
Overview
Background
Prof Ward's research program has focused on adult acute services, including head and neck cancer management, critical care, and general dysphagia management. She conducts research into improving services, evaluating new models of care and new workforce models, digital service delivery models eg., telehealth, as well as clinical training models eg., simulation. Liz is also engaged in exploring the role and benefits of the clinician-researcher workforce within health services.
Prof Ward currently holds a joint position as the Director of the Centre for Functioning and Health (CFAHR), in Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Health, and, Conjoint Professor with the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland. Her research has a clinical focus with particular emphasis on projects designed to improve patient outcomes within health services. She has published extensively with over 450 publications to date and has a track record of competitive grant funding across a number of research fields. Liz has been awarded multiple UQ teaching awards and has supervised >40 students to successful completion of their research higher degree. In 2014 Liz was awarded the title of Fellow of Speech Pathology Australia in recognition of her contributions to the profession.
Availability
- Professor Elizabeth Ward is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor, The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
- Postgraduate Diploma, The University of Queensland
Research interests
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Telehealth
Assessment and treatment of dysphagia, neurogenic communication disorders, management of head and neck cancer.
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Speech and swallowing disorders
Management of speech and swallowing disorders in clinical populations including head and neck cancer, critical care populations (including tracheostomy management) and degenerative disorders.
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Models of student and professional training
Including the use of simulation technology for clinical skills development.
Research impacts
As Prof Ward's research is primarily clinically based, her work has great impact on clinical service provision within the field of speech pathology, enhancing the evidence base on swallowing and communication disorders within a variety of clinical populations, the assessment and treatment techniques used, and new models of care. Specifically her research into telepractice has led to a number of new service models implementated within Queensland Health and internationally. Her work in simulation (simulated learning) has contributed to changes in undergraduate training nationally and internationally.
Works
Search Professor Elizabeth Ward’s works on UQ eSpace
2010
Journal Article
Assessing disordered speech and voice in Parkinson's disease: A telerehabilitation application
Constantinescu, G, Theodoros, D, Russell, T, Ward, E, Wilson, S and Wootton, R (2010). Assessing disordered speech and voice in Parkinson's disease: A telerehabilitation application. International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders, 45 (6), 630-644. doi: 10.3109/13682820903470569
2010
Journal Article
Home-based speech treatment for Parkinson's disease delivered remotely: a case report
Constantinescu, Gabriella A., Theodoros, Deborah G., Russell, Trevor G., Ward, Elizabeth C., Wilson, Stephen J. and Wootton, Richard (2010). Home-based speech treatment for Parkinson's disease delivered remotely: a case report. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 16 (2), 100-104. doi: 10.1258/jtt.2009.090306
2010
Journal Article
Rehabilitation of olfaction post-laryngectomy: A randomised control trial comparing clinician assisted versus a home practice approach
Ward, E., Coleman, A., van As-Brooks, C. and Kerle, S. (2010). Rehabilitation of olfaction post-laryngectomy: A randomised control trial comparing clinician assisted versus a home practice approach. Clinical Otolaryngology, 35 (1), 39-45. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-4486.2009.02050.x
2010
Conference Publication
Prevalence and predictive factors for dysphagia following thermal burn injury: A prospective study
Rumbach, Anna, Ward, E., Cornwell, P., Bassett, L. and Muller, M. (2010). Prevalence and predictive factors for dysphagia following thermal burn injury: A prospective study. Eighteenth Annual Dysphagia Research Society Meeting, San Diego, CA, United States, 3-6 March 2010. NEW YORK: SPRINGER.
2010
Book Chapter
Ludwig's angina
Ward, Elizabeth (2010). Ludwig's angina. Dysphagia in rare conditions: An encyclopedia. (pp. 349-354) edited by Harrison N. Jones and John C. Rosenbek. San Diego, CA, U.S.A.: Plural Publishing.
