Dr. Exequiel D. Plaza Taucare

With an illustrious 37-year career in speech-language pathology, Professor Exequiel Plaza has made significant contributions to clinical practice, academic leadership, and research innovation.

He holds a PhD in Speech-Language Pathology with a specialisation in Dysphagia and Orofacial Motricity from the Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil. Additionally, he earned a Master of Science in Speech Pathology and Human Communication from the University of London. His academic qualifications include diplomas in Disability and Rehabilitation (University of Tokyo), Gerontology (University of Talca), Competency-Based Education, and Research and Entrepreneurship (University of California, Davis). Furthermore, he holds a Master’s degree in Health Management and Administration from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Talca.

Professor Plaza has held diverse roles throughout his career, including clinical work in state health institutions, strategic positions at the Ministry of Health and the National Disability Service, and academic appointments at the University of Chile. He also served as an academic director for the Speech-Language Pathology programme at the University of Talca.

His primary research interests lie in the functionality of human communication, oromotor disorders, and swallowing disorders. More broadly, he is passionate about disability, ageing, curriculum development, quality assurance in university education, and the application of technology to improve lives.