11th Annual Interprofessional Laryngectomy Conference

This conference focuses on the interprofessional and interdisciplinary approach to caring for the laryngectomy patient. Participants will learn about evaluating and treating this complex patient population from the perspective of the disciplines working with the patient and their caregiver. The scope of this conference will include the assessment process the ENT physician uses to diagnose laryngeal cancer and the recommended treatment, and the Speech Pathologist’s evaluation process and treatment to restore voicing through various alaryngeal communication options. Nutrition plays a vital role in a cancer patient’s recovery. We will discuss foods that can be beneficial to fighting cancer and ways to help improve a patient’s appetite during chemotherapy. Because of anatomical changes and the effects of chemo/radiation, the patient’s swallowing may be impaired. We will present current research in the area of dysphagia management in the head and neck cancer patient population. The patient’s perspective is the center of care. We will include a panel discussion highlighting the patient’s perspective and how we as professionals can better serve them.