Latest News https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/ Fri, 26 Apr 2024 05:53:09 GMT Mon, 8 Apr 2024 20:32:00 GMT Copyright © 2024 Dysphagia Research Society April 2024 President’s Message https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/669545/ https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/669545/

Dear DRS Members,

In 1996, at the suggestion of Dr. Susan Langmore, I attended my first Dysphagia Research Society meeting. I was instantly hooked and have not missed a meeting since! It is, therefore, a true privilege and honor to be writing to you now as the incoming President of our Society.  

My sincere thanks to our outgoing President, Dr. Mark Nicosia for his leadership over the past year, which culminated in our very successful annual meeting in Puerto Rico.  Almost 400 attendees were present, and we enjoyed an outstanding program of invited sessions, oral presentations, and posters. Congratulations to all of our presenters and award winners! We are extremely grateful to our generous sponsors and exhibitors, and also to our social committee, comprising several members with close ties to the beautiful archipelago of Puerto Rico. Several inspirational talks describing projects addressing issues of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in Puerto Rico were a true highlight of the conference! 

Looking ahead, I am excited to welcome our new Board and committee members. Over the next year we will focus on the society’s 5-year strategic plan. At this time, I’d like to share with you highlights for the coming year!

  • Dash for Dysphagia (June, 2024)
  • A joint webinar with the European Society of Swallowing Disorders
  • Additional webinars throughout the year (details to follow)
  • A series of Career development, Networking, and Mentorship events for trainee members
  • Annual Meeting in Philadelphia (March 25-28, 2025)!

Stay tuned for details regarding the program, abstract submission and awards applications. 

As I begin my term as President, I look forward to working with our Board of Directors and volunteers to enhance, promote, and support dysphagia research that is interdisciplinary, inclusive and equitable. I value all members of the society and welcome your input and feedback throughout the year!
 
Respectfully,
 
Catriona M. Steele, PhD, CCC-SLP, ASHA Fellow
DRS President

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DRS Mon, 8 Apr 2024 21:32:00 GMT
DRS 2024-2025 Election Announcement https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/666550/ https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/666550/

On behalf of the DRS Nominating and Executive Committees, I am happy to announce the results of the 2024-2025 DRS Elections.
 
The newly elected officers of the Society are:

  • 2024-2025 Secretary-Treasurer: Ashli O’Rourke, MS, MD
  • 2024-2026 Councilor 1: Gokul Balasubramanian, MD
  • 2024-2026 Councilor 2: Rebecca German, PhD
  • 2024-2026 Councilor 3: Marlís González Fernández, MD, PhD
  • 2024-2026 Councilor-in-Training: Isuru Dharmarathna

 
Congratulations! The formal induction will occur during the Annual General/Business Meeting of DRS during the 32nd Annual DRS Meeting next week.
 
We wish all elected officials all the best and we look forward to their continued service to the Society. Further, we thank all the candidates for their service and count on their important continued support. We are so grateful for everyone’s dedication to our Society.
 
We also extend a special thank you to the Nominating Committee, led by Immediate Past President Georgia Malandraki, the Website, Communications, and Public Relations Committee, led by Mario Landera and Lexy Myres, and the Affinity Strategies team for the excellent organization and execution of this highly important activity.
 
Finally, we are very grateful to the membership for participating in this third open DRS election.
 
Thank you all very much for your support to our DRS family.
 
We look forward to working with everyone to continue our Society’s growth and mission!
 
Respectfully,
 
Mark Nicosia, PhD
2023-2024 DRS President

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DRS Mon, 4 Mar 2024 18:45:00 GMT
Proclamation by Governor of Puerto Rico - March 2024 is Dysphagia Awareness Month in PR https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/666548/ https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/666548/
 
On behalf of the DRS 2024 Social Committee - and thanks to the efforts of our member, Dr. María A. Centeno - the Governor of Puerto Rico, Hon. Pedro R. Pierluisi, has declared March 2024 Dysphagia Awareness Month in Puerto Rico

The link to the proclamation is below and includes the historic event to take place next week: DRS in Puerto Rico!
 
We look forward to seeing you next week in Puerto Rico!

 

Proclamation of March 2024 Dysphagia Awareness Month in Puerto Rico

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DRS Mon, 4 Mar 2024 18:31:00 GMT
July 2023 President's Message https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/645305/ https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/645305/  


 

Dear DRS Members and Friends,

I hope this message finds you all well and having a wonderful summer!  I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your hard work so far this year, and to share some DRS news.

Dysphagia Awareness Month
We want to thank you for embarking on the mission with the Dysphagia Research Society (DRS) to spread dysphagia awareness by participating in the activities that have occurred over the month of June. I would like to particularly thank Dr. Catriona Steele and the rest of the committee that organized the Dash for Dysphagia.  This event, originally called the “Run for Research” was rebranded to better represent more ways of engaging in physical fitness activities.  Thanks to all of you, we raised approximately $13,000 for the society!

DRSIE Fall Conference
The Dysphagia Research Society Institute for Education (DRSIE) is hosting the annual DRSIE Fall Conference again this year (September 14-15, 2023).  This event is an exciting blend of state-of-the-science from leading experts along with career mentoring for the next generation of scientists in our field.  This year, the conference focuses on Cerebral Palsy and Head and Neck Cancer. The deadline for applications from early career clinicians and scientists has been extended to July 10, 2023.  Click here for details.

2023 Monthly Continuing Education Webinars
July 27, 2023 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Central (Chicago) Time. 
Speakers: Heather M. Starmer, MA CCC-SLP; BCS-S and Kate Hutcheson, PhD
Topic: Lymphedema and the swallow in head and neck cancer survivorship
Click here to register.

Save the Date!
The DRS Annual Meeting will be held March 12-15, 2024 at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico (details will be posted here). The program committee, chaired by Drs. Mark Nicosia and Samantha Shune, is putting together an excellent preconference and conference program.   Please keep an eye out for the call for abstracts, which will open later this summer.

In Memoriam
We recently learned of the passing of Dr. Nick Diamant, a DRS past-president and beloved scholar, colleague, and mentor by many in the DRS community.  Please see this link for a tribute to Dr. Diamant.


Respectfully yours,

Mark Nicosia
2023-2024 DRS President

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DRS Thu, 6 Jul 2023 15:50:00 GMT
February 2023 Message from the President https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/631853/ https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/631853/


February 2023 Message from the President

Dear DRS Members and friends,  
Preparations are in full speed for the upcoming 3rd WDS (World Dysphagia Summit) and the 31st Annual DRS Meeting in San Francisco in March!
 
I hope you have taken the time to see the detailed Programs of both our extraordinary March events and the highlights on our social media! The DRS leadership and our Planning Committees are so excited to welcome you all in San Francisco in less than a month!
 
