VMA Connect

A vision that began in a hotel lounge, continues to shape the future of laryngology.

Looking back at this photograph (photo 1) from November 2012, taken at the Hilton on the Park in Melbourne, it is remarkable to reflect on the beginnings of what would become the Laryngology Society of Australasia (LSA).

The occasion was the inaugural Australian Laryngology Meeting, co-sponsored by Melbourne Voice Analysis Centre and convened by Neil Vallance and Debra (Debbie) Phyland, alongside internationally recognised voice specialists Lucian Sulica, Thomas Murry, Greg Postma and Rebecca Barclay, representing Susan Thibeault, as keynote faculty.

It was during this gathering that the vision for a formal, multidisciplinary society dedicated to advancing laryngology in Australia and New Zealand was established. Malcolm Baxter OA, Neil Vallance and Debbie Phyland worked together to bring the initial foundations of the Society to life, with Malcolm becoming its inaugural President the following year.

Returning to the same venue recently, now known as the Pullman Melbourne on the Park, for the latest LSA conference was a wonderful full-circle moment.

Perhaps most fittingly, the photograph also captures the next generation of leadership. Nicole Free, pictured far left, recently served as Co-Convenor of the conference alongside Amanda Richards, demonstrating the continued commitment and enthusiasm that are helping the Society flourish.

It is inspiring to see how a vision formed more than a decade ago continues to grow, supported by dedicated professionals and a shared commitment to advancing voice and laryngology care.

Congratulations to Nicole, Amanda and the entire LSA team on a wonderful conference, and to President Danielle Stone and the Board for their ongoing leadership and stewardship of this important professional community.

From an idea shared in 2012 to a thriving multidisciplinary society today — a wonderful example of what collaboration, vision and leadership can achieve.

Speech Pathologists – Be a part of our global voice and laryngology loving network!

We are so excited to invite you to become a member of VMA Connect, a platform for clinical sharing, education, support, updates and tips on all things voice and laryngology-related.

VMA Connect membership is open to Speech Pathologists worldwide. (Sorry no students at this time).

There are two memberships categories: VMAConnect Basic ($70AUS/year) and VMA+ ($220.00AUS/year)

• VMA Connect Basic (Tier 1) Membership includes:
  • A welcome package for you including our favourite outcome measures that VMA Speech Pathologists commonly use, therapy resources and copies of some of our patient handouts.
  • Our VMA Good Vibrations newsletter connecting you with the latest tips and advice including an article review, treatment approach update and opportunity to ask questions to our very own Dear Aunt Ethel Murmur
  • Regular updates regarding CPD opportunities and reviews.
  • Access to 3 or more clinically-focussed ‘inhouse’ webinars for free throughout the year on popular clinical topics. (Previous webinars include Paediatric voice with Alessandra Giannini, Spasmodic dysphonia and tremor with Sarah Schneider USA, Vocal Cord Dysfunction, The Misbehaving Larynx, Voice therapy: tips and tricks and many others with Dr Debbie Phyland).
  • 2 x 15 minute 1:1 conversations or with one of our experienced voice therapists over a calendar year for those extra tricky cases or questions.
  • Discounted registration to the Voice Medicine Australia workshops
  • Regular virtual casual lounge-room chats with members
  • JOIN HERE

• VMA Connect+ (Tier 2) Membership includes:
  • Everything included in Tier 1 membership
  • 1:1 mentoring sessions (1 hour total per year)
  • Quarterly group mentoring (4 hours total)
  • Heavily discounted VMA external workshops
  • Regular case conferences with the VMA team-with your cases
  • Inclusion in our preferred providers register
  • JOIN HERE

Please contact admin@voicemedicine.au to ask for more information or to simply join.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Dr Ciarán Kenny – Dublin, Ireland
Ultrasound Imaging of the Voice: New Perspectives for Clinical Assessment

Now planned for early October – TBC

Ciarán Kenny is an Assistant Professor in Speech and Language Pathology at Trinity College Dublin and a speech-language therapist specialising in voice and swallowing. His research focuses on clinical assessment and instrumental approaches to voice, including ultrasound, acoustic analysis and videostroboscopy.

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To be rescheduled:

Translating Recent Conference Learnings into Clinical Practice
Deb’s key insights from PEVOC, TVF, IALP and IAP

**Free for all VMA members**

In light of Wednesday night’s GIIV National Forum Wednesday night, this talk will be postponed. We will keep you posted with a date!