Nutrition Therapy

What is a Registered Dietitian?

A registered, licensed dietitian practices the science of medical nutrition therapy. Based on your nutritional status, condition, illness or injury, a dietitian will work with you to optimize your treatment and aid your recovery. Not all "nutritionists" have the same expertise or training. It is important to check their training and credentials.

All of the dietitians employed at Cleveland Clinic are registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and are licensed dietitians in the State of Ohio. Every dietitian at Cleveland Clinic has completed a 4 year baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and a dietetic internship or comparable supervised experience.

Several dietitians also have advanced degrees and/or specialty certifications.

What can a Registered Dietitian do for me?

An RD will help you develop a personal diet plan to help you achieve your goals. For more information or to schedule an outpatient appointment to see an RD, call 216.444.3046.

Medical Nutrition Therapy provided by a Registered Dietitian has helped:

• Lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels to normal.
• Lower body weight, which reduces the risk for many chronic diseases associated with obesity.
• Improve blood glucose levels and control high blood pressure, reducing or eliminating medications for diabetes and hypertension.

How will I know if I need to see a Registered Dietitian?

People seek guidance from an RD for many reasons. Some individuals are concerned with wellness and disease prevention issues, such as learning to eat healthier to decrease the risk of heart disease, cancer, or other chronic diseases.

Others, including weekend athletes, would like to learn more about sports nutrition, infant/toddler feeding, or better ways to eat to fight obesity or the aging process.

Medical reasons to make an appointment with an RD include, but are not limited to:

• High blood cholesterol and heart disease
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Cancer
• HIV/AIDS
• Inflammatory bowel disease and other gastrointestinal (stomach/bowel disorders)
• Pregnancy
• Kidney disease
• Overweight/Obesity

Cleveland Clinic's Section of Nutrition Therapy provides a full staff of registered dietitians and dietetic technicians that are an integral part of the interdisciplinary team. The inpatient staff works with doctors, nurses, therapists, and other health care professionals to provide optimal care for our patients. Specifically, dietitians and technicians work with patients to improve nutrition status, prevent malnutrition in times of prolonged sickness, or to manage diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney disease, digestive disorders, and many others. Click on the staff members below to access photos, floor assignments, credentials, and contact information.

»Barco, Kathy

Specialty: Outpatient Dietitian

Gender: Female

Education: BA, Dietetics, The University of Akron

Internship: Saint Luke’s Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio

Specialty Areas:Home Enteral Nutrition, Nutrition Support, Gastroparesis, Pancreatitis, Malabsorption, Bariatric Surgery, Gastrointestinal Disorders, Nutrient Deficiencies

Other: Certified Nutrition Support Clinician, Member American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, Member Ohio Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, Member Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Member Dietitians in Nutrition Support

»Canterna, Linda

Specialty: Outpatient Dietitian

Gender: Female

Education: BS, Medical Dietetics, School of Allied Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio

Specialty Areas:Geriatric Nutrition; Weight Loss; Lipid Management

Other: Educator/Counselor at CCF Main Campus and Family Health Centers

»Culbertson, Gillian

Specialty: Outpatient Dietitian

Gender: Female

Education: MS, Medical Nutrition, The Ohio State University; BS Foods, Nutrition, Management, University of Akron; Clinical Experience, AP4 through the Ohio State University; Certification, CNSD

Specialty Areas: Weight management; Diabetes management; Oncology Nutrition; Enteral/Parenteral Nutrition
Lipid Management

Other: Member of American Society of Parenteral and Eneral Nutrition; Member of American Dietetic Association and Ohio Dietetic Association; Member of the Sports, Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutritionists Practice Group; Vegetarian Practice Group

»Czerwony, Beth

Specialty: Outpatient Dietitian

Gender: Female

Education: Masters of Science, Nutrition, Case Western Reserve University; Bachelors of Science, Dietetics, University of Akron; Dietetic Internship, Louis Stokes Cleveland VAMC

