
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
2004
Journal Article
The effects of age and gender on lip function in a normal adult population
Theodoros, D. G., Mehmet, M., Ward, E. C. and Murdoch, B. E. (2004). The effects of age and gender on lip function in a normal adult population. Asia Pacific Journal of Speech Language and Hearing, 9 (2), 96-112.
2004
Conference Publication
Articulatory imprecision in dysarthria following childhood cerebellar tumor: A perceptual and acoustic investigation of three male participants
Cornwell, P. L., Murdoch, B. E. and Ward, E. C. (2004). Articulatory imprecision in dysarthria following childhood cerebellar tumor: A perceptual and acoustic investigation of three male participants. Clifton Park: Delmar Learning.
2004
Journal Article
Clinical progression and outcome of dysphagia following paediatric traumatic brain injury: a prospective study
Morgan, Angela, Ward, Elizabeth and Murdoch, Bruce (2004). Clinical progression and outcome of dysphagia following paediatric traumatic brain injury: a prospective study. Brain Injury, 18 (4), 359-376. doi: 10.1080/02699050310001617424
2004
Journal Article
Underlying factors impacting differential outcomes in linguistic function subsequent to treatment for posterior fossa tumour in children
Docking, Kimberley M., Murdoch, Bruce E. and Ward, Elizabeth C. (2004). Underlying factors impacting differential outcomes in linguistic function subsequent to treatment for posterior fossa tumour in children. Brain and Language, 91 (1), 19-30. doi: 10.1016/j.bandl.2004.06.014
2004
Journal Article
The impact of maxillary advancement on nasality in a non-cleft population
Ward, E. C., Mcauliffe, M. J., Cahill, L. M., Lynham, A. J. and Monsour, F. N. (2004). The impact of maxillary advancement on nasality in a non-cleft population. Asia Pacific Journal of Speech Language and Hearing, 9 (1), 13-20.
2004
Journal Article
Long-term oral sensitivity and feeding skills of low-risk pre-term infants
Dodrill, P., McMahon, S., Ward, E., Weir, K., Donovan, T. and Riddle, B. (2004). Long-term oral sensitivity and feeding skills of low-risk pre-term infants. Early Human Development, 76 (1), 23-37. doi: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2003.10.001
2004
Journal Article
Clinical characteristics of acute dysphagia in pediatric patients following traumatic brain injury
Morgan, A, Ward, E and Murdoch, B (2004). Clinical characteristics of acute dysphagia in pediatric patients following traumatic brain injury. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 19 (3), 226-240. doi: 10.1097/00001199-200405000-00004
2003
Journal Article
High-level and phonological awareness abilities of children following management for supratentorial tumour: Part II
Docking, K. M., Murdoch, B. E. and Ward, E. C. (2003). High-level and phonological awareness abilities of children following management for supratentorial tumour: Part II. Acta Neuropsychologica, 1 (4), 367-381.
2003
Journal Article
Incidence, characteristics, and predictive factors for dysphagia after pediatric traumatic brain injury
Morgan, Angela, Ward, Elizabeth, Murdoch, Bruce, Kennedy, Bronwyn and Murison, Robert (2003). Incidence, characteristics, and predictive factors for dysphagia after pediatric traumatic brain injury. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 18 (3), 239-251. doi: 10.1097/00001199-200305000-00002
2003
Journal Article
Dysarthria and dysphagia as long-term sequelae in a child treated for recurrent posterior fossa tumour
Cornwell, P. L., Murdoch, B. E., Ward, E. C. and Morgan, A. T. (2003). Dysarthria and dysphagia as long-term sequelae in a child treated for recurrent posterior fossa tumour. Pediatric Rehabilitation, 6 (2), 67-75. doi: 10.1080/1363849031000139289
2003
Journal Article
Differential modes of alaryngeal communication and long-term voice outcomes following pharyngolaryngectomy and laryngectomy
Ward, E.C., Koh, S.K., Frisby, J. and Hodge, R. (2003). Differential modes of alaryngeal communication and long-term voice outcomes following pharyngolaryngectomy and laryngectomy. Folia Phoniatrica Et Logopaedica, 55 (1), 39-49. doi: 10.1159/000068056
2003
Journal Article
Cerebellar language and cognitive functions in childhood: A comparative review of the clinical research
Docking, K., Murdoch, B. and Ward, E. (2003). Cerebellar language and cognitive functions in childhood: A comparative review of the clinical research. Aphasiology, 17 (12), 1153-1161. doi: 10.1080/02687030344000445
2003
Journal Article
Pre- and post-operative counselling and information dissemination: perceptions of patients undergoing laryngeal surgery and their spouses
Ward, E. C., Hobson, T. and Conroy, A. (2003). Pre- and post-operative counselling and information dissemination: perceptions of patients undergoing laryngeal surgery and their spouses. Asia Pacific Journal of Speech, Language & Hearing, 8 (1), 44-68.
