Course Information & Syllabus
Dysphagia and swallowing problems are one of the common clinical problems met in clinical practice. The swallowing disorders have differing etiologies and involve many systems of the body. Neurological or structural damages in the upper aero digestive tract are the common causes of swallowing disorders. Majority of these problems can be localized and their causative factor can be identified by proper evaluation. The evaluation involves detailed clinical examination and use of imaging methods like videofluroscopy and endoscopic evaluation of swallowing. The management of the swallowing disorders is mainly by training the patient special maneuvers as well as surgical intervention. The management of swallowing disorders needs a team led by a trained swallowing therapist assisted by clinicians from head and neck surgery, neurology and gastroenterology.
Goals and Objectives :
=> To impart postgraduate training in swallowing and dysphagia management.
=> To equip the trainees with ability to run a swallowing service in major hospital catering to medical, neurological and head and neck surgery problems
Academic Facilities :
=> Central library with adequate journals and reference text books
=> Weekly Seminars and Journal club
=> Outpatient interdepartmental postings - Head and Neck surgery, ENT, Neurology, Swallowing therapy clinics, Gastroenterology, Neurosurgery, Maxillofacial Surgery, Pediatrics.
Clinical Facilities :
=> Videofluroscopy
=> Endoscopy (FEES) equipment
=> Swallowing therapy out patient room and evaluation tools
=> Surgical OT facilities
=> Pharyngeal manometry/manofluorography
=> Ultrasonography
=> Electromyography
=> Esophageal manometry
=> Laryngoscopy - (1) Flexible & (2) Rigid
=> Bronchoscopy
=> Esophagoduodenoscopy (EGD)
Career Opportunities :
Dysphagia management has become a specialty of its own in the developed nations. In India, it is still in its infancy. But, its significance in bringing out better treatment outcome is being realized by various specialists including, Head & Neck Oncologists, Stroke & Neuro Medicine specialists, Intensive Care physicians and Gastroenterologists. All major medical institutions in India and abroad are seeking out for trained dysphagia management specialists. Being the first training center in India, the trainees passing out are certain of immediate placement either in India or abroad. 