Specialty Areas: Weight Loss management; Diabetes management; Lipid management; Wellness / Prevention

Other: Educator/counselor at CCF main campus and various FHC's including: Beachwood, Lorain, Solon, Westlake and Willoughby

Professional Memberships: American Dietetic Association; Ohio Dietetic Association

»Dunn, Andrea

Specialty: Outpatient Dietitian

Gender: Female

Education: BS Food and Nutrition, Notre Dame College of Ohio, Cleveland, Ohio; Dietetic Internship, Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton, Ohio

Specialty Areas: Diabetes Prevention and Management - Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes; Heart Health and Blood Pressure Management; Weight Management; Women's Health/Wellness/Prevention, Kidney Stone Prevention and Lifestyle Management, Chronic Kidney Disease

Other: Helen Brown Award Winner 2002; Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE); Educator/counselor at Richard E. Jacobs Family Health Center, Avon, OH; Experience in nutrition teaching/counseling since 1979; Advisory Board member for Heart Advisor newsletter; Have given numerous professional and lay presentations; Member of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Ohio Dietetic Association and Cleveland Dietetic Association; Member of Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group and Diabetes Care and Education (DCE) Dietetic Practice Group; DCE Publications Committee Chair, 2004 - 2006; DCE NewsFlash Editor, 2007 - 2009; DCE Communications Coordinator, 2009 - 2011, DCE chair (chair-elect/chair/industry chair), 2011 - 2013; Member American Association of Diabetes Educators; Member American Diabetes Association

»Guerra, Kylene

Specialty: Outpatient Dietitian

Gender: Female

Education: MS Exercise Physiology & Adult Fitness, The University of Akron; BS Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Dayton

Dietetic Internship: Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA

Specialty Areas: Weight Management, Sport and Fitness Nutrition, Weight loss/Weight gain, Fueling for Performance, Diabetes Management, Wellness/Prevention

Other: Education/Counseling at CCF Main Campus; Member of the College and Professional Sports Dietitians Association; Sports, Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutrition Practice Group; Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; Ohio Dietetic Association; National Nutrition Month Co-Chair for the Cleveland Dietetic Association

»llic, Mira

Specialty: Outpatient Dietitian

Gender: Female

Education: MS, Nutrition, Case Western Reserve University; BA, Psychology, Case Western Reserve University; Dietetic Internship, Huron Road Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio

Specialty Areas: Lipid Management; Wellness/Prevention; Weight Management (Certified in Adult Weight Management); Diabetes Management

Other: Educator/counselor at CCF Main Campus Executive Health; Preventive Medicine Dept; Experience in nutrition counseling since 1984; Member of American Dietetic Association

»Jeffers, Laura

Specialty: Pediatric Dietitian

Gender: Female

Outpatient Manager; Education: MEd, Community Health Education, Cleveland State University; BS, Dietetics, Ashland University

Internship: Oakland County Health Division, Southfield, Michigan

Specialty Areas: Food Allergies/Intolerances, Weight Management, Metabolism Disorders, Gluten free diet for Celiac Disease, Wellness/Prevention

Other: Education/Counseling at Cleveland Clinic's main campus; Member of Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group; Member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Ohio Dietetic Association and Cleveland Dietetic Association; Member of the Diabetes Care and Education Practice Group; Member of the Clinical Nutrition Management Practice Group; Member of Genetic Metabolic Dietitians International; Founder and Manager of Cleveland Clinic's Eat Right at School program

»Kirby, Wendy

Specialty: Outpatient Staff

Gender: Female

Education: BS, Dietetics, Kent State University; Internship, Family Health Council, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Specialty Area:Gastric Bypass Program

Other: Working with the CCF Weight Management Program/Gastric; Bypass Education/Counseling at CCF Main Campus

