Head and Neck Lymphedema (HNL) is a devastating condition that frequently follows surgery or radiation for the treatment of head and neck cancer. Not only can HNL affect the patient's communication and swallowing function, but in severe cases can affect respiration, vision, and even ambulation, not to mention the frustration and embarrassment that accompanies this disfiguring condition. However, with proper treatment, HNL can typically be reduced to a manageable level. This 2½ day workshop will provide the academic foundation and practical application for the therapist to successfully implement basic techniques to reduce the edema that can create such devastating impairments. Therapists will learn about: (1) the basic lymphatic system; (2) evaluation and measurement; (3) Manual Lymph drainage (MLD); (4) compression wraps and garments; (5) documentation and billing

Professionals eligible to attend the course include both Certified Lymphedema Therapists (CLTs) and Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) who treat head and neck cancer patients. The course will include a basic review of lymphatic anatomy and physiology as well as basic MLD techniques relevant to the head and neck. Emphasis will be placed on the performance of basic techniques required for management of the patient with head and neck lymphedema and will be presented in a fashion that will accommodate the learning needs of both groups.

Brad Smith is a speech-language pathologist with 34 years of experience, specializing in head and neck cancer rehabilitation. In 2006 he was the fourth SLP in the US to become a certified lymphedema therapist. He served as senior speech pathologist and was the lead therapist in the Head and Neck Lymphedema (HNL) program at MD Anderson Cancer Center from 2006 until 2016, helping build the busiest HNL program in the US, evaluating more than 250 new cases of HNL each year. Since 2016 he has been based at the Sammons Cancer Center at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, where he continues to evaluate and treat patients with head and neck cancer. Disclosure: Financial - Mr. Smith is a paid instructor for the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy. Non-financial - There are no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.

Christine Porsche, M.S. CCC-SLP, CLT is a Senior Speech Language Pathologist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Christine helped to develop the first therapy program worldwide in the evaluation and treatment of patients with head and neck lymphedema and currently helps lead the program targeting patients suffering from lymphedema and myofascial dysfunction following HNC treatment. She is a collaborator in an institutional review researching the role of myofascial release in patients suffering from late radiation associated dysphagia. She has been an invited speaker at several regional and national conferences. Disclosure: Financial – Christine Porsche is a paid instructor for the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy. Non-financial - There are no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.

Lauren Meffen SLP, CLT is a speech-language pathologist and certified lymphedema therapist specializing in voice and swallow disorders, particularly in oncology patients. Based in Gainesville, she provides individualized, high-quality care in the outpatient setting after receiving her education from the University of Florida. Lauren has advanced training in managing head and neck lymphedema, trismus therapy, FEES, stroboscopy, and manual therapy techniques, and champions a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Disclosure: Financial – Lauren Meffenis a paid instructor for the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy. Non-financial - There are no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.

Laurie J. Wennerholm MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, is a clinical specialist in swallowing disorders with over 26 years of experience, focuses on speech, voice, and swallowing impairments in head and neck cancer patients at NYU Langone Health. She teaches Dysphagia at New York University and mentors students, while also conducting research to improve care pathways for laryngectomy patients. Laurie is dedicated to providing evidence-based, optimal care to maximize her patients' quality of life. Disclosure: Financial – Laurie J. Wennerholm is a paid instructor for the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy. Non-financial - There are no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.

CEUs for CLTs are provided through the FPTA, and NCBTMB. For SLPs this course is offered for 2.0 ASHA CEUs (20 hours).

Registration is limited to CLTs who have completed a 135-hour LANA-recognized lymphedema certification program, SLPs, and MDs.

A total of 20 hours of instruction is provided in the Evaluation and Management of Head and Neck Lymphedema course. Class hours are Friday and Saturday 8:00am-5:30pm, and Sunday 8:00am to 12noon.

This continuing education activity is fully accessible to special needs students and addresses the needs not only of individuals with physical impairments, but also of those with sensory impairments (e.g., hearing, speech, vision), and emotional and learning disabilities. This includes accessible technology and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act for distance learning. The Provider ensures an instructional environment that enhances the learning process. Resource or reference materials and instructional aids and equipment are current, appropriate for the learning activity, and support the intended learning outcomes. The Provider attempts to create a fully accessible educational environment from which all learners can benefit, and provides an opportunity for learners to identify special needs in advance of the activity.

Tuition for the Evaluation and Management of Head and Neck Lymphedema course is $745.

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