Claire Pelham
Papers
1
Total Citations
3
H-Index
1
About
Dr. Claire Pelham is a leading voice in the evolving field of head and neck cancer survivorship, with a particular focus on the functional consequences of modern surgical interventions. Her research centers on the intersection of speech-language pathology and oncologic surgery, specifically examining velopharyngeal incompetence (VPI) following transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for oropharyngeal carcinoma. In her landmark 2022 scoping review, Dr. Pelham systematically mapped the prevalence and impact of VPI—a critical yet often underrecognized complication affecting swallowing and speech. This work, which has garnered 3 citations in a rapidly growing niche, is notable for its timely relevance: as oropharyngeal cancer increasingly affects younger patients, understanding long-term functional outcomes becomes paramount. Dr. Pelham’s contribution lies in bridging a critical gap between surgical success and quality of life, providing clinicians with a framework to anticipate and manage post-treatment speech and swallowing disorders. Her research not only highlights the hidden morbidity of TORS but also advocates for proactive rehabilitative strategies, making her a key figure in advancing patient-centered care in head and neck oncology.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1