Dr. Lorinda Kwan-Chen: Pioneering Research in Neurological Speech and Language Pathologies

Dr. Lorinda Kwan-Chen is a distinguished leader in the field of speech-language pathology, where her groundbreaking research is making significant strides in understanding and treating speech and language disorders associated with neurological conditions. With a PhD from the University of Hong Kong focusing on speech disorders in Parkinson’s disease, Dr. Kwan-Chen has developed a deep expertise that spans across a spectrum of neuropathologies.

Her research is particularly concentrated on critical areas such as primary progressive aphasia, post-stroke aphasia, dysarthria, and apraxia of speech, dysphagia, especially within multilingual Chinese populations. These focus areas are crucial for fostering advanced research collaborations and generating innovative solutions to complex speech and language challenges.

Dr. Kwan-Chen is celebrated for her commitment to team-based, trans-professional research collaborations. Her extensive network of international and local researchers and medical professionals reflects her dedication to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and practice in her field.

With over two decades of clinical experience, Dr. Kwan-Chen has not only practiced speech therapy but also transformed academic landscapes by instituting and teaching cutting-edge undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Her mentorship has empowered over 1,000 speech therapists, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to excel in their practice.

In addition to her academic and research achievements, Dr. Kwan-Chen has made significant contributions to professional and patient communities. Her consultancy work with various organizations around the globe has been instrumental in advancing the standards and accessibility of speech therapy services.

A visionary in service delivery, Dr. Kwan-Chen pioneered community-based rehabilitation services in the region and introduced the first regular telehealth speech therapy program for individuals with dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke in 2016. Her innovative approach continues to set new benchmarks in digital health solutions.

Dr. Kwan-Chen's unwavering dedication to advancing research, education, and community service not only enhances academic and clinical landscapes but also profoundly impacts the lives of individuals and families affected by neurological speech and language disorders. Her work remains a beacon of inspiration and progress in the global speech-language pathology community.

Parkinson's Disease - Dysarthria, Language disorders, and dysphagia related to Parkinson's disease.

Motor Speech disorders (Dysarthria and Apraxia of Speech) in tonal language ( Cantonese and Mandarin, Putonghua) speakers. Prosody and its clinical application to assessment and intervention

Primary Progressive Aphasia - Clinical assessment and intervention for Cantonese /Mandarin/ bilingual speakers with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA)

Aphasia- agrammatism in Cantonese PWA, support to caretakers of PWA.

2) Service Delivery Model of Speech therapy

Hybrid model of telehealth speech therapy

Community-based rehabilitation service for brain injured people
3) Clinical Education of Speech-Language Therapists/Pathologist

Padegogy for pre-qualification training of speech therapists at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and of multi-cultural, multi-linguistic backgrounds

Competence in telepractice in speech therapy

E-learning strategies for pre-qualification training of speech therapists.

Teaching Interests and Knowledge Transfer

Teaching Interests

• SED 6015 Speech, Language and Communication Disorders
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• SED 6019 Assessment and Intervention of Speech, Language, Communication and Learning Disabilities
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• SED 6026, SED 6027, SED 6028, SED 6029 Practicum and Advanced Practicum ( Clinical Education of pre-qualified speech-language therapists) on
  • Speech, language, Communication Disorders, and Swallowing Disorders in people with Parkinson's Disease, Stroke ( Cerebral-vascular Accidents), Dementia, Traumatic Brain Injuries, and orther neurological conditions.
  • Tele-health and face-to-face speech therapy intervention strategies.
• SED 6030 Evidence-based Practice in Speech-Language Pathology and Research Methodoloy
• SED 6032 Independent Research Projects / Evidence-based Capstone Projects
• EPC 2091/5091 Overivew of Language, Physical and Sensory Difficulties
• EPC 4098 Education Projects

Knowledge Transfer

Members of:

1. The Hong Kong Institute of Speech Therapists ( Member of Register of Speech Therapists)
2. The Hong Kong Association of Speech Therapist (Full member)

Local Honorary Appointment:

1. The Hong Kong Institute of Speech Therapists, Committee member (Registration Committee, HKIST (2018 -)
2. Honoary Speech Therapist, 2019-2020 Hospital Authority (New Territories East Cluster) (2019-2020

Overseas Honorary Appointment:

• Collaborator, ALBA Language Neurobiology Lab, Memory and Aging Centre, UCSF (2018-)

Membership/Affiliation to local and international professional organizations

1. American Speech language Hearing Association
2. Royal College of Speech Language Therapist
3. Hong Kong Movement Disorder Society

Consultant/Advisor to:

1. The Hong Kong Parkinson's Disease Foundation 香港柏金遜症基金會
2. The Hong Kong Parkinson's Disease Association 香港柏金遜症會
3. The Hong Kong Society of Rehabilitation 香港復康會
4. The Heep Hong Society (APEC) 協康會
5. Po Leung Kuk 保良局
6. The Benji's Centre 庭恩兒童中心
7. HOPE worldwide 寰宇希望