Speech-Language Pathology Practice Issues Forum: Dysphagia Hot Topics and Complex Cases

Thursday, May 22, 2025, 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM PST, Cedars-Sinai Briskin Conference Center, Los Angeles, CA

Description:
This educational activity emphasizes current trends, professional practice and clinical issues in the field of Speech-Language pathology. Speakers discuss important concepts in the practice of medical Speech-Language pathology within the context of dysphagia. Participants are encouraged to share approaches and information relating to identified cases.

Program Format and Speakers: Lectures and discussion

Educational Objectives

• Identify common types of post-intubation laryngeal injury and discuss its impact on voice and swallowing

• Discuss current practice issues in the state of California and advocacy activities available

• Recognize common esophageal motility disorders and understand their impact on swallowing function

• Critically analyze a variety of dysphagia case studies to identify key clinical features, diagnostic findings, and treatment considerations

• Engage in collaborative discussions with peers to share insights, challenges, and solutions related to dysphagia management

 
Statement of Need:
This educational program will update the community of Speech-Language pathologists on various factors to consider in professional and clinical practice as it relates to complex dysphagia care. Greater knowledge and understanding these issues will enhance the participant’s ability to provide interdisciplinary, evidence-based care, and facilitate clinical reasoning decisions to optimize patient’s recovery.

Policy on Disclosure:
In accordance with the policy of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, faculty is asked to disclose any affiliation of financial interest that may affect the content of their presentation. Any disclosures are listed in the course materials so participants in the activity may formulate their own judgments regarding the presentations. There are no relevant financial or non-financial relationships to disclose for the participating faculty listed in the agenda below.

Fee: $30.00.

There are currently no available discounts for this activity. This fee includes boxed meals for in-person attendees.

To register: https://cedars.cloud-cme.com/CSSLP

Registration and fees must be received by May 17th to be eligible for a refund. Please use CloudCME link above to register. Registration will close May 20th.

 

Agenda:
4:30-5:00 Registration/Networking for in-person attendees

5:00-5:05 Opening Remarks and Introduction

5:05-5:45 Laryngeal Injury: Voice and Swallowing Consequences
Neelaysh Vukkadala, Assistant Professor, Jim and Eleanor Randall Department of Surgery, Cedars Sinai

5:45-6:00 SLP discussion/Q&A

6:10-6:20 CSHA Update
Dana Kimbar, District Representative

6:20-7:00 What’s your Gut Feeling? Esophageal Motility and Issues affecting Swallowing Function
Nicha Wongjarupong, MD, Advanced GI Motility Fellow, Cedars-Sinai

7:00-7:15 Q&A

7:15-8:00 SLP Showcase – Complex Cases
Melissa Yang, MS, CCC-SLP, Providence St. John’s Medical Center, Santa Monica, CA
Kacie LeForest, MA, CCC-SLP, USC Voice Center, Dept. Of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery,
Keck Medicine of USC

1. Identify common types of post-intubation laryngeal injury and discuss its impact on voice and swallowing.
2. Discuss current practice issues in the state of California and advocacy activities available.
3. Recognize common esophageal motility disorders and understand their impact on swallowing function.
4. Critically analyze a variety of dysphagia case studies to identify key clinical features, diagnostic findings, and treatment considerations.
5. Engage in collaborative discussions with peers to share insights, challenges, and solutions related to dysphagia management.

This course is being evaluated for up to .30 ASHA CEUs (Introductory Level, Area: Professional; Subject Code: 7010-Service Delivery associated with Speech/Language/Swallowing/Hearing) and Continuing Professional Development credit for Speech-Language Pathologists as required by the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board (PDP Provider Number 363)   

Partial credit will not be offered. Requirements for credit include full attendance at the workshop, completion of evaluations and participation in discussion. For questions regarding credit, special needs and accommodations, and other requests, please contact: [email protected] or call (310)423-5243. For information on grievances related to this workshop, please include the name and date of this workshop and submit the complaint to the contact provided above.

We encourage participation by all individuals. If you have a disability, advance notification of any special needs will help us better serve you.

ASHA (0.30 hours)

Notice of Financial Disclosure:  In accordance with the policy of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, faculty is asked to disclose any affiliation of financial interest that may affect the content of their presentation.  Any disclosures are listed in the course materials so participants in the activity may formulate their own judgments regarding the presentations.

There are no relevant financial or non-financial relationships to disclose for this activity's faculty. 

 

Speaker Bios:

Robert Dowhy, MS, CCC-SLP is Speech-Language pathologist at the Cedars Sinai Outpatient Voice Clinic specializing in the treatment of voice disorders. His experience includes treating professional voice users such as teachers, actors, and singers. He received his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and is on the board of the Southern California chapter of the Voice Foundation and routinely mentors’ colleagues and students. 

Neelaysh Vukkadala, MD is an Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He completed medical school at the University of California, San Francisco. He completed residency at Stanford University Medical Center and subsequently pursued fellowship training in laryngology at UCLA. Dr. Vukkadala has a particular interest in swallowing disorders and complex airway management. He is also involved in expanding the role of in-office laryngology procedures. His research interests include the use of Transnasal Humidified Rapid-Insufflation Ventilatory Exchange (THRIVE) in laryngeal surgery, surgical ergonomics, and critical illness associated dysphagia.

Dana Kimbar, CCC-SLP is a full-time Speech-Language pathologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.  She is also the CSHA District 6 Director and co-founder and co-chair of CSHA's Medical SLP Committee.

Nicha Wongjarupong, MD is an Advanced GI Motility Fellow in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Melissa Peters Yang, M.S., CCC-SLP & CLC, is Supervisor of Rehabilitation at Providence St. John’s Health Center. She sees patients with diverse medical diagnoses, including Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and adult patients. She is the founder and program director at Speak Live Play, an evidence-based in-home therapy program, offering therapy focused on feeding/swallowing. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science degree from George Washington University and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Molloy College in Rockville Centre, NY. Melissa’s educational background and professional experiences equip her with the expertise to lead and innovate in the field of rehabilitation therapy.

Kacie La Forest, CCC-SLP, is a Speech-Language pathologist at Keck Medicine of USC. She works on an interdisciplinary team dedicated to helping patients manage voice and swallowing problems, as well as chronic cough and upper airway disorders. She also specializes in gender-affirming voice care and helping performers rehabilitate and maintain their vocal health.  She completed a clinical fellowship at Keck Medicine’s USC Voice Center and is deeply committed to providing exceptional care and detailed patient education. La Forest has a background in musical theater and still enjoys singing and attending live shows in her free time. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, she is happy to now call Southern California home.

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

Thursday, May 22, 2025