An intensive two-day hands-on workshop dedicated to the art and science of diagnostic laryngology — from high-definition endoscopy to functional voice assessment and pattern recognition.
The Portland Diagnostic Laryngology Workshop is a focused, mentorship-driven experience designed for otolaryngologists, laryngologists, speech-language pathologists, and other voice care professionals who want to refine their diagnostic acuity and expand their clinical repertoire.
Led by James Phillip Thomas, M.D. and a distinguished faculty of expert clinicians, the curriculum emphasizes the interpretive intelligence behind laryngoscopy — moving beyond technique to systematic pattern recognition, accurate diagnosis, and confident clinical decision-making.
Small group sizes ensure direct mentorship, and extensive hands-on lab sessions bring the examination room into the workshop. Whether you are early in your laryngology training or a seasoned clinician seeking a fresh perspective, this workshop offers rare depth.
Workshop Highlights
The images below — captured by Dr. Thomas using the techniques taught in this workshop — show why equipment selection, positioning, and technique determine what you are able to see and therefore diagnose. Most clinicians have never view the larynx at this level of resolution.
The two-day program balances didactic lectures with case-based review, hands-on labs, and live patient sessions. All sessions at the University Club of Portland.
| Time | Session | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00 – 08:45 | Registration & Continental Breakfast Arrival | |
| 08:45 – 09:00 | Welcome & Introductions Opening | James P. Thomas, M.D. |
| 09:00 – 10:00 | High-Definition Laryngology Lecture Equipment and techniques to see the larynx in detail |
James P. Thomas, M.D. |
| 10:00 – 11:00 | Case Studies Q&A / Panel | |
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Coffee Break Break | |
| 11:30 – 12:00 | Office Anesthesia Techniques Lecture Anesthetize the larynx — a new world becomes visible and operable in the office |
Fermin Zubiaur, M.D. |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Flexible Lab Hands-On Hands-on use of video chip-on-tip cameras |
|
| 13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch (provided) Lunch | |
| 14:00 – 14:30 | Hearing a Voice Disorder Lecture Using your ear to diagnose and guide stroboscopy |
James P. Thomas, M.D. |
| 14:30 – 15:00 | Case Studies Workshop | |
| 15:00 – 15:30 | Coffee Break Break | |
| 15:30 – 16:00 | Audio Lab Hands-On Live patients |
|
| 16:00 – 17:00 | Rigid Endoscopy Lab Hands-On Hands-on use of video chip-on-tip cameras |
|
| 17:00 | End of Day 1 | |
| 19:00 | Evening Social — Low Bar Chorale An evening of choral music with Ben Landsverk & the Low Bar Chorale |
Ben Landsverk |
| Time | Session | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 – 09:30 | Neurolaryngology: TA & CT Lecture Thyroarytenoid and cricothyroid — anatomy, physiology, and diagnosis |
James P. Thomas, M.D. |
| 09:30 – 10:00 | Neurolaryngology: LCA & PCA Lecture Lateral cricoarytenoid and posterior cricoarytenoid — clinical patterns and implications |
James P. Thomas, M.D. |
| 10:00 – 10:30 | Coffee Break Break | |
| 10:30 – 11:30 | Laryngeal EMG Lecture Principles and clinical application of laryngeal electromyography |
Gerhard Förster |
| 11:30 – 12:00 | EMG vs. Laryngoscopy — An Integrative Dialogue Panel Comparing and combining electrophysiological and visual diagnostic approaches |
Gerhard Förster & James P. Thomas, M.D. |
| 12:00 – 12:30 | Case Studies Workshop | |
| 12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch (provided) Lunch | |
| 13:30 – 14:00 | The Voice Teacher Perspective Lecture How trained voice teachers hear, describe, and interpret voice — bridging the pedagogical and clinical worlds |
Sarah Maines |
| 14:00 – 14:30 | Video Recording Techniques & AI in the Voice Lab Lecture Practical details to improve documentation, quality, and analysis in your voice lab |
James P. Thomas, M.D. |
| 14:30 – 15:00 | Tumor Diagnosis Lecture Recognizing and staging laryngeal malignancy — what you cannot afford to miss |
James P. Thomas, M.D. |
| 15:00 – 15:30 | Coffee Break Break | |
| 15:30 – 17:00 | Flexible Lab — Part 2 Hands-On Continued hands-on practice with flexible video laryngoscopy |
|
| 17:00 | End of Workshop | |
| 19:00 | Faculty & Attendee Dinner |
Additional faculty will be announced. If you are interested in participating as faculty, please contact us at workshop@voicedoctor.net.
Enrollment is limited to ensure an intimate learning environment. Early registration is strongly encouraged.
The Portland Diagnostic Laryngology Workshop will be held at the University Club of Portland, a distinguished historic private club in the heart of downtown Portland.
Things to Do in Portland
The Portland Diagnostic Laryngology Workshop is being submitted for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Details will be confirmed and posted once accreditation is complete.
We welcome partnerships with companies whose products and services support the voice care community. A full sponsorship prospectus is available upon request.
Request a Full Sponsorship Prospectus
Contact us to receive the complete prospectus with detailed benefits, audience demographics, and contract.
Enrollment is limited. Reserve your place at the Portland Diagnostic Laryngology Workshop today.
Register for the Workshop