Dysphagia Core Group IAPEN INDIA
About the IAPEN INDIA Dysphagia Core Group
Aim :
To reduce dysphagia-related morbidity in high-risk populations through integrated, accessible interventions, standardizing clinical practices, advancing research in aging, stroke, and head-neck cancers, and fostering collaboration among multidisciplinary professionals to improve the care and quality of life for individuals with swallowing difficulties.
Vision :
To ensure Nutrition Security for all individuals with difficulty in chewing and swallowing, providing access to safe, nutritious food that can be consumed bio-synchronously to meets their dietary needs and food preferences for a healthy life. We aim to create a Dysphagia-Free India where timely, evidence-based care prevents complications and improves quality of life. Through multidisciplinary strategies, we will prevent, detect early, and effectively manage dysphagia, ensuring safe swallowing, optimal nutrition, and enhanced well-being for all.
Mission :
Our mission is to promote nutrition security for individuals with difficulty in chewing and swallowing, due to structural, neurological, and cognitive conditions, through research, development, training, and community empowerment. We aim to prevent malnutrition by advancing interdisciplinary research in Dietetics, Economics, Food Technology, Medicine, Nutrition, Occupational Therapy, Speech Language Pathology, and Surgery (arranged alphabetically).
Our key goals are:
- Sharing Knowledge Across Disciplines: Bridging gaps between normal and disordered swallowing in relation to nutrition.
2. Providing a Multidisciplinary Forum: Facilitating knowledge sharing, knowledge production, and affordable, accessible, and cost-effective solutions for individuals across all income groups—low, middle, and high.
3. Enhancing Interdisciplinary Communication: Developing protocols for dysphagia care in alignment with the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI-WHO).
4. Advocacy for Nutrition Security: Ensuring nutrition security for babies (3-6 years), children in schools, individuals with legally disabling conditions, and temporarily disadvantaged groups.
We strive to unite nutrition experts and multidisciplinary professionals nationwide to advance dysphagia care through:
- Developing Evidence-Based Guidelines: Creating nutritional guidelines and protocols for swallowing rehabilitation.
2. Promoting Awareness and Training: Educating healthcare providers and communities to prevent and manage dysphagia-related malnutrition.
3. Fostering Research and Policy Advocacy: Ensuring equitable access to innovative nutritional therapies across diverse settings in India.
We aim to lead national efforts in dysphagia awareness, research, and training by:
- Standardizing Protocols: Developing protocols for screening, assessment, and management of dysphagia.
2. Building Capacity: Offering multidisciplinary education and certification programs.
3. Advocating for Policy Integration: Integrating clinical nutrition and critical care policies.
4. Fostering Collaborations: Advancing innovation in swallowing rehabilitation.
Founder
Sreemathy Venkatraman
Qualifications: MSc, P.G. DND, CBN, CDE Clinical Dietitian & Wellness Nutritionist
Current Role: Chief Dietitian, Trustwell Hospitals, Bangalore
Roles & Professional Affiliations:
- National Secretary -IAPEN INDIA Founder & Ex Chief Program Officer-Dysphagia Core Group IAPEN India
- Elected Executive Board member- ESSD ( European Society of Swallowing Disorders)
- Founder Mitha Aahara- Eat to Live- Nutrition Consultancy
- Consultant Nutritionist- Divine Mother and Child Health Program & Debra India- Centre for Human Genetics volunteering for Epidermolysis Bulosa children – a rare genetic disease in children
- Gut Health Dietitian
Experience & Specializations:
- 25 years’ experience in Clinical Dietetics
- Master level specialization - Diet in Health and Disease – Cal State Northridge & Seattle Pacific University, P.G.DND ( Nutrition & Hospital Dietetics).