Numerous lay presentations regarding Weight Management Support Group monthly

»Malone, Lindsay

Specialty: Outpatient Dietitian

Gender: Female

Education: MS Public Health Nutrition, Case Western Reserve University; BS Business Administration, Xavier University

Dietetic Internship: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio

Specialty Areas: Oncology, Wellness/Prevention, Chronic Disease

Other: Education/Counseling at CCF Main Campus; Preceptor for CCF Internship Program; Member of American Dietetic Association and Ohio Dietetic Association, Membership Chair for Cleveland Dietetic Association; Member of the Oncology Nutrition Practice Group; Member of the Nutrition and Dietetics Educators Practice Group

»Patton, Kate

Specialty: Outpatient Dietitian

Gender: Female

Education: BS, Dietetics & Nutrition, University of Dayton; Dietetic Internship, Cleveland Clinic; Masters of Education Exercise Science, Cleveland State University

Specialty Areas: Preventive Cardiology, Sports Nutrition

Other: Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, instructor for "Weigh to a Healthy Heart" group weight loss program, member of American Dietetic Association, member of Sports, Cardiovascular Nutrition, and Wellness Dietetic Practice group

»Smith, Maxine

Specialty: Outpatient Dietitian

Gender: Female

Education: BS, Dietetics, University of Akron, Akron, OH

Specialty Areas: Wellness/Prevention: Weight Management; Lipid Management

Other: Certified by the American Dietetic Association in Adult Weight Management

Location: Main Campus

»Snyder, Carolyn

Specialty: Outpatient Dietitian

Gender: Female

Education: BA, University of Akron, Collegiate Undergraduate Program; Master's of Public Health, Kent State University; Doctoral Candidate Public Health, Walden University

Specialty Areas: Nephrology and Hypertension; Bariatrics; Community Health Education; Wellness and Prevention

Other: Member of the American Dietetic Association; Member of the Ohio Dietetic Association; Member of Society of Public Health Educators

»Spetz, Gretchen

Specialty: Outpatient Dietitian

Gender: Female

Education: MS Public Health Nutrition, Case Western Reserve University; BA English, University of Notre Dame

Dietetic Internship: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio

Specialty Areas: Weight Management, Bariatrics, Diabetes Management, Lipid Management, Wellness/Prevention

Other: Education/Counseling at CCF Main Campus; Member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Ohio Dietetic Association; National Nutrition Month Chair for the Cleveland Dietetic Association; Member of the Diabetes Care and Education Practice Group

»Sullivan, Lauren K.

Education: BS Dietetics, University of Akron; AP4 Pre-Professional Practice Program, Marriott Corporation, Healthcare Division – East; George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, D.C.

Specialty Areas: Weight Loss Management and Gastric Bypass; Diabetes Management

Professional Memberships: American Dietetic Association; Ohio Dietetic Association; Diabetes Care and Education Dietetic Practice Group

Other: Educator/Counselor @ CCF Main Campus Bariatric & Metabolic Institute; Mentor Families with Children Newly Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes; Multiple Articles Published in the Diabetes Forecast

»Taylor, Anna

Specialty: Outpatient Dietitian

Gender: Female

Education: MS Family & Consumer Sciences, Illinois State University; BS Dietetics and minor in Health Promotion, Bowling Green State University

Dietetic Internship: Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois

Specialty Areas: Weight Management, Diabetes Management, Lipid Management, Wellness/Prevention

Professional Memberships: American Dietetic Association; Ohio Dietetic Association; Diabetes Care and Education Dietetic Practice Group

Other: Education/Counseling at CCF Main Campus, Lorain Family Health & Surgery Center, Elyria Family Health & Surgery Center, and the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute in Lyndhurst, Ohio; Member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Ohio Dietetic Association

»Zeller, Margaret "Peggy"

Specialty: Outpatient Dietitian

Gender: Female

Education: BA Dietetics, Ursuline College, Cleveland, Ohio; Dietetic Internship, