What other disciplines are related?
Anesthesiologists: The vocal folds are the valve that protect the airway, and through them anesthesiologists pass tubes to ensure ventilation and oxygenation during any surgical procedure under general anesthesia. In any surgical procedure to treat the vocal folds, the anesthesiologist and the surgeon are basically working together in a very small space, so precise coordination and collaboration are of keen importance.
Voice therapists: Professionals who work on behavioral changes to facilitate voice emission, and also promote life style changes and apply different techniques, proven to be effective to reduce hoarseness and improve voice quality. In many cases voice therapy is the first line of treatment. They also work on rehabilitation and training after surgical procedures on the vocal folds, and in the routine management and training of professional voice users (singers, speakers, preachers, etc).
Voice scientists: Current medical knowledge in the field of phonosurgery and voice rehabilitation is the result of the continuous and innovative lab work in models or in excised larynges, in tissue engineering, physics, aerodynamics and all other related aspects of voice production.
Surgical nurses: Surgeons need the constant assistance of highly trained personnel in the operating room. Surgical nurses are a key element of a machinery that must run perfectly to improve te odds of good results.
Voice teachers and voice coaches: Vocal demands in the modern world, either for speaking or singing voice, are constantly increasing. Proper guidance and implementation of techniques that ensure the best use and adaptation of the voice to the required circumstances are an important part of professional success.
It is clear nowadays that maintaining, improving or recovering a good quality of the voice is a challenging task that demands team work. The International Association of Phonosurgery gathers voice surgeons and scientists of related disciplines, devoted to promote better voice care around the world.