I am a professional clinical lead speech and language therapist, specialising in head and neck cancer. My Fellowship focuses on living well and promoting physical and mental health through exercise for people with a laryngectomy. The purpose is to explore and improve the rehabilitation pathway for this cohort of patients by reviewing what other health services and local community services provide across the world.

This interests me due to personal and professional experience with people with a laryngectomy. I have been inspired by one of my patients who has used physical activity to improve his mental wellbeing and overall physical health throughout his journey. He has made me question how we prepare people for such a major operation and lifestyle change. He has challenged the norm and completed a triathlon.

I will explore what international health services offer these patients, how local community facilities complement healthcare input and what training packages are required to support a robust rehabilitation network. The impact will be improving mental and physical wellbeing and integration into society.