At the same time, we are preparing for the leadership transition and several more exciting future events and initiatives. Read below for all the exciting news:
 
3rd WDS and 31st Annual Meeting Announcements

As the 2022-2023 leadership year comes to an end, make sure you also participate in the following NEW opportunities to help our Society continue to thrive:

DEI Training for DRS Members

  • In alignment with our efforts to best serve the needs of all DRS members and improve inclusivity within our Society, DRS has been developing a DEI training. Stay tuned for the release of this training and more DEI focused initiatives led by the DRS DEI Committee and the DRS Executive Committee, in collaboration with Uplifting Impact.

Leadership Transition

  • To prepare for a successful leadership transition:
    1. Dr. Mark Nicosia (incoming DRS President) and I will host a final - for this term – “Coffee Chat with the President” in late March/early April, and welcome feedback for this past year and ideas for the new year from all members. Don’t miss your chance to get involved.
    2. IMPORTANT: If you are interested in serving DRS, we anticipate several vacancies of volunteer positions in eligible committees. This is the ideal time to complete the volunteer form and let us know about your qualifications!

New and upcoming

  • DRSIE webinars: Stay tuned for the 2023 webinar series that DRSIE is organizing. The first one will be at the end of March – Details will be announced soon!
  • DRS Newsletter: DRS is working on releasing a Newsletter which will highlight different committees’ work, articles, and initiatives. The first Newsletter for 2023 will focus on the 2022–2023-year review, and the second will highlight articles by the Pediatric SIG Group, led by Drs. Lefton-Greif and Viswanathan.

What an exciting time to be part of the DRS family!
Thank you again for your all your support.
 
Respectfully yours,
Georgia A. Malandraki, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, ASHA Fellow
2022-2023 DRS President

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DRS Mon, 13 Feb 2023 21:59:00 GMT
DRS 2023-2024 Election Announcement https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/631624/ https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/631624/

DRS 2023-2024 Election Announcement

Dear DRS Members and friends, 

On behalf of the DRS Nominating and Executive Committees, I am happy to announce the results of the 2023-2024 DRS Elections.  

The newly elected officers of the Society are: 

  • 2023-2024 Secretary-Treasurer: Dr. Emily Plowman 
  • 2023-2025 Councilor 1: Dr. Maggie Kuhn 
  • 2023-2025 Councilor 2: Dr. Heather Bonilha 

Congratulations! The formal induction will occur during the Annual General/Business Meeting of DRS during the 31st Annual DRS Meeting in March 2023.  

We wish all elected officials all the best and we look forward to their continued service to the Society. Further, we thank all the candidates for their service and count on their important continued support. We are so grateful for everyone’s dedication to our Society. 

We also extend a special thank you to the Nominating Committee, led by Immediate Past President Jacqui Allen, the Website, Communications, and Public Relations Committee, led by Nogah Nativ and Mario Landera, and the Affinity Strategies team for the excellent organization and execution of this highly important activity. 

Finally, we are very grateful to the membership for participating in this second open DRS election. 

Thank you all very much for your support to our DRS family. 

We look forward to working with everyone to continue our Society’s growth and mission! 

Respectfully, 
Georgia A. Malandraki, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, ASHA Fellow 
2022-2023 DRS President    

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DRS Fri, 10 Feb 2023 16:48:00 GMT
January 2023 Message from the President https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/628037/ https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/628037/ January 2023 DRS Updates:
Message from the DRS President



Dear DRS Members and friends,

Happy New Year! Thank you all for your support and patience during this past transition year. As 2023 begins, we are thrilled to welcome the new year with several exciting announcements about our Society and the upcoming extraordinary 3rd WDS (World Dysphagia Summit) and the 31st Annual DRS Meeting in San Francisco in March!

I hope you will consider joining us in these important activities:

Elections - Reminder
  • Election period ends on January 31st, 2023. An email via SurveyMonkey from Affinity Strategies has been sent out individually to each eligible member's profile email and reminder emails are going out weekly. I highly encourage ALL our Full Members to participate in this important process and exercise their right and responsibility to choose the next leaders of the Society! 
  • We have excellent candidates this year as well. Click here to view the Candidate Information: http://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/page/2023DRSElection
REGISTRATION for both the 3rd WDS and the Annual Meeting is OPEN! 

As the 2022-2023 leadership year comes to an end, make sure you also participate in the following new opportunities to help our Society continue to thrive:

DEI Training for DRS Members
  • In alignment with our efforts to best serve the needs of all DRS members and improve inclusivity within our Society, DRS has been developing a DEI training. Stay tuned for the release of this training and more DEI focused initiatives led by the DRS DEI Committee and the DRS Executive Committee, in collaboration with Uplifting Impact. 
Leadership Transition
  • To prepare for a successful leadership transition:
    • Dr. Malandraki (current DRS President) and Dr. Nicosia (incoming DRS President) will host a final - for this term – “Coffee Chat with the President” in late March/early April, and welcome feedback for this past year and ideas for the new year from all members. Don’t miss your chance to get involved.
    • Finally, if you are interested in serving DRS, we anticipate several vacancies of volunteer positions in eligible committees. This is the ideal time to complete the volunteer form and let us know about your qualifications!

Once more, Happy 2023 to all!
Thank you for your attention and dedication to our Society. 

Respectfully yours,
Georgia A. Malandraki, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, ASHA Fellow
2022-2023 DRS President

 

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DRS Thu, 12 Jan 2023 18:26:00 GMT
December 2022 Holiday Message from the President https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/627059/ https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/627059/ Happy Holidays!

On behalf of the DRS Board of Directors

As we approach the end of a very challenging but extremely productive and rewarding year, I want to reflect on the incredible work we, the DRS Board, Chairs, Committees, Management, & Members have done together.

Your efforts have helped DRS continue to thrive, helping enhance dysphagia research, support new investigators from diverse background, increase multidisciplinary engagement, & open new opportunities for collaboration nationally & internationally.

I am proud of the work that we've done, and I know we can count on all of you to keep advancing our society and the field of swallowing & aerodigestive sciences in the new year.

I sincerely thank you for all you do & wish you a happy and healthy holiday season!

Georgia A. Malandraki
2022–2023 DRS President

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DRS Tue, 3 Jan 2023 16:45:00 GMT
November 2022 Message from the President https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/623431/ https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/623431/ November 2022 President's Message

Dear DRS Members and friends,

The past few months have been full of amazing and busy work from so many volunteers and our management staff. I am so grateful to our BOD, Committee Chairs and members, sponsors, and our new Affinity Strategies family for their tireless work and dedication.

With this, I hope you are as thrilled as I am to read the following exciting announcements:

 

2023 DRS Annual Meeting and 3rd World Dysphagia Summit (WDS) News!

REGISTRATION for both the 3rd WDS and the Annual Meeting is now OPEN! Click here to join us at these incredible events.

  • NOTE: Remember to sign in as a member to use the member rates OR become a member before registering to save significantly on registration and enjoy all the benefits of DRS membership.

Abstract notifications were sent early this week. Congratulations to all 2023 DRS Annual Meeting oral and poster presenters! We can’t wait for you to share your science in March!

