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 model sessions. Morning lecture sessions are held at the University Club of Portland. Each afternoon, the group moves to Dr. Thomas's office at 909 NW 18th Ave, Portland for hands-on laboratory sessions with endoscopy and stroboscopy systems provided by Olympus and Pentax Medical and surgical lasers provided by inPhase Medical.
| Time | Session | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 🏛️ University Club of Portland — 1225 SW 6th Avenue | ||
| 08:00 – 08:45 | Registration & Continental Breakfast Arrival | |
| 08:45 – 09:00 | Welcome & Introductions Opening | James P. Thomas, M.D. |
| 09:00 – 09:45 | High-Definition Laryngology Lecture Equipment and techniques to see the larynx in detail |
James P. Thomas, M.D. |
| 09:45 – 10:45 | Case Studies Q&A / Panel | Fermín Zubiaur, M.D. |
| 10:45 – 11:15 | Coffee Break Break | |
| 11:15 – 11:45 | Office Anesthesia Techniques Lecture Anesthetize the larynx — a new world becomes visible and operable in the office |
Fermín Zubiaur, M.D. |
| 11:45 – 12:30 | Hearing a Voice Disorder Lecture Using your ear to diagnose and guide stroboscopy |
James P. Thomas, M.D. |
| 12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch (provided) Lunch | |
| 🏥 Dr. Thomas's Office — 909 NW 18th Ave, Portland · ~10 min from University Club | ||
| 14:00 – 14:30 | Audio Lab Hands-On Live models | |
| 14:30 – 15:30 | Flexible Lab Hands-On Hands-on use of video chip-on-tip cameras |
|
| 15:30 – 16:15 | Ultra High Resolution Rigid Endoscopy Lecture | Guillermo Campos, M.D. |
| 16:15 – 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 🏛️ University Club of Portland — 1225 SW 6th Avenue | ||
| 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, M.D. |
| 11:30 – 12:00 | EMG vs. Laryngoscopy — An Integrative Dialogue Panel Comparing and combining electrophysiological and visual diagnostic approaches |
Gerhard Förster, M.D. & James P. Thomas, M.D. |
| 12:00 – 12:30 | Tumor Diagnosis Lecture Recognizing and staging laryngeal malignancy — what you cannot afford to miss |
James P. Thomas, M.D. |
| 12:30 – 13:00 | The Voice Teacher Perspective Lecture How trained voice teachers hear, describe, and interpret voice — bridging the pedagogical and clinical worlds |
Sarah Maines, D.M.A. |
| 13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch (provided) Lunch | |
| 🏥 Dr. Thomas's Office — 909 NW 18th Ave, Portland · ~10 min from University Club | ||
| 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 | Office Endoscopic Laser Treatment Lecture Blue-laser and other office-based laser techniques for laryngeal pathology | Guillermo Campos, M.D. & 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 [email protected].
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
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of Amedco LLC and the VoiceDoctor Institute. Amedco LLC is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
This activity is supported in part by educational grants from PENTAX of America, Inc. and Olympus Corporation of the Americas. inPhase Medical is a commercial sponsor of the workshop.
Endoscopy and stroboscopy systems are provided on loan by PENTAX of America, Inc. and Olympus Corporation of the Americas; surgical laser systems by inPhase Medical. No commercial supporter has influenced the content, faculty selection, or presentation of this activity.
We welcome partnerships with companies whose products and services support the voice care community. The full sponsorship prospectus is available to download below.
Download the full sponsorship prospectus
The complete prospectus covers tiers, benefits, audience, schedule and budget — or email us to discuss Equipment Partnership and custom packages.
Enrollment is limited. Reserve your place at the Portland Diagnostic Laryngology Workshop today.
Register for the Workshop
