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Fellowship in Oncology Deglutology

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Fellowship in Oncology Deglutology

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Course Overview

Difficulty in swallowing, known as dysphagia, is a common and serious complication among cancer patients, particularly those with head and neck cancers. It significantly impacts nutrition, hydration, communication, and overall quality of life. Managing swallowing disorders requires specialized expertise that integrates oncology care with speech and swallowing rehabilitation.

The Fellowship in Oncology Deglutology at HCG is designed to train speech and language therapists, swallowing specialists, and rehabilitation professionals in the assessment and management of swallowing disorders in cancer patients. The program focuses on clinical evaluation, instrumental assessment, swallowing therapy, nutrition support, rehabilitation planning, and long-term follow-up care.

Conducted at HCG’s comprehensive cancer centers, fellows gain hands-on experience in working with patients before, during, and after treatment. With mentorship from experienced deglutologists, oncologists, and rehabilitation teams, participants will develop the expertise needed to improve swallowing functions and enhance patient recovery.

By enrolling in this fellowship, you will contribute to a growing field that restores dignity, independence, and quality of life for patients facing the challenges of dysphagia during their cancer journey.

Why This Fellowship Matters

  • High prevalence of dysphagia in cancer care: Especially common in head and neck cancer patients undergoing surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
  • Critical role in recovery: Swallowing rehabilitation improves nutrition, communication, and treatment outcomes.
  • Shortage of trained specialists: Few professionals have advanced training in oncology-specific swallowing disorders.
  • HCG advantage: With advanced cancer care facilities and a strong rehabilitation team, HCG offers unmatched exposure and expertise.

Fellowship Highlights

  • Specialized Training in Oncology Deglutology: Focus on swallowing evaluation and therapy for cancer patients.
  • Hands-On Clinical Practice: Experience in managing dysphagia across head and neck oncology cases.
  • Mentorship from Experts: Learn under experienced deglutologists, speech therapists, and oncology specialists.
  • Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Work alongside oncologists, surgeons, nutritionists, and psycho-oncologists for comprehensive care.
  • Research and Academic Growth: Opportunities for case studies, clinical research, and conference presentations.
  • Career Opportunities: Prepare for roles in cancer centers, rehabilitation hospitals, academic institutions, and research organizations.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the Fellowship in Oncology Deglutology, fellows will be able to:

  • Conduct Clinical and Instrumental Assessments: Identify and evaluate swallowing disorders in oncology patients.
  • Design Individualized Rehabilitation Plans: Develop therapy programs tailored to each patient’s condition and treatment stage.
  • Enhance Nutritional and Functional Outcomes: Support patients in maintaining nutrition and safe swallowing during and after cancer treatment.
  • Collaborate with Multidisciplinary Teams: Contribute to holistic care alongside oncologists, surgeons, nutritionists, and speech therapists.
  • Improve Patient Quality of Life: Help restore independence, communication, and dignity through effective swallowing therapy.
  • Engage in Research and Education: Advance the field of oncology deglutology through clinical studies and training initiatives.

Eligibility:

MASLP / MSLP

FAQs:

Candidates with M.Sc. in Speech and Hearing, Speech-Language Pathology, or Rehabilitation Sciences are eligible.

Fellows learn assessment and rehabilitation of swallowing disorders (dysphagia) in cancer patients.

Typically 6–12 months, with clinical training and therapy sessions.

Yes. Fellows work with patients before, during, and after treatment to improve swallowing and nutrition.

Graduates can work in oncology rehabilitation centers, speech therapy clinics, hospitals, and research.

Program Directors:

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Dr. Prasanna Suresh Hegde

Speech and Swallow Therapy HCG Cancer Center, Bangalore

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