See the programs at-a-glance for both meetings here. The full programs will be announced in December. Stay tuned!

The Awards applications are now also available. Visit this page for eligibility criteria and to apply, if appropriate. Application deadline is: December 31st, 2022 at 11:59pm EST

Hotel registration with special DRS pricing is also open. Click here and choose Reserve Now to make your reservation TODAY – Rooms are going fast!

 

 

Membership Renewal, Upcoming Webinar & Coffee Chats!

It is membership renewal time!

§  NOTE: As you complete your membership renewal process this year, you will see that we have added profile questions about several demographic variables, including gender identity, racial and ethnic categories, specialty information and more. This is in alignment with our efforts to better understand the demographic make-up of our membership base in order to best serve the diverse needs of all DRS members and improve inclusivity in our Society. Some of these categories conform to current US Census reporting terminology required for US-based funding agencies from which DRS may seek funding to support its activities. We are fully aware of the limitations of these terms and the potential for these categories to not align with the diversity of our members in terms of national origin, lived sociocultural experiences, and personal self-identification. You will see in the renewal form that we invite members to self-identify using the “Prefer to Self-Identify” option as appropriate so that we may better understand the make-up base of our membership. Finally, members can choose “Prefer not to disclose” for any of the questions as well. Thank you for helping us as we strive to do better and improve inclusivity in our Society.

To renew your membership, please click here.

November 30th - DRSIE Webinar

§  You will not want to miss the last DRSIE webinar for 2022 on November 30th at 10am CDT, titled: “Building a Multidisciplinary Swallow Center”, featuring an excellent multidisciplinary panel: Dr. Maggie Kuhn (ENT), Dr. Bonnie Martin-Harris (SLP, adults), Dr. Donna Scarborough (SLP, peds), Dr. Bill Ravich (GI), Heidi Ganzer (RD), & Mrs. Marta Kazandjian (SLP, Integrative/Palliative). It will be spectacular! Register here!

Coffee with the President & Special Guests

§  December 1st: Coffee with The President & Special Guests: A discussion with DRS Trainees. In this second “Coffee with the President” virtual (Zoom meeting) chat, the DRS President Elect, Mark Nicosia, and our brilliant Trainee Advisory Council members will join me in welcoming DRS trainee members and answering their questions!

§  Registration is free but is required and is limited to first 30 participants per chat/meeting (we offer two at different times to accommodate as many members as possible), to allow for active participation and live interactions. More slots/chats will be added if interest exceeds capacity. Full members are welcome to register, but priority will be given to trainee DRS members for this specific chat. Register for any of the two events here.

 

New DRS Research Career Development Program

Stay tuned for an amazing NEW DRS Research Career Development Program that has been developed by the Mentorship and Research Career Development Committee.

A formal announcement about this program and the application form will be made available by next week!

What a fantastic time to be a DRS member! We hope you will consider joining us in these invigorating events/activities!

Thank you for your continued support of our Society.

Respectfully yours,

Georgia A. Malandraki, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, ASHA Fellow

2022-2023 DRS President

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DRS Thu, 17 Nov 2022 17:43:00 GMT
October 2022 Message from the President https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/618703/ https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/618703/ October 2022 DRS Updates
 

Message from the President

Dear DRS Members and friends,

This past month was one of the busiest and most productive months of the current year! In addition to hosting the extraordinary 2nd DRSIE Fall Conference in Milwaukee, WI, organizing one of our most popular webinars of the year, representing DRS at the excellent Congresses of the European Society for Swallowing Disorders and the Japanese Society for Dysphagia Rehabilitation (see photos below), we also finalized the management transition and continued intensively all other operations, including heated preparations for the 3rd World Dysphagia Summit and the 2023 Annual DRS Meeting! We are very grateful to all our leaders and volunteers, our sponsors, and our management companies’ staff who helped with the September events and to those of you who participated.

Now, make sure you don’t miss what’s next!  

  • Abstract submission for the 2023 Annual DRS Meeting closed this past Friday (September 30th) with another record submission of 249 abstracts! Our Annual Meeting Abstract Review Subcommittee will be reviewing abstracts this month and final decisions will be communicated early in November – Stay tuned!
  • The winners of several $500 Conference Bursariesto help trainees,physicians, other clinicians, and first-time conference attendees attend the 2023 Annual DRS Meetingwill be announced in the next 2 weeks!
  • Registration & the schedules at-a-glancefor the 3rd World Dysphagia Summit and the 2023 Annual DRS Meeting will be available on our website by October 14th!
  • Hotel registration with special DRS pricing is now openClick here and choose Reserve Now to make your reservation TODAY – Rooms are going fast!
STILL COMING:
  • NEW DRS Research Career Development Program being developed by the Mentorship and Research Career Development Committee!
  • Another upcoming DRSIE webinar before the end of the year! The last DRSIE webinar of 2022 will be titled: “Building a Multidisciplinary Swallow Center” and will feature a great group of leaders in the field!
  • More “coffee chats with the President” in November!
Thank you for your continued dedication to our Society.
 
Respectfully yours,
 
Georgia A. Malandraki, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, ASHA Fellow
2022-2023 DRS President

 

 

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DRS Thu, 6 Oct 2022 19:27:00 GMT
The DRSIE Fall Conference 2022 was a success! https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/617414/ https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/617414/

Dear DRS Members and friends,

We are delighted to inform you that the 2nd DRSIE Fall hybrid conference conducted in Milwaukee, WI, on Sept 8th and 9th was a grand success! A total of 100 participants from around the globe attended (36 in-person scholars, 44 virtual attendees, 20 faculty) and there were 12.50 hours of ASHA CEUs and 11.25 CME hours earned.

To see the full program, which highlights the syllabus and recognizes all the faculty, planning committee, and advisory council, please visit this page

Below, enjoy some highlights and photos from this unique educational and mentoring event:

  • The 2-day DRSIE Fall conference focuses on invited scientific presentations, mentorship, and close interactions between all participants. To achieve this goal, each faculty mentored a maximum of 3 mentees throughout the event to allow for day-long opportunities for discussions and interactions on how to be motivated, overcome barriers, and succeed.
  • 20 faculty representing a wide range of disciplines, such as pediatric and adult GI, pediatric and adult otolaryngology, neonatology, neurology, nutrition science, speech language pathology, and basic science gave outstanding scientific presentations and grand round sessions challenging the audience and highlighting the critical importance of transdisciplinary care for our patients with dysphagia. The presentations were themed after three domains: “Be Inspired”, “Be Successful”, and “Be Motivated” and were equally cherished by mentees and mentors/faculty. Several of the invited faculty that were not DRS members will be joining our Society after participating in this unique event.
  • In addition to the faculty, the mentees also represented a range of disciplines and career stages ranging from PhD students to clinical scientists, post-doctorate fellows, residents, or early career MDs or SLPs. 25% of mentees were physicians.
  • NEW this year! For the first time, Dr. Jadcherla led a special mindfulness session, reminding us of the critical importance of self-care. Some immediate reflections after this session were: A) “I felt so relaxed that almost slept while seated. I wish it was longer”, B) “I was having tense moments, but that mindfulness session eased me”, C) “Can this be done at the DRS Meeting too for a longer duration”? D) A distinguished faculty member said, “This needs to be done at all conferences. It’s so refreshing”.
  • In the words of several mentors/faculty and mentees, the meeting was “uplifting”, “unique”, “needed”, and “so beneficial” for both mentees and mentors alike.

