Meet your Voice Therapist – Miriam Voortman

With over 16 years of clinical experience, Miriam Voortman is a leading expert in the assessment and rehabilitation of voice disorders, complex swallowing conditions, and upper airway dysfunction.
Miriam’s journey into speech pathology began with a successful career as a professional vocalist. After graduating from the Elder Conservatorium of Music in 2003 with a Bachelor of Music Performance in Jazz Voice, she recognised a need for high-quality clinical care for professional voice users. This insight led her to pursue a Master of Speech Pathology at Flinders University in 2006.

Since then, Miriam has held senior clinical roles across Adelaide and Melbourne, working in tertiary hospitals, specialist ENT clinics, and private practice. She has developed a deep understanding of laryngeal anatomy, vocal function, and the medical and therapeutic needs of professional voice users and patients with airway or swallowing disorders.

Clinical Expertise

Miriam has led voice analysis clinics at prestigious institutions including The Alfred Hospital and The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, working in close collaboration with Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeons. She is experienced in:

• Diagnosing and managing voice disorders
• Pre- and post-operative laryngeal care
• Vocal rehabilitation following injury or surgery
• Treatment of upper airway conditions such as chronic cough, inducible laryngeal obstruction, and vocal cord dysfunction

At The Alfred Hospital, Miriam established a dedicated middle airway clinic alongside respiratory physicians—one of the few of its kind in Australia—providing therapy for patients with complex respiratory and airway conditions.

Swallowing Disorders

Miriam also has significant expertise in instrumental swallowing assessments, including:

• Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies (VFSS)
• Fibre Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)

She is highly skilled in the diagnosis and management of complex dysphagia, working with patients in acute medical, ICU, and rehabilitation settings. Her tailored therapy plans have helped countless individuals achieve improved safety, nutrition, and quality of life.

Academic & Professional Involvement

Miriam is a former Vice President of the Australian Voice Association and an active member of:

• The Laryngology Society of Australasia
• Australian National Association of Teachers of Singing
• Speech Pathology Australia (Certified Practising Member)

She is also a respected clinical educator, mentoring students and clinicians through her roles at The University of South Australia and Flinders University.

Miriam has presented nationally on laryngeal injuries from inhalation and burns, and co-authored a peer-reviewed publication on inducible laryngeal obstruction.

Performer Support & Vocal Coaching

In addition to her clinical work, Miriam maintains a strong connection to the performing arts. She has worked across Australia as a:

• Vocal coach
• Musical director
• Voice consultant for theatre productions
• Performer, supporting international artists and teaching emerging and professional vocalists

She was awarded DB Magazine’s Most Outstanding Jazz Vocalist in 2003 and continues to guide performers in optimising vocal efficiency, preventing injury, and promoting long-term vocal health.

Miriam Voortman combines a rare blend of clinical precision, musical insight, and deep compassion to support individuals across health and performance settings. Whether you’re managing a medical voice condition, recovering from vocal injury, or preparing for the demands of performance, Miriam provides expert care grounded in both science and artistry.