Panel: A.I. And The Work We All Do: What Comes Next?
Artificial intelligence is already brushing up against the edges of the voice world —quietly in the background, and sometimes uncomfortably close to center stage. In this 90-minute session, we focus on various vantage points that reflect our community : the voice teacher, the voice therapist, the laryngologist, and the singer. With James Thomas, Lee Cary, Anthony Law, and a moderated discussion, we will explore how AI may reshape assessment, training, diagnosis, and even identity in voice.
This is not a tech demo - but more of a provocation. What does it mean to be a voice expert when machines can listen, analyze, and even imitate? What does the singer lose—or gain—when artistry meets algorithm? We will ask you to think forward: five years, ten years. Where does each role expand, where does it erode, and where does it fundamentally change? And for those not ready to dive in headfirst, we will map practical, low-stakes entry points to begin engaging with AI today. The goal is not consensus—it is clarity. About opportunity, about risk, and about what parts of our work are truly irreplaceable.
Lisa Zughni, MS, CCC-SLP
Lisa Zughni, MS, CCC-SLP, received a Master of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology from Vanderbilt School of Medicine and completed her clinical fellowship at the Nashville VA Medical Center. She has been a speech language pathologist at the University of Washington Medical Center since 2014 and specializes in the multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment of patients with voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders. She is currently a Teaching Associate and serves as Director of Speech Language Pathology in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Director of the Speech Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship program. Lisa serves on the Board of Directors for the Alliance for Voice, Airway and Swallowing Education (AVASE), contributing to national efforts in education and interdisciplinary collaboration, and is actively involved in leading local and national educational initiatives and professional meetings.
Financial Disclosure: Ms. Zughni is employed by the University of Washington Medical Center. She has no other financial disclosures.
Non-Financial Disclosure: Ms. Zughni has no non-financial relationships to disclose.