This exceptional event would not be possible without the vision and support of:

  • The dedicated Fall Conference Planning Committee Co-Chairs, Drs. Sudarshan Jadcherla, Heather Bonihla and Caryn Easterling who were instrumental in planning, candidate selection, execution, coordination, and attention to detail.
  • The DRSIE Advisory Council and DRSIE subcommittees, that have done a phenomenal job with both Fall Conferences and the DRSIE webinars in the past 2 years.
  • All the esteemed faculty and all the mentees.
  • The WCPRC committee that helped publicize the event extensively in prior months and the DRS Mentorship and Research Career Development Committee that participated in several mentoring activities.
  • Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition who granted DRS an unrestrictive Independent Medical Education Grant for a second year in a row. We are beyond grateful for their continuous support.
  • Badger Bay Management Company, especially Karen Schneider, Jessica Trippler, Darling Vang, and Eric Ostermann for the excellent organization and all their support the past few years.

These types of initiatives help DRS reach new heights of education and mentorship and we hope to continue and keep them growing in the years to come.

Thank you for your attention.

 

Warmest regards,

Georgia A. Malandraki, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, ASHA Fellow
2022-2023 DRS President

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DRS Thu, 22 Sep 2022 20:32:00 GMT
Tribute – Dr. Art J. Miller – irreplaceable DRS family loss https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/616637/ https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/616637/ Dear DRS Members and friends,

It is with immense sadness that we share that Professor Art J. Miller, Past DRS President and 2018 Gold Medal recipient, passed away last week. We are beyond grateful for Dr. Miller’s extraordinary influence on our field, his unparalleled positivity and humility, and all his generosity and service to our Society and our field. This is another irreplaceable loss for our DRS family.

DRS will be honoring Dr. Miller during the 2023 Annual DRS Meeting.

On behalf of DRS, Dr. Bonnie Martin-Harris shares the following tribute, and comments from several other leaders follow.

 

 

A SUBTLE BEACON OF BRILLIANCE

Professor Art J. Miller, eminent scientist, scholar, teacher, and friend passed away on August 24, 2022, in a manner in which he lived his professional life – with tremendous impact and little fanfare.

For those of us who knew Art, it is not surprising that his career in science developed during a spiritual journey as he began pursuit of a career in the ministry. His passion for inquiry and discovery led to an undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry and eventually a Ph.D. from UCLA. Art described his research interests and endeavors in “neurophysiological parameters underlying the brain stem reflex of swallowing as a life-long development” originating while a trainee at the Brain Research Institute at UCLA in 1970. The original research papers he produced on the sensory mechanisms of swallowing in various animal models during this early stage of his career are classics in the field of neuroscience and dysphagia. Art was a translational scientist before the term was coined, and he made the results of complex, basic neurophysiologic studies make sense to those of us pursuing careers in clinical science of swallowing and swallowing disorders. Following his 1982 review, Deglutition, and his later review in 1986, The Neurophysiological Basis of Swallowing, the reader was motivated to revisit and understand the original works which he so carefully and brilliantly synthesized.

As students and early-stage consumers of his research and writings, we could only imagine a well-earned intimidating persona consistent with the stature of his work. We were so wrong. Professor Miller was kind, approachable, and always curious about our work. It didn’t matter if anyone knew our name, our title, our rank, our institution – he focused on all that was good, while graciously challenging the potential limitations of the work and providing brilliant wisdom to consider in our next approach.

Art was a team scientist, evident in the fruitful regional and international collaborations he developed during 35 years at UCSF where he was a tenured full professor in the Division of Orthodontics. He applied his knowledge of the brain stem and neuromuscular system to the craniofacial region in rhesus monkey model and in humans. Art collaborated with clinicians such as dentists, orthodontists and eventually speech language pathologists in areas such as mastication and oropharyngeal swallowing function. Together with his colleague, Dr. Kuotaro Maki, from Showa University in Tokyo, he developed innovative imaging methods, including volumetric 3-D analysis with cone beam computed tomography. Art’s collaborations extended to Johns Hopkins University and the Medical University of Wisconsin where he was sought after for involvement in the Dysphagia Research Society. Fortunate for us, Art served on the executive board and resided as DRS President from 2006-2007 where he hosted the annual meeting in the lovely international city of Vancouver, BC. Art received the 2018 DRS Gold Medal Award in recognition of his sustained and unusually distinguished service and contributions to the society.

We will forever miss Professor Miller’s presence at our meetings and conferences, but his powerfully modest brilliance lives on in our work and serves as model for each of us to emulate and encourage in the future generations of swallowing scientists.

Bonnie Martin-Harris

 

Many DRS Leaders Remember Dr. Miller

Susan Langmore

Art is irreplaceable. Everyone who knew him - as a leader in DRS, as a mentor to many of us, and as a friend and devoted family member  - are feeling a void;  an emptiness that will be hard to replace.   Art was brilliant and creative while still remaining humble and approachable.  He viewed everyone and every idea as more than worthy. We were lucky to have Art as a leader of DRS.”

 

Barbara Sonies

“I am so saddened by his passing as Art was a true scholar, scientist and proponent of the study of dysphagia…he was a kind, giving, and thoughtful person. We had many hours of thoughtful discussion over the years, and he will be truly missed.”

 

JoAnne Robbins

“Art’s gentle generous manner with which he shared his scholarly work was always a pleasure…. a gift to the recipients in our field and many others… Art’s unique loving spirit will be found in those of us who will honor him by emulation.”

 

Tim McCulloch

“Art was the heart of DRS. He was supportive of everyone who reached out to him. Always ready with a smile and kind word.  Totally irreplaceable.”

 

Maureen Lefton-Greif

“One of the attributes is Art’s positivity – he looked for the best in each of us and helped to change the fiber of the society when it was not viewed in a positive light.  Words that come to mind are mentor and role model.  He was able to impart his messages to individuals and society, while caring for his family so deeply.”

 

Jadcherla Sudarshan

“This is a great loss to the society at large. His kindness, scholarly and thoughtful work impacted the world of dysphagia, and he has touched the lives of many through DRS and all the swallowing societies. His legacy lives on, and for all of us to emulate. May his soul Rest in Peace.”

 

Gary McCullough

“One of the kindest people ever. Which is really what matters. He was much more, of course.”

 

Cathy Lazarus

“Aside from his brilliance and humility, he was such a sweet man. May he rest in peace.” 