2009
Journal Article
The redesign and re-evaluation of an internet-based telerehabilitation system for the assessment of dysarthria in adults
Hill, Anne J., Theodoros, Deborah G., Russell, Trevor G. and Ward, Elizabeth C. (2009). The redesign and re-evaluation of an internet-based telerehabilitation system for the assessment of dysarthria in adults. Journal of Telemedicine and eHealth, 15 (9), 840-850. doi: 10.1089/tmj.2009.0015
2009
Journal Article
Using telerehabilitation to assess apraxia of speech in adults
Hill, Anne Jane, Theodoros, Deborah, Russell, Trevor and Ward, Elizabeth (2009). Using telerehabilitation to assess apraxia of speech in adults. International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders, 44 (5), 731-747. doi: 10.1080/13682820802350537
2009
Journal Article
Assessment of communication and swallowing post-laryngectomy: a telerehabilitation trial
Ward, Elizabeth, Crombie, Jane, Trickey, Megan, Hill, Anne, Theodoros, Deborah and Russell, Trevor (2009). Assessment of communication and swallowing post-laryngectomy: a telerehabilitation trial. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 15 (5), 232-237. doi: 10.1258/jtt.2009.081204
2009
Journal Article
Optimizing speech production in the ventilator-assisted individual following cervical spinal cord injury: a preliminary investigation
MacBean, Naomi, Ward, Elizabeth, Murdoch, Bruce, Cahill, Louise, Solley, Maura, Geraghty, Timothy and Hukins, Craig (2009). Optimizing speech production in the ventilator-assisted individual following cervical spinal cord injury: a preliminary investigation. International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders, 44 (3), 382-393. doi: 10.1080/13682820802190339
2009
Book Chapter
Burn Injury
Rumbach, Anna, Ward, Elizabeth, McKinnon-DuBose, Cynthia and Clayton, Nicola (2009). Burn Injury. Dysphagia Post Trauma. (pp. 151-200) edited by Elizabeth Ward and Angela Morgan. San Diego, CA United States: Plural Publishing.
2009
Journal Article
The effects of aphasia severity on the ability to assess language disorders via telerehabilitation
Hill, Anne J., Theodoros, Deborah G., Russell, Trevor G., Ward, Elizabeth C. and Wootton, Richard (2009). The effects of aphasia severity on the ability to assess language disorders via telerehabilitation. Aphasiology, 23 (5) PII 794163160, 627-642. doi: 10.1080/02687030801909659
2009
Book Chapter
Dysphagia assessment and intervention: Basic principles for trauma management
Morgan, Angela and Ward, Elizabeth C. (2009). Dysphagia assessment and intervention: Basic principles for trauma management. Dysphagia Post Trauma. (pp. 1-30) edited by Elizabeth C. Ward and Angela T. Morgan. San Diego, CA: Plural Publishing.
2009
Book Chapter
Burn injury
Rumbach, A. F., Ward, E. C., McKinnon - Dubose, C. and Clayton, N. A. (2009). Burn injury. Dysphagia Post Trauma. (pp. 151-200) edited by Elizabeth C. Ward and Angela T. Morgan. San Diego, CA: Plural Publishing.
2009
Book Chapter
Traumatic brain injury
Morgan, A. T. and Ward, E. C. (2009). Traumatic brain injury. Dysphagia Post Trauma. (pp. 31-66) edited by Elizabeth C. Ward and Angela T. Morgan. San Diego, CA: Plural Publishing.
2009
Book Chapter
Multitrauma and iatrogenic trauma
Crombie, J. M., Spurgin, A. L. and Ward, E. C. (2009). Multitrauma and iatrogenic trauma. Dysphagia Post Trauma. (pp. 201-238) edited by Elizabeth C Ward and Angela Morgan. San Diego, CA: Plural Publishing.
2009
Book
Dysphagia post trauma
Ward, E. and Morgan, A. (2009). Dysphagia post trauma. San Diego, CA: Plural Publishing.
2009
Book Chapter
Spastic dysarthria
Murdoch, B. E., Ward, E. C. and Theodoros, D. G. (2009). Spastic dysarthria. Clinical Management of Sensorimotor Speech Disorders. (pp. 187-203) edited by M. R. McNeil. New York, United States: Thieme Medical Publishers.
2009
Journal Article
The challenges of dysphagia management and rehabilitation after extensive thermal burn injury: A complex case
Rumbach, A., Ward, E. C., Cornwell, P. L., Bassett, L. V. and Muller, M. (2009). The challenges of dysphagia management and rehabilitation after extensive thermal burn injury: A complex case. Journal of Burn Care & Research, 30 (5), 901-905. doi: 10.1097/BCR.0b013e3181b487e0
2009
Book Chapter
Traumatic spinal cord injury
Solley, M. M. and Ward, E. C. (2009). Traumatic spinal cord injury. Dysphagia Post Trauma. (pp. 67-150) edited by Elizabeth C. Ward and Angela T. Morgan. San Diego, CA: Plural Publishing.
