Rita Patel Ph.D., CCC-SLP

I am an established Consultant Speech and Language Therapist with over 20 years’ experience working with inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO). Pioneering the role of speech therapy in UK respiratory healthcare, I have developed and led two tertiary referral multidisciplinary ILO services and co-authored several national professional respiratory guidelines. I have many peer-reviewed publications relating to my ILO clinical research work and recently co-edited an ERS Monograph on Complex Breathlessness. I am committed to improving diagnosis and management of ILO, as evidenced by my PhD research which is investigatdc a standardised evaluation and treatment for ILO. In 2021, in recognition of my leadership within the field of upper airway disorders, I was incredibly honoured to be made a Member of the Order of the British Empire and a Fellow of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.

I believe my experience will bring a positive contribution to the GIILO Board. I have led changes to UK national policy, sit on relevant professional body advisory groups, and am experienced in collaborating with key international stakeholders. Further, I have board level and Trustee experience, which will enable me to support translation of GIILO’s purpose and objectives into well-planned strategies with measurable outcomes. I constantly aim to deliver and influence effective ILO evidence-based care.