- Certificate course in Community Nutrition & Sustainability Development (IGNOU) & CDE- Certified Diabetes Educator
- Certified Bariatric Nutritionist ESPEN LLL in Critical Care Nutrition & GI diseases
Publications
- Textbook - Nutrition & Biochemistry for Nurses by Reed Elsevier 2015, –& Applied Nutrition For Nurses-2021,2023
- Consensus on the Screening, Assessment, and Nutritional Management of Dysphagia. Journal of Nutrition Research. 12(2): 53- 74. https://doi.org/10.55289/jnutres/v12i2.7
Awards :
- Excellence & Leadership In Healthcare- Most Trusted Online Nutrition Consultant in Bangalore- Golden AIM Awards
- Michael Donovan Award Advocacy Leadershipin Dysphagia USA
Mentor
Dr. Mukundan Subramaniam
Dr. Mukundan completed his MBBS and MS- ENT from MGIMS Sewagram, Nagpur University and DNB in ENT from the National Board of Examinations, New Delhi.
He was also awarded Master and Post Graduate Diploma in Swallowing Disorders from the European Society of Swallowing Disorders (ESSD) at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona from 2018-2020.
Dr Mukundan was Faculty & Consultant at the Department of ENT, Head & Neck Surgery, Sri Ramachandra Hospital, Chennai from 2009-2019 and was in charge of the Voice & Swallowing Clinic.
Dr. Mukundan has presented numerous research papers at local & national ENT conferences and has won several awards for his clinical work, including at the notable PHONOCON meeting in 2022.
He is also regularly invited as a speaker at several National scientific meetings, especially on the topic of Swallowing Disorders
Chief Program Officer
Charu Dua
Qualifications:
- M.Sc. Food & Nutrition, DDPHN
- Certified Diabetes Educator (Denmark & Australia)
- Certified FODMAP Dietitian – Monash University, Australia
Current Role: Chief Dietitian & Diabetes Educator, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad
Experience:
- 28+ years as Chief Dietitian in multisuperspecialty hospitals
- Worked with leading institutions: Max Healthcare, Pushpanjali Crosslay Hospital
- Strong corporate experience with Novo Nordisk, Johnson & Johnson, Abbott, Gymkhana
Leadership & Professional Roles:
- Executive Member – Indian Dietetic Association.
- LICAA, Celiac Support Organization
- Vice President – ACCORD, IHE Alumni Association
- Zonal Head (North) – Clinical Dietetics Forum
Quality & Accreditation Expertise:
- NABH External Assessor – Quality Council of India
- Extensive experience with ISO 9001:2000, NABH, AACI, JC
- Developed manuals, policies, guidelines, and SOPs for Nutrition & Dietetics departments
Advanced Clinical Training:
- International LLL Certification – ESPEN
- Expertise in critical care, neurology, oncology, renal, surgical, gastroenterology, metabolic syndrome, and cardiology nutrition etc
Academics, Training & Media:
- Faculty at national & international conferences
- Trained numerous budding dietitians
- Active presence in print, electronic, and social media
Research & Publications:
- Author of a CBSE textbook
- Published multiple national and international research papers
- Recipient of several professional
Program Officer
Mrs Purabi Mahajan
- RD, M.Sc. (Food and Nutrition),P.G. Diploma in Nutrition & Dietetics with over 24 years of experience in the field of clinical dietetics and enteral/parenteral nutrition & enterastomal therapy.
- Certified in FODMAP Diets from Monash University, Australia.
- LLL - ESPEN Nutrition courses in various clinical conditions
Roles & Professional Affiliations
- Senior Clinical Nutritionist - Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai.
- Joint Treasurer & Executive Member, IAPEN India, Mumbai Chapter (2019–2025).
Oversight of accounts, organizing national congresses, and protocol development.
- Executive Committee Member, Nutrition Society of India, Mumbai Chapter. Active in policy advocacy, webinar series, and training modules.(2022-till date)
- Core Member, IAPEN India Onco Nutrition Group (2020–2022). Focused on creating cancer-specific nutrition guidelines.
- Core Member, IAPEN India Dysphagia Group. Involved in developing Dysphagia dietary guidelines and education tools.
- Media Lead, Organizing committee, ICNC 2024, Mumbai. Coordinated media outreach, speaker promotions, and conference branding.
