November 2, 2024, represents a landmark in the history of Speech Therapy Cambodia. On that day, the University of Puthisastra (UP) held the certification ceremony for participants in Cambodia’s first university course in Adult Dysphagia Management. The post-graduate course was designed by SSTC and offered by UP with the support of Rotary International.
Course graduates with SLP clinical supervisors and representatives of STC, SSTC, UP, and Rotary Club Phnom Penh
This talented group of 13 dedicated doctors, nurses, and physical therapists are now skilled in the evaluation and management of dysphagia (swallowing disorders). Through their rigorous year-long training, they have been empowered to reduce dysphagia complications—such as weight loss, aspiration pneumonia, and even death—in their patients and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
Dysphagia Clinician Lao Ratwattey with her family
University of Puthisastra President Ian Rouse
The impact of the UP course on Cambodia extends beyond the training of individual dysphagia clinicians. Here are some of the outcomes of the first year of our program on Cambodian individuals and institutions:
- 13 Cambodian trainees certified in dysphagia management: 1 doctor, 8 nurses, 4 physical therapists
- 5 Cambodian hospitals and clinics established dysphagia services: Khmer Soviet Friendship Hospital, Calmette Hospital, Vissar Clinic, Jeremiah’s Hope Clinic, Sunrise Japan Hospital
- 50 hospital personnel participated: heads of administration, staff working with our trainees (doctors, nurses, technicians), other hospital employees educated in dysphagia management
- 450 patients evaluated and treated for dysphagia under the clinical supervision of experienced volunteer Speech-Language Pathologists
- 1000+ family members of these patients benefited and learned how to manage dysphagia in their loved ones
Since this is a training program, the number of patients and families impacted can be expected to increase significantly once the Cambodian dysphagia clinicians are fully functioning in their workplaces.
Looking Ahead
The second year of the UP course is now underway. The course reflects lessons learned from Year 1 and incorporates a new Mentorship program designed to ensure the continuity and sustainability of the training.
All of this is in support of the guiding mission of Speech Therapy Cambodia:
To provide world-class training and clinical supervision in speech-language pathology, with a focus on dysphagia evaluation and treatment, so that Cambodians experiencing swallowing disorders receive the care they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives.
SSTC Team members Yous Sreynoch and Leng Veasna and SLP clinical supervisors Annie Johnson and Alice Smith meet with hospital administrators at Preah Ket Mealea Hospital to discuss their participation in Year 3 of the UP Dysphagia program