 

Rosemary Martino

“Art was truly a gentleman and oh so wise. It’s sad that the world/we have lost him.”

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DRS Mon, 12 Sep 2022 17:00:00 GMT
September 2022 Message from the President https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/615682/ https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/615682/ September 2022 DRS Updates

Dear DRS Members and friends,

I hope you all have had an enjoyable and restful August! Thank you to all who participated in our August events, webinars, and virtual coffee chats. As you know, July and August have been busy with the management changes and all our committees’ work. I am so grateful to all DRS leaders for their hard work and commitment and to our management companies’ staff for their support during this transition time.

With this message I wanted to first reassure you that our management transition is in full speed and going well, and send you reminders for several exciting upcoming events

 

  •   In a just a few days, we will be hosting the DRSIE Fall conference, sponsored by an Independent Medical Education Grant from Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition on September 8th and 9th 2022 in Milwaukee, WI! Although in person attendance is closed/complete currently, virtual attendance is still open to ALL interested registrants. Do not miss the opportunity to participate in this excellent event and earn CEUs and CMEs! To learn more and to register, click here: https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/general/custom.asp?page=DRSIE_Fall_Conference
  • There is also still time to apply (and encourage others to apply) for several $500 Conference Bursaries that will directly support trainees, physicians, other clinicians, and first-time conference attendees! The deadline to apply has been extended to September 15th. To learn more and apply, click here: https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/page/ConferenceBursaries
  •  The preparations for the 2023 Annual Meeting and the 3rd World Dysphagia Summit which will be jointly held in San Francisco, CA the week of March 13th, 2023, are in full swing! Please remember that the abstract submission site will be open until September 30th, 2022at 11:59pm ET. Don't miss your chance to present your research at this extraordinary meeting! Click here to learn more about how to submit your abstract: https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/page/2023AbstractSubmissionUse
  • Upcoming September webinar: Eating, Drinking & Swallowing: Ethical Subtleties and Solutions by Paula Leslie, PhD and Steven Leuthner, MD. Another exceptional webinar will be presented on Wednesday, September 21st. Don’t miss it! For more information and to register visit:  https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/page/DRSIE_Webinar_Series

 

Further, in this Message, I wanted to highlight the following efforts:

  • The DRSIE webinar series subcommittee led by Martin Brodsky & Maggie Kuhn (co-chairs) has done an exceptional job with our 2022 webinars (partially supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Abbott Nutritional Health Institute). Thus far, more than 580 people have participated in these webinars, representing more than 20 countries!
  • The WCPRC committee (led by Nogah Nativ & Mario Landera) in collaboration with BadgerBay have done a remarkable job updating our website, developing new webpages, and increasing our presence on social media!
  • Our Awards & Scholarships Committee (led by Samantha Shune) & our Membership Committee (led by Sonja Molfenter) have initiated great new outreach efforts to help spread the word for the conference bursaries and the 2023 Annual Meeting!

 

And COMING SOON:

  • The announcement of the tentative schedules for both the WDS and the 2023 Annual Meeting!
  • A NEW DRS Research Career Development Program being developed by the Mentorship and Research Career Development Committee!
  • Another upcoming DRSIE webinar before the end of the year!
  • More “Coffee Chats with the President” in upcoming months!

 

Thank you for your support and I hope you will take advantage of these upcoming opportunities.

 

Respectfully yours,

Georgia A. Malandraki, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, ASHA Fellow

2022-2023 DRS President

 

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DRS Thu, 1 Sep 2022 17:00:00 GMT
Summer 2022 Message from DRS President https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/610713/ https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/610713/ Dear DRS Members and Friends,

I am so proud of how our community came together to celebrate June as both Dysphagia Awareness and DRS's birthday month!


Here are some highlights:

  • DRS participated in the NFOSD-sponsored exhibitors’ event on June 9th
  • The 2nd Run for Research fundraiser was a success. Our community helped DRS raise over $15,000!
  • DRS was once more awarded an Independent Medical Education Grant from Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition to support the 2nd DRSIE Fall Conference!
  • Preparations started for the 2023 Annual Meeting and 3rd World Dysphagia Summit! Mark your calendars for the week of March 13th, 2023 and stay tuned!


Georgia A. Malandraki, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, ASHA Fellow

2022-2023 DRS President

 

 

 

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DRS Fri, 1 Jul 2022 21:00:00 GMT
Tribute – Dr. Bronwyn Jones – immense DRS family loss https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/608823/ https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/608823/

 

It is with immense sadness that we announce that Dr. Bronwyn Jones, one of our Society's founders, a true trailblazer, outstanding leader, researcher, mentor, teacher, physician, and all-around wonderful friend and colleague, has passed away.

DRS will be honoring Dr. Jones during the 2023 Annual DRS Meeting and Dr. Shaker will be writing a tribute in her honor in the Dysphagia journal.

We are extraordinarily grateful for her enormous transdisciplinary contributions to our field, her tremendous mentorship and support of so many trainees and colleagues, and her extraordinary service to our Society, our field, and thousands of patients with swallowing disorders.

We will miss her greatly, but we know that the lasting impact of her legacy and contributions will continue to influence the field and patients forever.  

Read the full tribute by clicking here

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DRS Sat, 4 Jun 2022 16:00:00 GMT
DRS Run 4 Research https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/604460/ https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/604460/ June is Dysphagia Awareness Month as well as the birthday month of our Society (founded in 1991)! Last year, we initiated the annual virtual DRS 5K Walk/Run for Research during the month of June in order to raise awareness of swallowing disorders and to support the DRS Research and Education fund. DRS members across the globe participated and together we succeeded in raising over $15,000 to support travel bursaries and various initiatives to support early investigators.

We are thrilled to announce that the second annual DRS 5K Walk/Run for Research will take place from June 19th-25th! We invite you to participate by walking/running any 5K route anywhere (in the world) at any date or time during this week.

This effort will help DRS raise funds in order to:

  1. support early investigators from across the globe through travel scholarships offered for our 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting, and
  2. support the DRS Research and Education Fund which will help establish future scholarships and grants to our members

I ask you to consider supporting this important annual effort by registering to walk/run as an individual or by supporting/sponsoring a team or an individual who has already registered.

To register visit:  DRS Run for Research (runsignup.com).  If you are registering as a team, click “Team” to create or select an existing team.

If you participate, please do not forget to take photos before, during, and after your walk/run and share them on social media using the hashtag #DRSrun2022 and tagging DRS (Facebook tag: @DysphagiaResearchSociety; Twitter tag: @Official_DRS; Instagram tag: @ dysphagiaresearch), and/or send us your photos at drs@badgerbay.co

We look forward to seeing your photos and posts and celebrating with all our members from around the globe.

By participating, you will not only help us celebrate June as Dysphagia Awareness and DRS’s birthday month, but, more importantly, you will help us support the next generation of international dysphagia scientists!

Thank you very much for your support and dedication to our Society.

