LLU&MC Scope Autumn 2000

Speech-language pathologist speaks at Smile Train Cleft Lip and Palate Symposium held in Beijing

At a children's hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, Linda D'Antonio, PhD, professor of surgery (left), demonstrates to a speech-language pathologist how to use new instrumentation providing a child with biofeedback measuring the nasal quality of the speech.

Linda D'Antonio, PhD, professor of surgery, was honored in March with the distinction of being the only speech-language pathologist invited to speak at the First International Smile Train Cleft Lip and Palate Symposium, held March 2 to 4 in Beijing, China. Dr. D'Antonio addressed the symposium on the importance of team care and speech rehabilitation in treating children with cleft lip and palate.

Because of the extensive care needed, professionals from a host of different fields participate in caring for such children here in the United States. However, because clefts are not a life-threatening condition, children in developing countries often do not undergo reconstructive surgery.

Also, by partnering with a cleft care teacher at the university in Thailand, Dr. D'Antonio has been able to ensure that future speech-language pathology students will receive the proper training.

"By focusing on teaching, I'm touching hundreds of kids as opposed to going abroad and seeing 20 kids on my own," she says. "In the same amount of time I'm assuring that the education is there for people who can then train others."

[Scope, Autumn 2000]