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Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Program

Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) is the improper closing of the soft palate against the back of the throat during speech. This causes too much air to pass through the nose, giving a person's speech a nasal sound. Children with VPI often have difficulty pronouncing strong consonants including "p," "b," "d," "g," and "t." This makes clear speech challenging and can contribute to difficulties in developing age-appropriate language skills and social frustration.

A doctor referral is required to schedule an appointment at our VPI Clinic.

Meet Your Care Team

Christopher T. Wootten
4.7

Christopher T. WoottenMD, MMHC, FACS, FAAP

    Airway Reconstruction, Breathing Disorders, ENT Ear, Nose, Throat (Otolaryngology), Hearing Loss, Otolaryngology, Pediatric Ear, Nose, and Throat Conditions, Pediatric Otolaryngology
Ryan H. Belcher
4.8

Ryan H. BelcherMD, MPH

    ENT Ear, Nose, Throat (Otolaryngology), Head and Neck Cancer, Hearing and Speech, Nose and Sinus Conditions, Otolaryngology, Pediatric Cleft Lip and Palate, Pediatric Otolaryngology
Izabela A. Galdyn
4.5

Izabela A. GaldynMD

    Cleft Lip and Palate, Ear Deformities, Facial Paralysis, Hand Surgery, Pediatric Plastic Surgery, Peripheral Nerve, Plastic Surgery
James D. Phillips
4.5

James D. PhillipsMD, BS

    ENT Ear, Nose, Throat (Otolaryngology), Hemangiomas, Otolaryngology, Pediatric Cleft Lip and Palate, Pediatric Ear, Nose, and Throat Conditions, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Pediatric Otolaryngology
Lyndy J. Wilcox
4.2

Lyndy J. WilcoxMD, MMHC

    Breathing Disorders, ENT Ear, Nose, Throat (Otolaryngology), Otolaryngology, Otolaryngology Surgery, Pediatric Airway Reconstruction, Pediatric Ear, Nose, and Throat Conditions, Pediatric Otolaryngology
Melissa C. Henry

Melissa C. HenryMA, CCC-SLP

    Hearing and Speech, Hearing and Speech Sciences, Speech Language Pathology, Speech and Language Disorders
Shannon L. McGurk

Shannon L. McGurkSLP

    Autism Disorders, Hearing and Speech, Hearing and Speech Sciences, Pediatric Speech Language Pathology, Speech Language Pathology, Speech and Language Disorders
Jennifer C. Muckala

Jennifer C. MuckalaMA, CCC-SLP

    Laryngectomy Care and Management, Neurological Voice Disorders, Otolaryngology, Professional Singing Voice, Speaking Voice Disorders, Speech Language Pathology, Voice Disorders
Derrick R. Sowder

Derrick R. SowderSLP

    Hearing and Speech, Hearing and Speech Sciences, Pediatric Speech Language Pathology, Speech Language Pathology, Speech and Language Disorders

Why Choose the Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Program at Monroe Carell

  • diploma, award, ribbon, Recognized care, quality
    National leaders in voice disorders

    Diagnosing and treating VPI requires a close partnership among parents, family doctors and specialists. At Monroe Carell, national leaders in the diagnosis and management of voice disorders help our team gain the information we need to make appropriate and effective surgical decisions for your child.

  • goal, specialized, individualized, customized, Personalized care
    Personalized care

    Our VPI team offers a full array of therapies. If your child needs surgery, we will tailor an operation based on a careful review of their specific problem.

  • compass, Patient care coordinators
    Coordinated care

    Our team coordinator serves as your single point of contact with our physicians, surgeons, and advanced practice providers to ensure you always know our plans to give your child the best chance at improved health.

Location

2200 Children's Way, 7th Floor
Nashville, TN 37232
Today's hours:8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.