start of your medical journey?
“I’ve always appreciated Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s words: “Doubt can only be removed by action.” When I considered changing careers, I felt hesitant and deeply aware of the responsibility that comes with working in medicine. Over time, I came to see that concern as both healthy and necessary — it is a profound responsibility. All anyone can do is commit to learning, preparing, and showing up as an effective, compassionate clinician.”
🔺What advice do you have for future women in medicine?
“I’d share one of my favorite quotes which is from Dr. Jeree Pawl: “How you are is as important as what you do.”
March is Women in Medicine Month. Join us in celebrating the women who make a difference every day at SBSH — through expertise, compassion, and dedication to our East End community.
