Course Information

LIVE WEBINAR IS 4/25/25, 12-2PM EST. CAN'T MAKE THE LIVE WEBINAR. NO WORRIES! REGISTER FOR THE RECORDED WEBINAR OFFERED 4/26/25-5/31/25. LAST DAY TO REGISTER IS 5/31/25. POST-TEST MUST BE COMPETED BY 5/31/25.

Course Cost

$65

Course Description

Join us for a two-hour webinar on Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction: Diagnosis, Etiology, and Interventions, offering a practical overview of this condition. The session will start with an introduction to the anatomy, physiology, and common symptoms of cricopharyngeal dysfunction, followed by a review of diagnostic tools like VFSS, HRM, FEES, and esophagoscopy. The webinar will also cover treatment options, including swallowing therapy, dilation, botulinum toxin injections, and surgical interventions, with considerations for selecting the most appropriate approach. The program concludes with case presentations and an interactive Q&A session to apply the concepts discussed. This webinar will help participants better understand CPD, its evaluation, and treatment strategies.


Learning Outcomes

  1. Describe the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of cricopharyngeal dysfunction.
  2. Identify appropriate diagnostic tools to interpret findings for CPD evaluation.
  3. Discuss evidence-based treatment options for CPD and factors influencing intervention choices.


Time Ordered Agenda

  • 12:00 Introduction and Background (20 minutes)
    • Overview of cricopharyngeal dysfunction (CPD)
    • Anatomy and physiology of the upper esophageal sphincter
    • Common symptoms and epidemiology
  • 12:30 Diagnosis (30 minutes)
    • Diagnostic modalities: VFSS, HRM, FEES, and esophagoscopy
    • Key red flags and differential considerations
  • 1:00 Treatment Options (40 minutes)
    • Swallowing therapy techniques
    • Dilation
    • Botulinum toxin injection
    • Surgical interventions
    • Factors influencing treatment selection
  • 1:40 Case Presentations and Discussion (20 minutes)
    • Review of cases highlighting diagnosis and tailored management strategies
    • Interactive Q&A and participant discussion


Joining the Webinar

You will find information on how to join and complete this live webinar and webinar recording  in the course portal located on our Thinkific dashboard once you complete the course registration. One the day of the webinar please log in approximately 10 minutes before the start time to ensure you do not have any technical challenges.

Webinar Notice

Successful participation in this course includes completion of the post-test with a score of 80% or higher, then participants will automatically receive a course completion certificate.  

This course is offered for 2.0 Professional Development Hours. We can report your participation to ASHA if you choose for 0.2 ASHA CEUs, just be sure to include your ASHA number when you register. If you do not want your participation reported to ASHA, you have the option to decline on the course registration page. 

Refund Policy

There are no refunds for this course, as it is offered both live and as a recording for a limited time.

If you have any questions or concerns please email [email protected] or call 877-390-1887.

Instructor(s)

Ashli O’Rourke, M.D., MS Ashli O’Rourke

Dr. Ashli O’Rourke, MD is a Laryngologist and Professor at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), where she serves as Director of Laryngology and holds the Mark and Evelyn Trammell Endowed Chair in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. A leader in the field of swallowing, airway and voice disorders, she specializes in high-resolution pharyngeal manometry and innovative treatments for dysphagia. Dr. O’Rourke’s unique career path includes prior experience as a clinical speech-language pathologist, which informs her patient-centered and interdisciplinary approach to care. She holds prominent leadership positions, including Treasurer and Executive Council Member of the Dysphagia Research Society, Senior Examiner for the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, and Board Member of the Alliance for Airway, Voice, and Swallowing Education, the nonprofit organization that oversees the Fall Voice Conference. An accomplished researcher, Dr. O’Rourke has authored numerous publications and is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences. She is dedicated to advancing the field through innovations in diagnostic techniques and therapeutic interventions for upper aerodigestive tract disorders. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to improving patient outcomes and mentoring the next generation of otolaryngologists, speech pathologists and interdisciplinary clinicians. Disclosure: Dr. O'Rourke will receive financial support from Patheous for presenting this content.