Featuring: John Holahan, Founder of SimplyThick, LLC
Originally Broadcast on June 14, 2023
Join us for our Meet the Makers Series for a chance to hear directly from dysphagia industry leaders on products that can help manage and treat swallowing disorders.
These one-hour webinars will include a 30 minute product presentation, followed by up to 30 minutes of interactive Q&A where you will have a chance to ask all of your questions.
These presentations are geared towards people living with dysphagia and their loved ones. Healthcare professionals that treat people with dysphagia are also welcome to attend.
As with all of our online learning events, registration is free!
Please note: The NFOSD is a nonprofit patient advocacy organization. We do not endorse specific products, treatments, or brands. The NFOSD does not provide person-specific medical advice or treatment recommendations. This presentation is for informational purposes only, and does not intend to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never modify your treatment plan without consulting with your healthcare team. If you need assistance identifying a swallowing disorder specialist, please contact us at info@nfosd.com.
Meet the Presenter
John Holahan: John Holahan graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in 1992. After graduation he worked for Kelco – a thickener company owned by Merck and eventually sold to Monsanto – where he became an expert in several industrial thickeners. Soon after, John began an MBA program at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. John decided to explore creating a liquid xanthan gum thickener that would make better tasting beverages and mixing less complicated. His prototype generated so much excitement that upon graduation in 2001, he founded SimplyThick, LLC.
Over the years, John has presented to various long-term care trade organizations on the topics of International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI), dysphagia, thickeners, and rheology. He has published articles and trained over 3,000 professionals on IDDSI framework including methods in testing food at bedside for various IDDSI diet levels. He is an inaugural member of the IDDSI Hall of Appreciation, a member of the Canadian IDDSI Reference Group (CIRG), and a founder of the US & Territories IDDSI Reference Group (USTIRG). He continues to work as the President of SimplyThick and pursues his passion of improving the lives of those living with dysphagia.