OUR Neurologist in Tampa, Florida Location
Doreen Bridgman, MS, CCC, SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Doreen Bridgman, MS, CCC-SLP, is a licensed speech-language pathologist with over 30 years of experience providing specialized assessment and rehabilitation services for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-concussion syndrome (PCS), and other neurological conditions. She holds active licenses in Florida and New Jersey and maintains certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
At Radius TBI, Doreen works as part of the integrated care team, focusing on cognitive-linguistic rehabilitation, executive functioning, and motor speech disorders. She brings a strong emphasis on individualized care, helping patients return to work, school, and daily life through evidence-based interventions and client-centered planning. Her collaborative approach includes working closely with families, case managers, and other medical professionals to support recovery and long-term success.
Doreen’s experience spans interdisciplinary neurorehabilitation, cognitive therapy for return-to-work programs, and education on brain health. She has provided services to both adult and adolescent populations, addressing the unique cognitive and communication challenges that follow brain injuries.
EDUCATION
MS: Master of Science, Speech Language Pathology, William Paterson College, Wayne, NJ
BA: Bachelor of Arts, Communication Disorders, William Paterson College, Wayne, NJ
EXPERIENCE
- Speech Language Pathologist, The Cognitive Coach, Delray Beach, FL
- Speech Language Pathologist, Work Comp Psych Net Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ
- Speech Language Pathologist, Psychiatric & Behavioral Health Services of NJ, Jackson, NJ
- Speech Language Pathologist, Shore Neuropsychology & Behavioral Health, Brick, NJ
- Speech Language Pathologist, Private Practice, Wall, NJ
- Speech Language Pathologist, Neuropsychology & Counseling Associates, Brick, NJ
- Speech Language Pathologist-Clinical Consultant, Center for Head Injuries-JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, Edison, NJ
- Clinical Director, NovaCare Community Rehabilitation Services of New Jersey, North Brunswick, NJ
- Speech Language Pathologist, Center for Cognitive Rehabilitation, UMDNJ, New Brunswick, NJ
CERTIFICATIONS
- Certificate of Clinical Competence-ASHA
- New Jersey Speech and Hearing License
- New Jersey Speech Correctionist Certification
- New Jersey Speech Language Specialist
- Florida Speech and Hearing License
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
- Florida Brain Injury Association
Languages
English
The term “pathologist” may bring to mind lab coats and microscopes, but in the world of TBI recovery, speech-language pathologists are hands-on healers—guiding patients toward clearer communication, improved thinking skills, and better quality of life. Their role is essential, and their impact, often life-changing.
What is a pathologist?
A pathologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing diseases by examining tissues, cells, blood, and other body fluids. Pathologists often work in laboratories and play a critical role in identifying conditions such as cancer, infections, autoimmune diseases, and more.
There are several types of pathologists:
Anatomic Pathologists – Focus on examining tissues and organs under a microscope (e.g., during a biopsy or autopsy).
Clinical Pathologists – Specialize in laboratory analysis of blood, urine, and other bodily fluids.
Forensic Pathologists – Investigate causes of death, often working with law enforcement in criminal cases.
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) – Though not medical doctors, SLPs are highly trained clinicians who assess and treat communication, cognitive, and swallowing disorders, often working with patients who have experienced stroke, TBI, or developmental issues.
When people hear the word pathologist, they often think of medical professionals who diagnose diseases in labs. But there’s another kind of pathologist playing a vital role in patient recovery, especially in cases of traumatic brain injury (TBI). We’re talking about the Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP).
At facilities like Radius TBI, SLPs are an essential part of the multidisciplinary team, working closely with neurologists, neuropsychologists, physical therapists, and case managers to support the complex needs of brain injury survivors.
What Does a Speech-Language Pathologist Do?
A Speech-Language Pathologist, sometimes simply referred to as a pathologist, is a licensed healthcare professional trained to assess, diagnose, and treat disorders related to communication, cognition, voice, and swallowing. In TBI patients, the impact of the injury can disrupt these functions in multiple ways.
SLPs play a critical role in helping TBI patients recover and adapt by targeting:
Cognitive-Communication Deficits: TBI often impairs attention, memory, problem-solving, organization, and executive functioning. SLPs use targeted therapy techniques to rebuild these skills or teach compensatory strategies to improve daily functioning.
Speech and Language Disorders: Depending on the severity and location of the injury, patients may struggle with word-finding, understanding language, or articulating clearly. SLPs guide patients through structured exercises to improve communication or explore alternative communication methods when necessary.
Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia): Injuries to the brain can affect the ability to chew and swallow safely. An SLP assesses swallowing function and works with patients to regain safe eating habits, sometimes in collaboration with dietitians or occupational therapists.
Pathologists Who Advocate
At Radius TBI, our speech-language pathologists go beyond treatment—they serve as advocates and educators. They help patients navigate the challenges of returning to work, school, or independent living by:
Recommending academic or workplace accommodations
Educating family members and caregivers on communication strategies
Coordinating with employers, educators, and case managers for a smooth reintegration process
How TBIs Affect Communication and Cognition
A TBI can impair:
Attention and focus
Memory and learning
Verbal expression
Comprehension
Executive function (planning, organizing, problem-solving)
SLPs address these deficits through structured therapy and evidence-based strategies, aiming to restore or adapt these abilities so patients can return to daily life.
Cognitive-Communication Therapy for TBI Patients
SLPs help retrain the brain’s ability to process, organize, and express information. This may involve:
Teaching compensatory strategies (e.g., planners, timers)
Exercises to strengthen memory, attention, and reasoning
Functional activities that simulate real-world tasks
Restoring Speech and Language Abilities
Depending on the location and severity of the injury, patients may experience:
Aphasia (loss of language ability)
Dysarthria (slurred or slowed speech)
Word-finding difficulties
SLPs use repetition-based exercises, language mapping, and cueing techniques to rebuild communication skills.
A Personalized Path to Recovery
No two brain injuries are alike, which is why the role of an SLP is so important. Their ability to assess each patient’s unique cognitive and linguistic profile allows for highly individualized therapy plans. Whether the goal is to regain conversational speech, follow complex instructions, or safely swallow food, the pathologist’s role is to restore independence and dignity to the recovery journey.
CONTACT US TODAY
Up to 90% of individuals with moderate to severe TBI experience some form of communication or cognitive impairment.
RESOURCE: Clinical knowledge and scope of practice outlined by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA):
In the world of neuroscience, one of the advanced tools used to understand brain function is the Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG), often referred to as brain mapping. But who interprets these intricate brain maps, and why is their expertise crucial?
Meet Our No.1 Best Neuropsychologist in Tampa, FL Location
At Radius TBI, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional care for individuals suffering from traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions. Our integrated medical team in Tampa, FL, includes some of the most respected and experienced professionals in the field, ensuring comprehensive and personalized care for each patient. One such esteemed professional is Dr. John J. Dabrowski, a board-certified neuropsychologist renowned for his expertise in neuropsychological assessments and cognitive function.
Did you know? Dealing with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) often means navigating a range of complications, one of the most prevalent being sleep disturbances. Surprisingly, 30-70% of individuals with a TBI experience some form of sleep disruption according to a study published on NCBI.
Understanding Routine EEG, QEEG, and Ambulatory EEG Tests
EEG, QEEG, and Ambulatory EEG are distinct forms of electroencephalography, each serving unique purposes in the diagnosis and monitoring of neurological conditions.
A Deep Dive into Electromyography (EMG Test): Decoding the Language of Muscles and Nerves
Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic procedure that plays a crucial role in unraveling the intricacies of the neuromuscular system. By measuring the electrical activity within muscles and the nerves controlling them, EMG provides valuable insights for the diagnosis and management of various neuromuscular disorders.
Fort Lauderdale Medical Team
Radius TBI comprises a multidisciplinary medical team of neurology, neuropsychology, audiology, neuro-ophthalmology, psychology, and physical therapy dedicated to providing outstanding medical care and improving the quality of life in patients suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussion.
NEUROLOGIST/ NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGIST: Eric F. Ciliberti, MS, MD
MD: Tulane University School of Medicine – New Orleans, LA.MS: Physiology, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Georgetown University Graduate School, Washington, DC
BOARD-CERTIFIED EMERGENCY MEDICINE: Ilya Michael Chern, MD
MD: Michigan State University – East Lansing, MI
Residency: Emergency Medicine, Denver General & Affiliates – Denver, CO
CLINICAL PHYSIOLOGIST / PSYCHOTHERAPIST / MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR: Leila Alami, DHSc, LMHC, GradCert(Neuro), BCN
DHSc: Doctor of Health Science, Specialty in Neurological Functions, Nova Southeastern University, College of Health Care Sciences, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
MS: Mental Health Counseling, Nova Southeastern University, Ft Lauderdale, FL
PHYSICAL THERAPIST / VESTIBULAR REHABILITATION CERTIFIED: Jeanne Shields, MSPT, FDN
MS: University of Miami, Miami, FL
Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Certification, FDN
Hyperbaric Oxygen Technician, CHT
