Get to Know Your PHC Audiologists - Jennifer Schumacher, Au.D.

Where did you grow up?

Not any one place!  I started in Macomb, IL, then moved to Monroe, LA, Hammond LA, North Little Rock, AR (where I lived the longest), then to Sedalia, MO.

Where did you go to school? 

Sedalia Smith-Cotton High School, CMSU in Warrensburg for my bachelor's and Master's degrees, (Sorry, I just can't get used to calling it UCM!), and Salus University for my doctorate.

Why did you want to become an audiologist?

I didn't.  I started in speech-pathology, but when I took an undergrad class in audiology it just clicked.  Everything seemed to come easy and I really enjoyed it, so I switched majors.

Who is someone that has had an influence on you in the field of audiology?  

Dr. Karen Patterson, who was one of my instructors, and Dr. Mary Dutton, who was the audiologist who hired me at my first job.  Both taught me the importance of really listening to what a patient says and making sure you treat them like you'd want your parents to be treated.

What is your favorite area of audiology?  

Cleaning ears and dizzy people!

At what office(s) do you work?  

Warrensburg, Clinton, and Liberty

Now some fun questions! What’s your favorite food?  

Chocolate, by far.

What is one food you would never eat?  

Seafood, because I'm allergic, and liver, because ewwwww.

What’s your favorite travel destination?  

Tied between New Orleans and Colorado.

What are your hobbies?  

Gardening, antiquing, and refinishing furniture.  I'd love to say running, but that would just make anyone who knows me laugh.