How do you balance patient care with the business side of running your own audiology practice?

Patient care will always be my favorite part of the job. For me, there is nothing better than creating and developing long lasting relationships with people in the community. I want to say it was more difficult in the beginning when I was really learning how to run a business, but looking back, I think it’s been consistently difficult to balance over the past three and a half years. I certainly know how to run the business better these days but growing the patient database leads to more administrative work, marketing, and time outside of the office. The real gift of course is having a large enough practice to warrant hiring a second full-time audiologist, Morgan. When the entire staff buys into giving high-level patient care, it makes it easier to step out of the office and make decisions in the owner’s role. Having a team, I can trust in the office has made it easier to find teams I can trust outside of the office with my bigger picture tasks. It’s a fine balance, but I do my best to make sure everyone is on the same page on a weekly basis. In the beginning, I wanted to do everything myself, both inside and outside of the office, but as we grow, it’s nearly impossible to do that and maintain our patient care standard. So, meeting people you can trust is imperative, and sometimes you must trust your gut and see the best in people—it’s worked out wonderfully for us, so far.

What motivates you to continue growing and advancing in your career?

My family, plain and simple. There are a couple of aspects to it, though. My mom did a great job of raising me and my sister largely on her own, but I know it wasn’t easy for her. Twelve years ago, I was living with her in a trailer while I finished up my first degree from the local community college and I knew I would eventually have to move 4 hours away for better educational opportunities even though that would leave her on her own. That was a difficult decision to make, but she supported it, she came with me to visit UC and helped me move when the time came. Now she lives about fifteen minutes down the road from me, and I love being able to spend time with her, take her and my sister out to dinner, and do random activities around town because we feel like it.

My wife, Emma, is also a big motivating factor. She is an ASL instructor at UC in CECH and she is Deaf. She lost her hearing when she was 17 years old, and she had a tough experience with the doctors and audiologists. The stories she has told me have always stuck with me because no one deserves to be treated with little respect or belief especially when it comes to something as traumatic at sudden hearing loss. She wears hearing aids but also signs, and our son has been able to pick up on both speech and ASL. He’s the other aspect of all of this. I want to give Holden the best life possible, and I have photos of him all over my office as a reminder. It’s truly a blessing to be a father but it’s a big responsibility of course. Even on the toughest days, coming home to him saying “Hi daddy!” makes it all worth it.

What personal qualities do you believe contributed most to your success?

My ability to communicate and relate to patients is my biggest strength. My first degree was in English, and even though I have my doctorate in audiology, the English degree might be up there in terms of difficulty. There are so many subtitles and nuances to our language, but if you study it and get a good handle on how it works and how to use it to your advantage, you can get a lot further in life than you would otherwise. It helps in understanding others’ personalities, wants and needs, and how they feel. What we say verbally is only about 15% of the message, but how we say it and the body language that comes along with it says a lot more. If you can embrace the language learn different communication strategies, it will open many more doors than any accolades, awards, or degrees can. Add being a good listener to this, and you’re unstoppable. Sometimes all people want is someone who genuinely listens to them.

Can you share a piece of advice or inspiration for current students that you wish you had received?

Do as much as you can, in terms of networking. Meet as many people in graduate school as you can, go to the conventions and student summits, make friends and connections. The audiology world is so small, and you will inevitably cross paths with many of these people in the future. Don’t be afraid to reach out for ideas, guidance, or just general camaraderie. The more your name is out there, the more others in the community will learn who you are and see that you are actively trying to make a name for yourself, the skillset you have, and the drive you can bring to a company or practice. Market yourself and market your strengths—you won’t regret it.

Meet Izjahana Lewis, a compassionate licensed social worker driven by a deep commitment to advocating for marginalized communities. With a background shaped by her MSW education and experience as a Bear Fellow, Izjahana has developed a trauma-informed approach to supporting youth and addressing their unique challenges.

How has your education in social work shaped your approach to advocating for individuals and communities?

The MSW program improved my ability to assist individuals and communities with additional care through active listening, authentic empathy, and research. As a Bear Fellow, I collaborated with the CPD student resources officer to learn about marginalized youth's challenges and to teach them how to develop a trauma-informed lens when supporting them through education, mental health, and additional resources. 

What advice would you give current students looking to make a lasting impact in the field?

Students who aim to impact their field should recognize the importance of building human relationships. Networking is crucial for advancing your career. The university provides strategic networking opportunities for students to gain diverse experiences. You can participate in leadership roles, conferences, and events to expand your network. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn—@Izjahana Lewis. Be open to mentorship, constructive criticism, and continuous education to increase competence in your social work expertise.

How did your experience at CAHS prepare you for your current career?

The CAHS program has helped me gain interdisciplinary experiences that have been invaluable in preparing me for my current role as a licensed social worker. Connecting with various disciplines has helped me develop teamwork skills to serve clients more efficiently in their goals. The welcome weekend, student organizations, and Bearcat fellowship have allowed me to build peer relationships with alumni, advisors, and mentors while cultivating leadership experience in advocacy.

What was your first job after graduating, and how did it shape your professional development?

After completing my MSW program, my first job was at the Cincinnati Police Department Victim Advocate Unit (VALU). Before that, I worked as an intern advocating for economic, social, and environmental justice. Seeing the impact of power and privilege has broadened my understanding of the effects of violent crimes on vulnerable individuals and communities. This role is shaping my professional development when clinically assessing the needs of victims affected by violent crimes through a biopsychosocial lens.