Kate Lethbridge

BSpPath, MPH, CPSP

Kate graduated as a speech pathologist from La Trobe University in 2002 and has focussed on the adult acute and rehabilitative care aspects of speech pathology ever since.  She is particularly committed to holistic care for communication and swallowing disorders and has worked predominantly in neurological, respiratory and critical care settings for the last 20 years. Specifically, she has worked for Peninsula and Monash Health, then Epworth Health (Speech Pathology and Dietetics Manager) and more recently (2018-2021) Royal Melbourne Hospital from 2018 to 2021.

Kate undertook a Certificate in Advancing Clinical Education in 2006. Her clinical interests and organisational health experience were then a catalyst for her completing her Masters of Public Health in 2012. This galvanised her recognition of personalised patient-centred care as one of the most powerful imperatives to achieving positive health outcomes. She has specialised skills in working with people who have acquired brain injuries and had airway changes as a result of head and neck cancer, surgeries and tracheostomy tubes. She also has extensive experience  in the assessment of swallowing through videofluoroscopy.

Kate was drawn to Voice Medicine Australia for the strong tradition of evidence-based assessment and treatment and for the opportunity to work with a dedicated, skilled and fun-loving team of speech pathologists.  Along with her salient experience, Kate brings a capable, direct and dynamic approach to her clinical care  to optimise clinical outcomes and we are delighted to have her as part of our team.

Areas of Interest include Tracheostomy, Middle Airway Disorders, Head & Neck Cancer, Acquired Brain and Neurological Disorders, Complex Assessment and Treatment, Collaborative Intra & Multidisciplinary Care