- Appointed Reviewer, Indian Childhood Cancer Initiative (ICCI)
Publications :
- Co-author to IAPEN India: Consensus on the Screening, Assessment and Nutritional Management of Dysphagia. DOI:10.55289/jnutres/v12i2.2024
Co-author to IAPEN India: Consensus Statement on Nutrition Management in Head and Neck Cancers, DOI: 10.55289/jnutres/v11i1.22.20 Year: 2023, Volume: 11, Issue: 1, Pages: 6-19
Co-author to IAPEN India: Nutrition Consensus Guidelines in Oncology Clinical Practice, DOI: 10.55289/jnutres/v9i1.03 Year: 2021, Volume: 9, Issue: 1, Pages: 8-18
Dysphagia Speaker Engagements :
- Over 10 national/international invited lectures and workshops on dysphagia
- IDDSI demonstrations, thickener usage, textured diet preparation
- Speaker at Pediatric Summits and Hospital Nutritionist Training Module
Executive Member
Dr. Nivedhyaa S
Associate Professor, Department Of Anesthesia and Pain , Cancer Institute(WIA), Adyar, Chennai.
Publications:
- 10 publications/indexed/national and international journals
- Certificate course in Oncology nutrition from Indian Association Of Enteral and Parenteral nutrition (IAPEN)- 2019-2020
- Vital Anesthesia Simulation Training Facilitator (VAST)
Executive Member
Sandhya Pandey
- M.Sc Food and Nutrition
- PG Diploma in Population and Health Management
- Certified Diabetes Educator-International Diabetes Federation
- Certified FODMAP Dietician - Monash University Australia
- Current Designation - GM and Chief Dietician at Medanta-the Medicity, Gurgaon.
- More than 28 years of experience as dietician in several prestigious hospitals like Apollo hospital, Max hospital, Columbia Asia hospital and Fortis hospital.
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Has worked as Nutritionist and Researcher at Center for micronutrient research for a project of John Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA .
- Has an experience of extensively working in the quality assurance programs like ISO 9001-2000, NABH and JCI.
- Has formulated Manual, Policies, Guidelines and SOPs for proper functioning of the Nutrition and Dietetics department.
- International LLL course certification by “The European Society for clinical nutrition and metabolism” on topics related to critical care nutrition, neurology, oncology , renal nutrition, surgical , gastro enterology, metabolic syndrome and cardiology patients etc.
- Advanced certificate course of Applied Enteral Pharma conutrition in Critical care.
Participated in various national and international nutrition conference and workshops.
- Active participation in print, electronic and social media.
Executive Member
Komal Bhati
Clinical Dietitian with hands-on experience in hospital-based medical nutrition therapy, obesity management, and therapeutic diet planning. Experienced in managing IPD & OPD nutrition care, with clinical exposure to oncology and bone marrow transplant patients, including nutrition support for patients with dysphagia-related feeding difficulties. Actively involved in clinical care, academic training and professional nutrition initiatives, with a focus on evidence-based practice and patient centric outcomes.
Education :
M.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics
Certifications
Certified sports nutritionist
Professional Experience
- Clinical Dietitian – Amrita Hospital, Faridabad
- Nutritional assessment, counselling and individualized diet planning for IPD & OPD patients
- Clinical exposure in oncology, Transplant (BMT), Diabetes & Obesity care
- Nutrition Management of oncology and transplant patients with dysphagia-related feeding difficulties including diet texture modification and nutrition support
- Working as a nutrition faculty for B.Sc. Nutrition students
Professional Membership
- Life Member – Indian Association for Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition (IAPEN)
Executive Member
Ms. Priyanka Prajapati
- Registered Dietician
- MSc (Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics)
- Certified Diabetes Educator
- Experience in diabetes and oncology nutrition
- Presented poster and oral paper presentations at national and international conferences
- Co-authored Article titled “Protein Usage Perception in Various Clinical Conditions Surgery, Critical Care and Cancer”
- Co-author for Nutrition Care process book to be published by IAPEN
- Published research article titled “Perspective of Cancer Patients regarding dietitian and nutrition” in Journal of Indian Dietetic Association (JIDA), 2020
- Published research article titled “ Assessment of Nutritional Status of Cerebral Palsy Children” in Journal of Nutrition Research, 2021
Executive Member
Ms. Meena Kumari
Chief Dietitian & Head – Dietetics Department
Sarvodaya Hospital
Senior clinical nutrition expert leading comprehensive OPD & IPD dietetic services with a strong focus on evidence-based, patient-centered care, therapeutic protocol development, and hospital nutrition system strengthening. She works closely with multidisciplinary medical teams to optimize patient recovery and clinical outcomes.
