Dietician Day celebrates some committed to care

Memorial Health System of East Texas recently celebrated National Registered Dietitian Day. Registered Dietitians provide nutritional services to patients at the hospital. They aid in planning and implementing nutritional plans with doctors and other health care professionals. Pictured are: (Left to Right) Peggilu Watkins, MS, RD, LD; Tiffany Blackwood, MS, RD, LD; Tim Scallon, MS, RD, LD, Director of Clinical Nutrition; Tanya Lindsey, RD, LD; and Ethel Ballenger, RD, LD, CDE, Program Coordinator for the Horace C. Polk Jr. Regional Diabetes Center.

LUFKIN - Food and nutrition may be their specialty, but a Registered Dietitian's true passion is to help others. Memorial Health System of East Texas celebrated National Registered Dietitian Day March 10 by recognizing the important role Registered Dietitians play within the hospital setting.

A Registered Dietitian is an expert in food and nutrition and can empower people to make their calories count by choosing healthy foods. Registered Dietitians are highly trained and are able to help people eat in such a way that they get the most vitamins, minerals and nutrients without too many calories.

In a hospital setting, registered dietitians, also known as clinical dietitians, provide nutritional services to patients. The patients' nutritional needs are assessed and the dietitian develops and implements nutritional plans. Dietitians also frequently work closely with doctors to coordinate medical and nutritional treatment plans.

"Many people confuse a Registered Dietitian with a nutritionist, but they are not the same." said Tim Scallon, MS, RD, LD, Director of Clinical Nutrition. "Dietitians are required to hold a Bachelors degree in Nutrition (Many dietitians hold a Masters degree as well), and must have completed an approved internship. Registered Dietitians also are registered by the American Dietetic Association. On the other hand, there is no legal definition for a nutritionist. A 'nutritionist' is not required by law to have any specific education or training."

Memorial Health System of East Texas has five clinical dieticians on staff that assist patients with nutritional planning.