2008
Journal Article
Assessing acquired language disorders in adults via the internet
Theodoros, Deborah, Hill, Anne, Russell,Trevor, Ward, Elizabeth and Wootton, Richard (2008). Assessing acquired language disorders in adults via the internet. Telemedicine and e-Health, 14 (6), 552-559. doi: 10.1089/tmj.2007.0091
Funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Elizabeth Ward is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
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General areas of PhD supervision
I supervise students interested in furthering knowledge in the areas of dsypahgia, telepractice, simulated learning, new models of care and health service implementations. Please contact me directly (liz.ward@uq.edu.au) to discuss possible project ideas
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Examining swallowing outcomes following surgical resection of oral and/or oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma using the mandibular lingual release approach
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Understanding oropharyngeal dysphagia in patients presenting with systemic sclerosis
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Examining Swallowing Outcomes Following Surgical Resection of Oral/Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using the Mandibular Lingual Release Approach
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Examining Swallowing Outcomes Following Surgical Resection of Oral/Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using the Mandibular Lingual Release Approach
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Determining the unmet supportive care needs of patients undergoing immunotherapy for head and neck cancer
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Laurelie Wishart
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Doctor Philosophy
Dysphagia post laryngectomy
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Examining Swallowing Outcomes Following Surgical Resection of Oral/Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using the Mandibular Lingual Release Approach
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Lymphoedema following head and neck cancer treatment: Prevalence, risk factors, and functional impact on swallowing and quality of life
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Bena Brown
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Doctor Philosophy
"Cancer Tracks": Establishing a best practice approach for supporting First Nations patients undergoing Head and Neck Cancer Care
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Tamara Butler, Dr Bena Brown
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Doctor Philosophy
Psychology in the Intensive Care Unit: An Australian Context
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Melissa Day
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Doctor Philosophy
Pharmacy telehealth service for adult patients with cancer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Centaine Snoswell
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Doctor Philosophy
"Cancer Tracks": Establishing a best practice approach for supporting First Nations patients undergoing Head and Neck Cancer Care
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Tamara Butler, Dr Bena Brown
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Doctor Philosophy
Development and evaluation of telehealth service models for the delivery of multidisciplinary burn care
Associate Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Feeding Behaviours of Young Children with Food Allergy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jeanne Marshall, Dr Rebecca Packer
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Doctor Philosophy
Integrating telehealth into allied health services
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Helen Haydon, Professor Liam Caffery, Dr Emma Thomas
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Doctor Philosophy
Investigating the interplay among frailty, sarcopenia, and dysphagia in the head and neck cancer population
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Rebecca Packer
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Doctor Philosophy
Paediatric Dysphagia in the Intensive Care Unit: Development and Implementation of a Nursing Led Screening Tool.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jeanne Marshall
Completed supervision
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Examining Swallowing Outcomes Following Surgical Resection of Oral/Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using the Mandibular Lingual Release Approach
Principal Advisor
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding and Improving Adult Dysphagia Services in Singapore
Principal Advisor
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Enhancing the Understanding of, and Access to, Speech Pathology Head and Neck Cancer Services in Rural Areas
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Rebecca Packer, Dr Laurelie Wishart
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Evaluating telepractice as an assessment model for paediatric feeding and dysphagia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jeanne Marshall
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Tracheoesophageal Speech Rehabilitation Following Laryngectomy: An Examination of Issues Relating to Consistency of Practice and Clinical Training
Principal Advisor
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Towards greater understanding of cricopharyngeal and cervical oesophageal clearance issues and their management in patients post chemo-irradiation for nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Anna Rumbach
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Carbonation as a sensory enhancement strategy: Evidence for clinical implementation
Principal Advisor
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
An examination of functional outcomes following head and neck cancer and enhancing new pathways of care
Principal Advisor
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Expanding Speech Pathology Delegation Practices: Engaging Allied Health Assistants (AHAs) in dysphagia management in the acute hospital setting
Principal Advisor
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Laryngeal cancer management: Voice, communication and quality of life outcomes following non-surgical treatment
Principal Advisor
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Examining the use of telepractice for delivering intensive, prophylactic swallowing therapy to patients with head and neck cancer undergoing (chemo)radiotherapy
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Bena Brown
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Enhancing access to specialist swallowing, speech, and voice intervention for patients with head and neck cancer: An evaluation of two new telepractice models.