Qualifications :
M.Sc. Food & Nutrition | Certified Lactation Counsellor (CLC) | Certified Cancer Nutritionist
Expertise :
Clinical & Critical Care Nutrition | Cardio-Renal-Diabetes Management | Oncology Nutrition | Maternal & Lactation Care | Hospital Diet Services & Protocol Development
Leadership & Engagements :
- Heads therapeutic diet services, workflow systems & quality improvement initiatives
- Speaker, Guest Lecturer & Panelist at national conferences and academic institutions
- Chief Guest & Examiner at universities
- Invited Speaker at medical conclaves, cooperative forums & radio platforms
- Core Founder Member – Asian Nutrition Society
Research & Academic Contributions :
Co-Author – Nutritional Guidelines in Oncology | Ph.D. Co-Supervisor | Contributor – OnlyMyHealth | Active in clinical research & academic mentoring
Executive Member
Dr. Nivedita Pavithran
Qualification:
PGDCN, M.Sc,PhD, RD, LSME
Experience:
25+ years of experience
Clinical Expertise:
- Childhood Epilepsy Dietary Management
- 18+ years of expertise in ketogenic diet therapy
Areas of Specialization :
- Ketogenic Diet Therapy
- Neurology Nutrition (Epilepsy, Parkinson’s - Clinic, Memory Clinic)
- Oncology Nutrition
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
- Bariatric Nutrition
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Academic & Mentorship Contributions :
- Teaching and training for 370+ students annually across Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health Sciences
- Supervision and successful completion of multiple PhD scholars
Research & Publications:
More than 12 peer-reviewed publications in international journals
Awards & Recognition:
G20 Civil 20 (C20): Served as a Committee Member in the Integrated Holistic Health Working Group.
Team Leadership:
Functioned as the Team Lead for the Nutritional Health Domain under the Civil 20 platform.
- Recipient of Eight Best Paper Awards at international conferences
- Resource person at national and international scientific conferences
Executive Member
Vartika Singhal
Nutritionist | Founder & Chief Nutritionist – NutriAahar Nutrition Clinic
M.Sc Clinical Nutrition | 13+ Yrs Experience | Diabetes Educator | Certified Insulin Pump Trainer
Academic & Professional Profile
Vartika Singhal is a qualified Nutritionist with a strong academic foundation in science and a specialised focus on clinical and sports nutrition. Her professional journey reflects a conscious transition from an early academic pursuit in engineering sciences to nutrition, driven by her background as an athlete and a deep understanding of the physiological and practical challenges faced by individuals across health, disease, and high-performance settings.
She is the Founder and Chief Nutritionist of NUTRIAAHAR Nutrition Clinic, a centre dedicated to evidence-based, individualised nutritional care. Her work is rooted in scientific rigor, clinical assessment, and the application of nutrition as a therapeutic and performance-enhancing tool.
Academic Orientation & Methodology :
Vartika’s practice is guided by core principles of nutritional biochemistry, physiology, and clinical nutrition science. She adopts a structured, assessment-driven approach that includes:
- Comprehensive nutritional and clinical evaluation.
- Interpretation of biochemical and diagnostic parameters.
- Development of condition-specific and performance-specific nutrition protocols
- Integration of dietary therapy with lifestyle, training, and rehabilitation frameworks
Her methodology emphasises long-term metabolic health, functional outcomes, and translational nutrition bridging research evidence with clinical and athletic practice.
Areas of Specialisation :
- Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)
- Clinical and therapeutic nutrition
- Sports and performance nutrition
- Gut health and digestive disorders
- Adolescent nutrition and growth optimisation
- Injury recovery, rehabilitation nutrition, and micronutrient optimisation
- Evidence-based supplementation and anti-doping–aware nutrition practices
Professional Philosophy
Vartika’s professional philosophy is anchored in scientific integrity, ethical practice, and continuous academic development. She advocates for nutrition interventions that are data-driven, culturally appropriate, and sustainable, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and patient-centred care.
