Introduction:

Speech therapy, also known as speech and language pathology, is a branch of rehabilitation sciences focused on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of various communication disorders, perception disorders, voice disorders, and swallowing difficulties. Clinical specialists, known as speech therapists or speech and language pathologists (SLPs), are trained to address these issues.

History of Speech Therapy in Iran:

The practice of speech therapy was introduced to Iran in 1973. Initially, foreign professors taught this discipline, but over time, Iranian professionals took over the teaching and management of the field. The first master's program was initiated in 1992, followed by the introduction of the first doctoral program in 2006.

History at Hamadan Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences:

At Hamadan Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, undergraduate studies in speech therapy began in 2008, with the addition of a master's program in 2020.

Goals and Mission:

Aligned with the overarching objectives of rehabilitation fields, which include prevention and treatment, the faculty members and researchers within the speech therapy department are dedicated to leveraging modern scientific knowledge to achieve these goals. The department's missions include:

• Training specialized and dedicated speech therapy professionals to meet societal needs.
• Providing necessary resources and facilities for the continuous development of faculty members and staff.
• Advocating for the recognition and integration of speech therapy within the national healthcare system.
• Enhancing public awareness of specialized speech therapy services.
• Delivering evidence-based speech therapy interventions.

Head of Speech Therapy Department:

Dr. Kowsar Baghban, PhD in Speech Therapy, Assistant professor of Speech Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hamedan University of Medical sciences, Hamedan, Iran.

Group Members:

The department comprises the following Faculty Members:

• Dr. Mohamadsadegh Seyfpanahi, PhD in Speech Therapy, Assistant professor of Speech Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hamedan University of Medical sciences, Hamedan, Iran.

• Dr. Mohamad Rezaei, PhD in Speech Therapy, , Assistant professor of Speech Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hamedan University of Medical sciences, Hamedan, Iran.

• Dr. Bahare Rezaei, PhD in Speech Therapy, , Assistant professor of Speech Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hamedan University of Medical sciences, Hamedan, Iran.

• Dr. Farzad Weisi, PhD in Speech Therapy, Assistant professor of Speech Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hamedan University of Medical sciences, Hamedan, Iran.
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• Ms. Kowsar Esfandeh, MSC in Speech Therapy, member of Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hamedan University of Medical sciences, Hamedan, Iran.

Department Expert:

• Mrs. Shokofeh Ahsanifar, BA in Speech Therapy