Julie Theurer, PhD

Academic Title

Room 2515, EC
519 661-2111 x85607
jtheurer@uwo.ca
Google Scholar
ORCID: 0000-0001-9790-680X

Education

  • MCISc, PhD (Western University)
  • BA (Brock)

Graduate Program Supervision

  • Health and Rehabilitation Sciences MSc | PhD

Research In Profile

Professor Julie Theurer’s research focuses on the study of sensorimotor systems supporting speech and swallowing, and practice-based research collaborations with clinicians aimed at improving outcomes for individuals undergoing treatment of head and neck cancer. Through these practice-based research partnerships, she is exploring swallowing rehabilitation, health-related quality of life, and functional outcomes measurement.

Featured Publications and Projects

Chapters and Reports

  • Theurer, J.A. (2019). Human Papillomavirus-Related Head and Neck Cancer. In P.C. Doyle (Ed.), Clinical Care and Rehabilitation in Head and Neck Cancer (pp. 45-68). Springer.

Articles in Peer-Reviewed Journals

  • Nichols, A.C., Theurer, J.A., … Palma, D.A. (2022). Randomized trial of radiotherapy versus transoral robotic surgery for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: Long-term results of the ORATOR trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 40(8), 866-875. doi: 10.1200/JCO.21.01961
  • MacDonald, C., Theurer, J.A., Doyle, P.C. (2021). “Cured” but not “Healed”: The application of principles of palliative care to cancer survivorship. Social Science in Medicine, 275, doi: 10.1007/s00520-020-05873-4
  • Jovanovic, N., Dreyer, C., Hawkins, S., Thouless, K., Palma, D.A., Doyle, P.C., Theurer, J.A. (2021). The natural history of weight and swallowing outcomes in oropharyngeal cancer patient following radiation or concurrent chemoradiation therapy. Supportive Care in Cancer, 29(3), 1597-1607

Visit Google Scholar for a comprehensive list of publications.

Current Grants and Research Projects

  • Theurer, J.A. (2022-2023). Speech, swallowing, and quality of life outcomes following oral cavity resection. Western University. $24, 910.
  • Theurer, J.A. (2021-2023). Sensorimotor integration in the upper aerodigestive tract. Western University. $25,000.

Featured Graduate Student Projects

Exploration of palliative care principles in the care of survivors of head and neck cancer

  • MacDonald, Chelsea (2021). PhD, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.

Impact of feeding tube use on swallowing and weight outcomes for oropharyngeal cancer patients following radiation or concurrent chemoradiation therapy

  • Jovanovic, Nedeljko (2018). MSc, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.

Visit Scholarship@Western for a list of completed student theses and dissertations in the repository.

Graduate Student Opportunities

Potential areas of research in the Aerodigestive Function and Rehabilitation Lab include:

  • Sensory and motor systems of swallowing
  • Functional outcomes in head and neck cancer
  • Swallowing rehabilitation
Interested students should email professor Theurer to enquire about available positions.

Additional Information

Academic Appointments and Research Affiliations

  • Aerodigestive Function and Rehabilitation Lab
  • Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
  • Practice-based Research Collaborative in Speech-Language Pathology (PRECISe)
  • Swallowing Research Lab

Awards

  • Marilyn Robinson Award for Excellence in Teaching – 2022
  • Faculty of Health Sciences Teaching Award of Excellence - 2021
  • Angela Armitt Award for Excellence in Teaching - 2018
  • Faculty of Health Sciences Part-Time Faculty Teaching Award of Excellence - 2006, 2013

Professional Activities

  • Member, Dysphagia Research Society
  • Member, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Canada