Executive Member
Arya C J
Assistant professor & Chief of deglutology clinic
Audiologist and Speech‑Language Pathologist with established clinical and academic expertise in dysphagia science, head‑and‑neck oncology rehabilitation, and instrumental swallowing diagnostics.
Recognised nationally for capacity building through workshops, training programs, and invited scientific lectures.
Education :
• PhD (Enrolled, 2020) – Research focus in dysphagia
• Master’s in Swallowing Disorders & Therapy (2016–2018)
• Bachelor in Audiology & Speech‑Language Pathology (2009–2013)
• Practitioner Certification- Neuro‑Linguistic Programming
Professional Affiliations :
Rehabilitation Council of India – A44138
•ISHA Kerala State Branch – L 678
Selected Publications
1. Dysphagia Management in Head and Neck Cancers: A Manual and Atlas
2. Exploring the Utility of FEES in Young Children – A Comparison with Videofluoroscopy
3. Dysphagia in Parkinson’s Disease: Screening and Videofluoroscopy Analysis
4. Islanded Facial Artery Musculomucosal Flap for Partial Pharyngeal Reconstruction
5. Validation of Intelligibility Assessment Tool for Oral Cancer Patients
6. Rapid Detection of Penetration‑Aspiration from Fluoroscopic Videos
7. Speech Outcomes After Le Fort I Maxillary Advancement
8. AI‑Driven Penetration‑Aspiration Detection Using Fluoroscopic Videos
Executive Member
Nayantara Nambiar
MSP, BASLP
Trained in India and Australia, Nayantara is passionate about supporting people with Communication and Swallowing difficulties.
Equipped with over a decade of experience in Rehabilitation, Schools, Early Intervention, Hospital settings, and in Assistive Technology; she strives to provide a holistic intervention approach tailor-made for her clients and their families.
At SIMS Hospital, Chennai, she currently supports people with Communication, Cognition & Swallowing difficulties. Her goal is to ensure all patients have a safe means to swallow and to ensure a effective mode of communication for all.
Training & Certification:
- Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)
- Tracheostomy: Communication & Swallowing Rehabilitation
- Dementia-Orientation Certificate for Healthcare professionals
- SPEAK OUT and LOUD Crowd speech therapy program for Parkinson’s Disease
- Avaz-certified Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Professional
Executive Member
Mrs.Vilasini Raman
Speech Language Pathologist and Audiologist
Passionate about dysphagia, voice and language rehabilitation with 8.5 years of experience conducting evidence-based oncological practice. Developed speech therapy services at Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar and initiated advanced SLP-led instrumental swallow studies. Experienced in establishing early oral feeding protocols for post-operative HNC patients and pro-active rehabilitation for organ preservation. Special interest in laryngectomy voice restoration, tracheostomy care, management and decannulation.
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Education: MSc (ASLP)
Certifications:
- Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES),
- MBSImP – Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile,
- Surgical Voice Restoration for Total Laryngectomy
Professional Experience:
1. Speech and Swallowing Therapist, Cancer Institute, WIA, Chennai – 11/2020 – Present
2. Fellow, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai - 03/2019 - 02/2020
3. Audiologist and Speech Language Pathologist, Gleneagles Global Hospitals, Chennai - 07/2016 - 12/2018
Professional Membership:
- Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) - CRR No. A38983
- Indian Speech and Hearing Association - Life time member
- Foundation of Head Neck Oncology (FHNO India) - Member
- Indian Society of Surgical Oncology (ISO) - Member
- Indian Association of Paternal and Enteral Nutrition (IAPEN) – Member
Executive Member
Kaustuv M. Talukdar
Consultant Deglutologist
Dedicated Deglutologist with comprehensive experience in Dysphagia, expertise in the assessment, diagnosis & management of Swallowing disorders across diverse patient population. Expertise and independent competency in running advanced diagnostic techniques, including VFSS, FEES. Strong commitment to evidence-based practice, patient education, and continuous professional development in the field of Deglutology.