2003
Journal Article
Perceptual judgements of tracheoesophageal speech: the issue of listener bias
Ward, E. C. and MacBean, N. A. (2003). Perceptual judgements of tracheoesophageal speech: the issue of listener bias. Asia Pacific Journal of Speech Language & Hearing, 8 (1), 24-35.
2003
Journal Article
General language abilities following management of childhood supratentorial tumour: Part 1
Docking, Kimberley M., Murdoch, Bruce E. and Ward, Elizabeth C. (2003). General language abilities following management of childhood supratentorial tumour: Part 1. Acta Neuropsychologica, 1 (3), 260-283.
2003
Journal Article
Perceptual evaluation of motor speech following treatment for childhood cerebellar tumour
Cornwell, P. L., Murdoch, B. E., Ward, E. C. and Kellie, S. (2003). Perceptual evaluation of motor speech following treatment for childhood cerebellar tumour. Clinical Linguistics and Phonetics, 17 (8), 597-615. doi: 10.1080/0269920031000111339
2003
Journal Article
Dysarthria and dysphagia following treatment for a fourth ventricle choroid plexus papilloma
Cornwell, P. L., Murdoch, B. E., Ward, E. C. and Morgan, A. (2003). Dysarthria and dysphagia following treatment for a fourth ventricle choroid plexus papilloma. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, 10 (4), 506-512. doi: 10.1016/S0987-5868(03)00077-8
2003
Journal Article
Variation in articulatory timing of three English consonants: An electropalatographic investigation
McAuliffe, M. J., Ward, E. C. and Murdoch, B. E. (2003). Variation in articulatory timing of three English consonants: An electropalatographic investigation. Clinical Linguistics & Phonetics, 17 (1), 43-62. doi: 10.1080/0269920021000066846
2002
Journal Article
Acute characteristics of pediatric dysphagia subsequent to traumatic brain injury: Videofluoroscopic assessment
Morgan, Angela, Ward, Elizabeth, Murdoch, Bruce and Bilbie, Kate (2002). Acute characteristics of pediatric dysphagia subsequent to traumatic brain injury: Videofluoroscopic assessment. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 17 (3), 220-241. doi: 10.1097/00001199-200206000-00004
2002
Journal Article
Swallowing outcomes following laryngectomy and pharyngolaryngectomy
Ward, EC, Bishop, B, Frisby, J and Stevens, M (2002). Swallowing outcomes following laryngectomy and pharyngolaryngectomy. JAMA Otolaryngology. Head & Neck Surgery, 128 (2), 181-186. doi: 10.1001/archotol.128.2.181
Funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Elizabeth Ward is:
- Available for supervision
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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
Dysphagia post laryngectomy
Principal Advisor
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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
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
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
Paediatric Dysphagia in the Intensive Care Unit: Development and Implementation of a Nursing Led Screening Tool.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jeanne Marshall
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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
Feeding Behaviours of Young Children with Food Allergy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jeanne Marshall, Dr Rebecca Packer
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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
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
Development and evaluation of telehealth service models for the delivery of multidisciplinary burn care
Associate Advisor
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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
Pharmacy telehealth service for adult patients with cancer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Centaine Snoswell
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
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
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
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
ACQUIRED LANGUAGE DISORDERS IN CHILDREN FOLOWING TREATMENT FOR INTRACRANIAL TUMOUR
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
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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