Warmest regards,

Mark Nicosia, Ph.D. and Nicole Rogus-Pulia, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-S
2022 DRS Run for Research Co-Chairs

 

 

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DRS Thu, 5 May 2022 16:01:00 GMT
DRS Elections https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/592071/ https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/592071/ DRS members are invited to participate in this year's elections process. Full Members can choose between 3 candidates for the Secretary-Treasurer position and 6 candidates for the 2 open councilor positions. Please review the candidates for Secretary/Treasurer here and Councilor positions here. Click HERE to cast your vote no later than January 28.

Have you ever been curious about DRS Leadership? This video provides information about the leadership pathway.]]>
DRS Tue, 11 Jan 2022 15:28:20 GMT
Uplifting Impact https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/546491/ https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/546491/ In June of 2020, DRS released a statement condemning racism, expressed our dedication to actively enhancing diversity within our membership and leadership, and our commitment to improving the lives of individuals from marginalized communities affected by dysphagia. We are excited to announce to the DRS membership our collaboration with Uplifting Impact – a consulting firm focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). This is a necessary step to create an effective and beneficial advancement for inclusion and diversity within our organization. Through a comprehensive discovery process, Uplifting Impact will provide training and collaboration with our leadership to create structures that will foster DEI and aligns with our mission and core values.

If you are interested in joining our Project Team and taking part in designing the DEI strategy for our organization, please contact the DRS office at
DRS@badgerbay.co.  
Meet the Uplifting Impact Team!
DEANNA SINGH is a business consultant, speaker, and podcaster who is internationally recognized for her work in leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Deanna helps her clients create more equitable and inclusive work environments and engage more authentically within their internal and external communities. A gifted communicator, she is a champion for marginalized communities through her work. Her podcast, Uplifting Impact, is directed at people who want to break the status quo. The podcast looks at the intersection of Leadership and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and focuses on solutions. Singh earned her Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies from Fordham University, a Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University, a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and certification in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University.

 


JUSTIN PONDER is a professor who teaches courses on Ethnic Studies, African American Studies, and Ethnic Minority Literature. He has published in numerous journals and books on the issue of race and identity politics, exploring the ways to bridge the gap between who we are and who we must become to achieve a more equitable world for others. He has helped organizations and leaders consider connections between the historical past, the social present, and a more just future. He knows how to masterfully weave the academic with the practical, the political with the personal so people can better appreciate the complexity of the issues while finding clarity about their responsibilities. In his work on diversity, equity, and inclusion, he is known for his ability to teach difficult lessons in gentle ways that combine heartbreak and humor to inspire hope.



For further information regarding Uplifting Impact, please check out the Uplifting Impact website: https://www.upliftingimpact.com

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DRS Thu, 7 Jan 2021 19:27:21 GMT
A Message From DRS Regarding Recent Discussions https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/542019/ https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/542019/ In response to the rising concerns expressed recently in social media regarding the clinical utility of clinical (bedside) and instrumental swallowing assessments, the Dysphagia Research Society (DRS) releases the following message.


DRS supports access to all modalities needed for the accurate diagnosis of dysphagia and appropriate therapeutic planning within the bounds of safety for each patient. It is critical that clinicians perform all tasks and use all modalities essential for the completion of a comprehensive swallowing assessment. Not performing tasks or not using modalities that are indicated in a patient’s case runs contrary to established best practice. The choice to
implement each modality should be based on scientific evidence, the pathophysiology of the patient's disease/condition, the patient's health status, and clinical expertise. We understand that in some situations during the COVID-19 pandemic, access to instrumental assessments has been restricted. Clinicians should remember that this may limit confirmation of the need for, appropriateness, and effectiveness of specific interventions, as well as how patients, caregivers, and staff are educated. In these situations, we advise that any recommendations be considered with caution, in close collaboration with the medical team, and within a patient-centered perspective.

 

For further reading on best practices for both clinical and common instrumental swallowing assessments, the following select recent citations are offered. The list is not exhaustive.

 

Garand (Focht), K.L., McCullough, G., Crary, M., Arvedson, J.C., & Dodrill, P. (2020). Assessment Across the Life Span: The Clinical Swallow Evaluation. Am J Speech Lang Pathol, 29(2S): 919-933.

 

Martin-Harris, B., Canon, C.L., Bonilha, H.S., Murray, J., Davidson, K., & Lefton-Greif, M. (2020). Best Practices in Modified Barium Swallow Studies. Am J Speech Lang Pathol, 29(2S): 1078-1093.

 

Miller, C.K., Schroeder, J.R., & Langmore, S. (2020). Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing Across the Age Spectrum. Am J Speech Lang Pathol, 29(2S): 967-978.

 

For further reading on adaptations of these assessment procedures during COVID-19, please refer to the citations found on the Dysphagia Research Society COVID-19 Taskforce Resources webpage.

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DRS Fri, 4 Dec 2020 21:00:25 GMT
Sponsor-A-Student Program Updates https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/524327/ https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/524327/

Created in 2018, The Sponsor a Student Program is a scholarship competition aimed at fostering the development of dysphagia trainees and spreading dysphagia awareness within the community through the submission and streaming of applicant video-testimonials. The Sponsor a Student Program allows members of the public, DRS members and the DRS Community to donate to the Sponsor-A-Student Education Fund to offer scholarships to support students to attend the DRS Annual Meeting and be a DRS member for one year.
The funding amount and the number of scholarship recipients is dependent upon donations received.


The deadline to apply has passed as of October 7, 2020. However we are still taking donations towards the sponsorship!
Make your donation today by clicking here!
Voting will take place from 
October 19 - November 6, 2020 .
All individuals who donate $5 or more to the Sponsor-A-Student Education Fund will be eligible to cast their vote during this time.
Once you make your donation,  click here  to view the applicant videos!


If you have any additional questions about the Sponsor-A-Student Program, please contact the DRS office at 920-560-5624 or email us at DRS@badgerbay.co (not .com).

 

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DRS Thu, 8 Oct 2020 05:00:00 GMT
DRS 2021 Annual Meeting -We're Going Virtual! https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/524325/ https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/524325/

Dear Colleagues,

Due to the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 virus, the DRS Executive Committee has made the decision to hold a virtual conference in place of the in-person conference, which was scheduled for March 9-12, 2021 in San Francisco. While we would very much like to meet in-person, your health and safety is our top priority. We acknowledge that many of our colleagues have experienced budget cuts and other restrictions, including travel, which may also limit onsite participation. For these reasons, it became very difficult to plan for an on-site meeting. By moving to a virtual conference, we can direct our energies proactively to making this a great experience for all of our attendees around the world.

In lieu of the in-person conference, we are planning to offer the 2021 program online. The virtual format will include invited speakers, as well as both oral and poster presenters. We are excited for the lineup of presentations, and we hope you enjoy them safely from home.