Education :
PhD. Scholar
MSc. Deglutology and Swallowing Disorders
BASLP
Professional Experience :
September 2022– Till date Consultant and Chief Deglutologist• Amrita Hospitals, Faridabad
November 2020–September 2022 Swallowing Pathologist• AIIMS, New Delhi
Professional Membership :
Life Member: IAPEN
Foundation Of Dysphagia Research And Education (Fdre)
Executive Member
Dr. Tejal Patel
Qualifications:
MBBS, MS [Otorhinolaryngology],
MCh [Head Neck Surgery & Oncology]
Currently pursuing PhD under ICMR - AcSIR.
Current Role: Assistant Professor, Department of Head Neck Surgery & Oncology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi.
Serving as part time faculty in the Department of Deglutology.
Areas Of Expertise:
- Oral, Oropharyngeal, Laryngeal, Hypopharyngeal, Sinonasal diseases.
- Diseases of the Thyroid and Salivary glands.
- Reconstructive surgery.
- Laryngeal Reinnervation procedures
- Phagosurgery
Publications:
- Over 15 publications in Scopus indexed International and National Journal and and 5 book chapters.
- Reviewer for the JHNPS - National Journal for Head and Neck Surgeons.
Advisor
Dr. Subramania Iyer
Professor and Chairman
MS (Otorhinolaryngology), MCh (Plastic Surgery), FRCS
Speciality:
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Advanced Centre for Robotic Surgery, Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Composite Tissue Allotransplantation
With over four decades of unparalleled expertise, Dr. Subramania Iyer stands as a titan in the realm of surgical innovation and excellence. Having meticulously performed over 40,000+ major surgical procedures and more than 6,000+ free flap surgeries, his mastery in the field is undisputed.
Dr. Iyer's accolades include pioneering the first-hand transplants in the country and leading the centre with largest number of composite tissue allotransplants globally, a testament to his groundbreaking contributions.
Dr. Iyer's special interests lie in head and neck cancer surgery, secondary reconstruction, laryngeal reinnervation, and cutting-edge techniques like laser and robotic surgery, where he continues to push the boundaries of medical advancement.
His contributions in field of medical training are pathbreaking with establishing the first three-year structured training programme in head and neck surgical oncology and Indias first and only masters training programme in deglutology and swallowing therapy.
Advisor
Dr. Krishnakumar Thankappan
Clinical Professor
MS (ENT), DNB (Otorhinolarygology), MCh (Head and Neck Surgical Oncology) Fellow, American Head and Neck Society
Speciality:
Advanced Centre for Robotic Surgery, Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, Surgical Oncology
Dr. Krishnakumar currently serves as Professor at the Department of Head and Surgery and Oncology at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (Amrita Hospital). He did his MBBS at T. D. Medical College, Alappuzha and obtained MS (ENT) from B.J. Medical College Pune in January 2002. During May 2002 - August 2005, he worked as a consultant ENT surgeon at KVM Hospital, Cherthala. Later, he joined Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences to obtain his MCh (Head and Neck Surgical Oncology) and successfully completed the same in June 2008.
In July 2008, he joined Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York for a two-year fellowship program in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology. During the first year of the fellowship program, Dr. Krishnakumar was actively involved in research projects on the development of newer photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT) for head and neck tumors.
During the second year, he was exposed to the entire clinical aspects covering ablative and reconstructive head and neck surgery with exposure to endoscopic skull base surgery. After completing the fellowship program, he joined Amrita Hospital in August 2010 as Associate Professor.Having over 17 years of clinical experience and 10 years of academic experience, he has presented and published papers in national and international forums. Won the Young Investigator Award, at the Indian Co-operative Oncology network.
He has more than 40 publications in international journals. He is the Regional Editor (Asia Pacific) of the Journal of Craniomaxillofacial Trauma and Reconstruction (AOCMF) and is a journal reviewer of more than 10 international journals including The Laryngoscope, Clinical Otolaryngology, Head and Neck. Has written a book titled “Basic Concepts in Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology”.
World swallowing week is observed Dec 12th-18th to raise awareness about Dysphagia- difficulty in swallowing. This hidden disability is seen in many disease conditions like post stroke, parkinsons, head and neck cancer and also in seniors and post Covid.
The message is ” Screen for Dysphagia- PREVENT Malnutrition“.