Aaron Rothbart

Aaron Rothbart, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Caruso Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California. His expertise lies in clinical speech pathology, focusing on adult neurogenic communication disorders and functional, person-centered care. He holds supervisory roles in clinical teams and leads research in cognitive rehabilitation and assistive technology applications for aphasia.

Dr. Rothbart earned his Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Oregon, advised by Dr. McKay Moore Sohlberg. His research integrates mixed-methods approaches, particularly single-case experimental designs (SCED), and explores implementation science to bridge evidence-based practices with clinical settings. He is active in committees such as the Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences (ANCDS) Education and Standards Committee.

His teaching portfolio includes courses on medical speech-language pathology, assessment in communication disorders, dysphagia, neurogenic cognitive communication disorders, and counseling in speech-language pathology. His research emphasizes therapeutic alliance in cognitive rehabilitation and neurostimulation techniques for language recovery in post-stroke aphasia.

Recent publications highlight advancements in working alliance interventions for brain injury patients and the efficacy of tDCS in aphasia therapy. He advocates for translational research to improve clinical practice through technology and interprofessional collaboration.