Principal Advisor
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Dysphagia and Orofacial Contracture Management in patients with Severe Thermal Burn Injury to the Head and Neck: Enhancing the Evidence Base and Defining Outcomes
Principal Advisor
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Critical care interventions in speech pathology practice: Implications for communication, swallowing and tracheostomy management
Principal Advisor
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
A systematic investigation of communication and mealtime management in residential aged care: Exploring perspectives and management across service providers.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Nerina Scarinci
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Dysphagia following non-surgical management for head and neck cancer: Using the ICF to explore the rehabilitation needs of survivors and their carers
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Nerina Scarinci, Dr Bena Brown
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2012
Doctor Philosophy
Telerehabilitation Application for the Clinical Assessment of Dysphagia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Trevor Russell
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2012
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring Dysphagia Management Practices and Barriers to Service Improvement in Malaysia
Principal Advisor
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2011
Doctor Philosophy
Dysphagia following thermal burn injury: Clinical risk factors, anatomical and physiological characteristics and road to resolution and recovery
Principal Advisor
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2009
Doctor Philosophy
Speech Pathology Service Provision For Children With Speech And/Or Language Impairments In Tasmania
Principal Advisor
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2008
Doctor Philosophy
An examination of speech production in individuals post cervical spinal cord injury
Principal Advisor
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2004
Doctor Philosophy
An electropalatographic investigation of articulation in Parkinson's Disease
Principal Advisor
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2003
Master Sp Pathology
Comparing clinical and radiological assessments in paediatric swallowing.
Principal Advisor
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Lymphoedema following head and neck cancer treatment: Prevalence, risk factors, and functional impact on swallowing and quality of life
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Bena Brown
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Development, implementation, and evaluation of a telepharmacy service for adult patients with cancer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Centaine Snoswell
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding Speech-Language Pathology Practices in the Emergency Department
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Laurelie Wishart
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Enhancing speech pathology practice in videofluoroscopic swallow studies
Associate Advisor
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Utilising Dosimetric Information to Enhance the Clinical Management of Dysphagia in Patients Undergoing (Chemo) Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Laurelie Wishart, Dr Bena Brown
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Optimising head and neck cancer survivorship with speech pathology care: Identifying patient and service needs to improve the management of patients treated with (chemo)radiotherapy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Bena Brown
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Paediatric Chemical and Button Battery Ingestion Injury: Dysphagia, Feeding Outcomes, and Speech-Language Pathology Involvement in Care
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Anna Rumbach
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Efficacy of intensive voice therapy for patients with vocal fold nodules
Associate Advisor
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2012
Doctor Philosophy
Swallowing, nutrition, and patient-rated functional outcomes in head and neck cancer patients treated with altered fractionation radiotherapy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Sandro Porceddu
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2010
Doctor Philosophy
The Assessment and Treatment of Disordered Speech and Voice in Parkinson's Disease using a PC-based Telerehabilitation System
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Trevor Russell
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2008
Doctor Philosophy
The Assessment of Acquired Neurogenic Communication Disorders in Adults using a Telerehabilitation Application
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Trevor Russell
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2004
Doctor Philosophy
THE EFFECTS OF NEUROSURGICAL TREATMENTS ON MOTOR SPEECH FUNCTION IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Associate Advisor
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2003
Doctor Philosophy
PHYSIOLOGICAL FEATURES OF DYSARTHRIA IN CHILDREN TREATED FOR POSTERIOR FOSSA TUMOURS
Associate Advisor
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2003
Doctor Philosophy
ACQUIRED LANGUAGE DISORDERS IN CHILDREN FOLOWING TREATMENT FOR INTRACRANIAL TUMOUR
Associate Advisor
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2003
Doctor Philosophy
Paediatric Dysphagia following Traumatic Brain Injury
Associate Advisor
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Elizabeth Ward directly for media enquiries about:
- Cancer - head and neck
- Head cancer
- Head surgery - speech rehabilitation
- Laryngectomy - speech rehabilitation
- Neck cancer
- Neck surgery - speech rehabilitation
- Parkinson's disease - speech rehabilitation
- Speech - following cancer
- Speech pathology
- Speech rehabilitation
- Stroke - speech rehabilitation
- Stroke and language disorders
- Swallowing and rehabilitation - following cancer
- Swallowing disorders
- Voice - assessment and rehabilitation
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