معرفی
Dr. Julie Cichero is an Honorary Associate Professor at the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Queensland. With over 25 years of clinical and research experience in dysphagia (eating, drinking, and swallowing problems), she has pioneered advancements in standardized terminology for texture-modified foods and thickened liquids, diagnostic methods for swallow-respiratory sounds, and medication management in dysphagia. She co-founded the IDDSI Framework, a global initiative reducing food-related choking risks in vulnerable populations, now adopted in over 50 countries.
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts, University of Queensland
- Bachelor (Honours) of Speech Therapy, University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Queensland
Dr. Cichero’s research focuses on dysphagia, medication administration, cervical auscultation, texture-modified foods, and thickened liquids. Her work bridges clinical sciences, food science, and healthcare, addressing challenges from infants to the elderly. She has contributed to the Society of Hospital Pharmacists' 'Don't Rush to Crush' Handbook and interdisciplinary guidelines for aged care nutrition.
Her recent publications analyze trends in medication safety for dysphagia patients, rheological properties of thickened fluids, and practical barriers in aged care medication delivery. Scientific awards include the American Speech-Language Hearing Association’s Outstanding International Contribution (2016).
Dr. Cichero collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, including pharmacists, speech-language pathologists, and dietitians, and supervises PhD students in dysphagia-related research.
