Dr. Annette Garced-Santiago, Au.D., ABAC

I attribute my success to a deep passion for helping people improve their quality of life through hearing care and aural rehabilitation. With more than 11 years of experience in audiology and over 20 years in healthcare, I have dedicated my career to bridging clinical expertise with compassionate care. My work as an Adjunct Faculty has allowed me to share knowledge and mentor future professionals, while my bilingual skills have enabled me to serve diverse populations with cultural sensitivity and inclusivity. Each role I have held, whether in clinical practice, academia, or healthcare leadership, has strengthened my ability to empower patients and colleagues alike, and it is this combination of purpose, experience, and dedication that continues to drive my professional journey.

The best career advice I have ever received came from mentors like my mom, Rosa Ivette Santiago a retired Vocational Rehabilitation counselor and Dr. Camille Villafañez, who emphasized the importance of embracing growth and committing to lifelong learning. Their guidance has taught me that success is not only measured by achievements but also by the willingness to continually evolve, adapt, and expand both knowledge and skills. This perspective has shaped my career by inspiring me to remain curious, open to new opportunities, and dedicated to ongoing professional and personal development.

If you're unsure about which profession is right for you, start by identifying that one thing you're so passionate about that you would do it for free. That passion is your compass. When you follow it with intention and dedication, everything else: success, prosperity, and happiness, will follow. Picture the life you want, visualize it clearly, and take steps every day to make it your reality.

One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is navigating the shift to offering online healthcare services and teaching while ensuring strong, meaningful communication with patients and students. Creating engaging and interactive learning experiences in a virtual environment requires creativity, adaptability, and a deep understanding of how students connect and learn best. At the same time, a major opportunity lies in addressing the widespread misconception that hearing loss only affects older adults. In reality, hearing health is vital for all ages, and regular hearing tests should be a standard part of preventive care. By raising awareness, expanding education, and leveraging technology, we have the chance to not only improve outcomes for patients but also transform the way society views and prioritizes hearing care.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are passion, impact, and community involvement. I believe passion fuels excellence and inspires others, while making a meaningful impact ensures that the work I do contributes to improving lives and advancing my field. Equally important is being engaged in my community, as it allows me to give back, build connections, and create opportunities that extend beyond the workplace. Together, these values guide my decisions, shape my professional journey, and keep me grounded in a purpose-driven approach to life and career.