Aerodigestive Collaboration

Part of Strong Memorial Hospital

Center for Breathing and Swallowing Disorders

The URMC Aerodigestive Collaboration is a multidisciplinary team of specialists dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients with complex breathing and swallowing problems. This team includes pediatric specialists from:

• Pediatric Otolaryngology (ENT)
• Pulmonary
• Gastroenterology
• Allergy
• Sleep Medicine
• Speech & swallowing therapists

Our specialists meet on a quarterly basis to coordinate procedures and care plans for select patients. When indicated, patients undergo combined endoscopic procedures for diagnosis and treatment, requiring only one exposure to general anesthesia, under the care of a pediatric anesthesiologist. Other procedures that we work to coordinate include pharyngograms (Swallowing evaluations), sleep studies, and allergy testing, among others.

We engage Child Life specialists, as necessary, to prepare and support children, teens, and families during their medical experience. Child life specialists are certified to care for the emotional and developmental needs of children and families and can help alleviate stress during a medical visit.