Looking ahead, we hope you will make plans to join us at the 2022 conference, being held March 15-18 at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico. We are also pleased to announce, we were able to secure the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco for the 2023 conference, being held March 14-17.

We hope you are staying safe and healthy during these uncertain times, and we wish you well.

Sincerely,
N
adine Connor, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
President, Dysphagia Research Society

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DRS Mon, 31 Aug 2020 05:00:00 GMT
Message From the President: June 30, 2020 https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/515087/ https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/515087/

Dysphagia Awareness Month in the US is coming to an end.

Tomorrow will begin a new month, signaling the end of National Dysphagia Awareness Month. We want to thank you for embarking on the mission with the Dysphagia Research Society (DRS) to spread dysphagia awareness by participating in the activities that have occurred over the month of June. Whether you submitted a video to be shared, or participated in the MythBusters challenges, your involvement helped to raise awareness! We have had many successes this month toward this important goal, and we want to take the time to share with you some updates. 


Anti-Racism Statement. DRS released their Statement on Racism and Healthcare Disparities where DRS denounced racism and detailed how DRS will initiate responsive strategies to address inequities at the membership and leadership levels, as well as improving the lives of individuals affected by dysphagia within the BIPOC and marginalized communities. The full statement can be read here (link).   


Annual General Membership Meeting. Our Annual General Membership meeting was held virtually on June 24. We had 153 registrants. At the meeting, Dr. Sudarshan Jadcherla presented the incoming slate of officers and board members. Dr. Susan Langmore described DRS’s 2019-2020 achievements and “passed the hat” to Dr. Nadine Connor, incoming President for 2020-2021. DRS membership is nearing 600 people and growing strong. 


2020 DRS Annual Meeting. The 2020 DRS Annual Meeting Webinar Series is available and registration is open, click here to register! Further, the Virtual Poster Hall and Virtual Exhibit Hall are also available for FREE. Please take a look at these pages and be sure to thank our virtual sponsors in supporting us throughout this uncertain time!


We honored the awardees for the 2020 DRS Annual Meeting. Please click here to view the awards video. A total of 19 recipients were honored and 23 awards were presented. We would like to especially thank our sponsors for continuing to support our early researchers: NFOSD, The Head and Neck Cancer Alliance, Springer Publishing and the Japanese Society of Dysphagia Rehabilitation.


Save the Date! The 29th DRS Annual Meeting will be held March 9-12, 2021 at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco in San Francisco, CA. The program committee, chaired by Drs. Julie Barkmeier-Kraemer and Nadine Connor, is putting together an excellent preconference and conference program. To make your hotel reservation by the deadline (February 15, 2021), please click on this link. You may also call to make your reservation (415-788-1234 or 877-803-7534). Interested in staying up-to-date on information regarding the conference? Click here to navigate to our interest form!


The call for abstracts is open! Submit your abstract to the ScholarOne website by clicking here! The deadline to submit your abstract for consideration is Monday, October 12, 2020 at 11:59 pm EST. 


COVID-19 Resource Page. The interdisciplinary COVID-19 Task Force continues to update the COVID-19 Resource Page located on the DRS website (link). This page is updated every week, so please bookmark this page so you can stay up-to-date on research and resources concerning the COVID-19 pandemic.


How successful were we for Dysphagia Awareness Month 2020? We had several new initiatives this year to help spread dysphagia awareness throughout the month of June. For example, we requested video submissions from patients/caregivers, clinicians and researchers to help share their stories and spread hope for those with dysphagia. We had 17 video submissions, all sharing inspiring stories and valuable insights regarding dysphagia. The videos had approximately 15,000 views on DRS social media platforms! All videos can be found here (link). We also had approximately 1,000 engagements through our MythBusters interactive series, which allowed us to help separate myths from facts related to swallowing and swallowing disorders. 


We aren’t throwing in the towel! Even though the month is ending, our role to help spread dysphagia awareness will not end. We thank you for continuing to off your support by engaging through such activities as provided below: 



Thank you for your support! Thank you for helping us to eventually end this silent epidemic and give dysphagia a voice. 


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DRS Tue, 30 Jun 2020 15:24:26 GMT
Dysphagia Awareness Month Video Submissions - 2020 https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/514845/ https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/514845/ Please view the videos below for the 2020 Dysphagia Awareness Month Video Submissions. Thank you to everyone who participated!

Kathryn Anderson
Clinician of Dysphagia

Maggie Donaker and Lauren Hermann
Researchers of Dysphagia

Bryce Ferguson
Clinician of Dysphagia

Dori Elliott
Caregiver and Clinician of Dysphagia
 
Julia Porter
Clinician and Patient of Dysphagia
 
Kendrea Garand
Researcher of Dysphagia
 
Maggie Donaker
Clinician of Dysphagia
 
Gabriela Constantinescu
Clinician and Researcher of Dysphagia
 
Ericka Borden
Clinician and Caregiver of Dysphagia
 
Govathi Nikhila
Clinician and Researcher of Dysphagia
 
Caroline Brindo
Clinician of Dysphagia
 
Laura Randen
Clinician of Dysphagia
 
Samantha Mitchell
Researcher of Dysphagia
 
Christina Rappazzo, Aubrey Latimore, Lauren Kwater, Cynthia Valenzuela, Jeanan Sfeir, Catherine Turk
Clinicians of Dysphagia
 
Saba Shahabi
Clinician of Dysphagia
 
Dick Sheppard
Patient of Dysphagia
 
Sarah Vacha
Clinician of Dysphagia
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

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DRS Mon, 29 Jun 2020 15:02:02 GMT
DRS Statement on Racism and Healthcare Disparities https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/511139/ https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/511139/ Dear DRS Community, 

In the wake of current events in the United States, the Dysphagia Research Society (DRS) is making it clear that we stand in support of all Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), and marginalized communities. DRS agrees that professional silence is no longer an option - the “seat of bystander” is no longer tenable (Berwick, 2017, JAMA). DRS has not had a statement concerning racism before today - this is why DRS must now denounce the racism that has ripped apart our global community for generations and continues to do so. Apathy, complacency, and silence are not viable options. DRS believes that to continue moving forward, we must collaborate to make necessary fundamental changes to address inequities stemming from racism, bigotry, discrimination, and intolerance. DRS will not condone any act of police brutality, nor will we stand silent in the face of senseless killings.

One of the many negative consequences of racism is disparities in healthcare that represent a long-standing public health crisis. BIPOC and marginalized communities are at increased risk of diseases/conditions where dysphagia (swallowing impairment) is a frequent consequence. These most recent acts of racial discrimination are occurring in the middle of another global health crisis that also impacts swallowing function - the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic is also disproportionately impacting the BIPOC and marginalized communities (Dyer, 2020, BMJ). As healthcare professionals, we are committed to equity in healthcare access for all BIPOC and marginalized communities

The DRS community is composed of healthcare professionals and scientists from a variety of specialties with representation from across the globe. Since its beginnings, DRS has been open to all people, independent of gender, race, ethnicity, origin, or professional discipline. DRS will now focus on enhancing diversity within our membership and our leadership. We know we can do better. We know we must act now. As dysphagia clinicians and researchers, we must evolve our professional and ethical standards to provide services with cultural awareness and humility to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients with dysphagia. DRS values your feedback on ways we can respond to inequities on a more global scale, aligning with our mission, with the aim of developing solutions that are part of the permanent change. DRS is dedicated to beginning new conversations about how we can further improve the lives of individuals affected by dysphagia, including all BIPOC and marginalized communities, and for advancing our field through coordinated global educational, clinical, and scientific endeavors.  

