Northwest Voice Conference:
Advanced SLP Topics in
Voice, Swallowing, and Upper Airway

This one-day, in-person professional development course hosted by the University of Washington Department of Otolaryngology Speech-Language Pathology team is designed for speech-language pathologists and clinicians seeking to advance their knowledge in voice, swallowing, upper airway disorders, and head and neck cancer care.

Through a combination of didactic lectures, case-based learning, and multidisciplinary panel discussions, participants will deepen clinical knowledge, strengthen diagnostic reasoning, and enhance interdisciplinary collaboration. Whether you are an experienced clinician or a student interested in medical speech-language pathology, this course aims to provide practical, evidence-based updates in a supportive and engaging learning environment. Featuring interdisciplinary faculty from the University of Washington and invited guest experts in laryngology, dysphagia, voice, airway and head and neck cancer care.

This course also aims to strengthen collaboration and connection among clinicians across the Pacific Northwest and beyond who are passionate about laryngology and medical speech-language pathology.

Location: South Campus Center (SOCC 301) at the University of Washington

Date: Friday, August 7th, 2026

Time: 8:00am – 4:30pm
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Learning Outcomes

As a result of this activity participants will be able to:

  1. Apply evidence-based frameworks to the evaluation and management of voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders across clinical settings.

  2. Differentiate key diagnostic findings across instrumental assessments (e.g., VFSS, FEES, stroboscopy) and integrate results into clinical decision-making.

  3. Develop targeted treatment plans for patients with voice, dysphagia, and upper airway conditions, including those with head and neck cancer.

  4. Analyze complex clinical cases using a multidisciplinary lens, incorporating perspectives from speech-language pathology, otolaryngology, and related specialties.

  5. Incorporate current evidence and emerging practices into clinical care for patients with laryngeal, airway, and swallowing disorders.

Program Completion Requirements: Participants are expected to be present for the entire program. Individuals who are not present for the full program will not be recommended for ASHA CEUs. No partial credit will be provided. Participants will be required to complete a self-assessment to demonstrate their achievement of learning outcomes

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for:

  • Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in medical and outpatient settings

  • Voice, upper airway, and/or swallowing specialized SLPs

  • General medical SLPs seeking advanced training

  • SLPs, otolaryngologists, APPs, or any clinicians seeking advanced training in laryngology, voice, swallowing and upper airway disorders

  • Clinical fellows and graduate students with interest in medical SLP

Accessibility Statement: Participants requesting accessibility accommodations should email Liza Zughni at ldoyley@uw.edu at least 14 days prior to the event.

Conference Highlights

  • Keynote presentation by leading expert in dysphagia management, Dr. Peter Belafsky, on esophageal dysphagia and the evolving role of the SLP in multidisciplinary care

  • Advanced clinical topics in voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders, including RCPD, laryngopharyngeal reflux, voice masculinization, biofeedback, and complex dysphagia management

  • Interactive learning through case-based discussions, expert panels, audience Q&A, and engaging sessions   

  • Practical, evidence-based strategies designed to translate directly into clinical practice across outpatient, acute care, and specialty settings

  • Interdisciplinary perspectives from speech-language pathologists and laryngologists with expertise in voice, swallowing, airway, and head and neck cancer care

  • Opportunities to connect and collaborate with clinicians, trainees, and specialists from across the Pacific Northwest voice and swallowing communities

Registration

Registration cost: $175

This program is offered for 0.7 ASHA CEUs (intermediate-advanced level, professional area). ASHA CEU Provider approval does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products or clinical procedures.

Register Here

PROGRAM

**Presenter bios can be found here**

ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.