Nadine Connor, PhD, CCC-SLP

President, Dysphagia Research Society

 

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DRS Thu, 4 Jun 2020 20:36:43 GMT
June 1 kicks off Dysphagia Awareness Month in the US. https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/510367/ https://www.dysphagiaresearch.org/news/510367/

 

 

June 1 kicks off Dysphagia Awareness Month in the US.


On September 27, 2008, the US Congress passed a bipartisan statute which declared June as National Dysphagia Awareness Month. Dysphagia Awareness Month provides an excellent opportunity to raise awareness about what dysphagia is, its symptoms, causes, available treatments, and the roles of the various professionals who can help those with dysphagia. Please help us embark on the mission to spread dysphagia awareness by sharing the information provided below. 


What is dysphagia? Put simply, dysphagia is swallowing difficulty (Logemann, 1998). However, the act of swallowing is extremely complex. It is estimated to involve at least 30 pairs of muscles and multiple nerves. And we do it often! We swallow about 600 times a day and don’t even think twice about it. And yet, swallowing is something we all take for granted – that is, until a problem occurs. 


How many people have dysphagia? Dysphagia is a serious medical condition that affects between 300,000 and 700,000 individuals in the United States each year (Patel et al, 2018; Peery et al, 2019). Although 1 in 6 adults report experiencing dysphagia, only 50% had discussed their difficulty with a clinician (Adkins et al, 2019). It is likely that you or someone you know will experience dysphagia. 


How do I know if I or a loved one has dysphagia? Common signs and symptoms of dysphagia include, but are not limited to: difficulty with weight gain (in children), unintentional weight loss (in adults), coughing during or after meals, recurrent lung infections, liquid/food coming out of nose/mouth, liquid/food coming back up into mouth or throat after its been swallowed (regurgitation), avoiding foods once enjoyed, and feeling of food remaining “stuck”. 


What causes it? Dysphagia is a symptom caused by various diseases/conditions, including congenital and developmental disorders (e.g., cleft lip/palate, Down syndrome), head and neck cancers, pulmonary conditions (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and a variety of congenital or acquired neurologic conditions such as stroke, dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease), Parkinson's disease, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, and many more. Since it is a common symptom in these diseases and may develop gradually over time, dysphagia often goes unnoticed and is underreported. 


What are the effects of dysphagia? The consequences of dysphagia can be dire, including malnutrition (poor nutrition), pneumonia (lung infection), and even death (Blanař et al, 2019;Tagliaferria et al, 2019). But, it doesn’t end with effects on health – dysphagia can impact quality of life as well. So many life events involve eating and drinking. As a result, those with dysphagia may avoid social interaction and suffer from depression and social isolation (Ekberg et al, 2002). Additionally, clinically relevant symptoms of anxiety are present in almost 40% of individuals with dysphagia (Verdonschot et al, 2013). 


In hospitalized patients, patients also with dysphagia stay longer, have higher costs, and are more likely to have worse outcomes (Patel et al, 2018). Higher costs contribute to substantial economic and societal burden. Dysphagia is responsible for an estimated $7 billion in additional hospital costs per year (Patel et al, 2018). Despite the extensive impact dysphagia has on health and quality of life, unfortunately, not everyone seeks treatment. In fact, evidence supports that only about 1/2 of individuals with dysphagia seek treatment (Adkins et al, 2019). 

 

How do healthcare professionals help those with dysphagia? Diagnosis and treating dysphagia often requires interdisciplinary efforts, including (but not limited to) speech-language pathology (SLP), dietary/nutrition (RD), primary care, gastroenterology (GI), otolaryngology (ENT), and nursing (RN). Additional healthcare professionals involved in dysphagia treatment may include occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), neurology, pulmonary and critical care, and palliative medicine.


Assessment of swallowing to determine if dysphagia is present frequently includes a clinical assessment and an instrumental assessment. A clinical (bedside) swallow assessment is most frequently performed by a SLP. It can assist in describing current swallowing difficulties and help provide recommendations for additional testing and referrals, as well as to help guide appropriate treatment. The two most common instrumental assessments are fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and modified barium swallow study (MBSS). FEES uses a camera inserted through the nose to directly visualize the pharynx (throat), while the individual swallows various liquids and foods provided. An MBSS, also called a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), is a real-time X-ray procedure, often completed with radiology professionals. An individual may be asked to swallow various liquids and food mixed with barium, which is a substance that allows the clinician to observe how the swallowed material travels from the mouth into the esophagus (tube connecting throat to stomach). 


Once a diagnosis of dysphagia has been made, the healthcare team determines the most appropriate plan for treatment based on nature and cause of dysphagia, specific swallowing impairment(s) present, and severity of dysphagia. Dysphagia treatment may involve medical/surgical intervention(s) by a physician and/or behavioral intervention(s) by an SLP, including exercises. The focus of any dysphagia treatment is to optimize the swallow to be as safe and efficient as possible to improve health and quality of life. 


Why should I help raise dysphagia awareness? 


  • To support those with dysphagia and their caregivers/loved ones
  • To help with earlier identification in those who have dysphagia to prevent poor outcomes
  • To help those with dysphagia seek appropriate care 
  • To help educate the community about dysphagia
  • To help fund research efforts 


How can I help spread dysphagia awareness?



Thank you for your support! Because swallowing is a function that happens so often and easily for most people, it is often overlooked or dismissed. However, there is a community of researchers, clinicians and individuals who are working tirelessly to make swallowing less difficult for affected individuals. 


Take some time this June to reflect on the impact dysphagia has for those affected by it, the professionals who work to diagnose and treat it, and the researchers who are continuously working towards improving the lives of patients with dysphagia.


Thank you for helping us to eventually end this silent epidemic and give dysphagia a voice. 


References 

 

Adkins C, Takakura, W, Spiegel B.M.R., Lu, M., Vera-Llonch, M., Williams, J, Almario, C.V. (2019). Prevalence and characteristics of dysphagia based on a population-based survey. Clinical Gastroenterology & Hepatology, pii: S1542-3565(19)31182-6. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2019.10.029

 

Blanař, V., Hödl, M., Lohrmann, C., Amir, Y., & Eglseer, D. (2019). Dysphagia and factors associated with malnutrition risk: A 5‐year multicentre study. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 75(12), 3566–3576. DOI: 10.1111/jan.14188

 

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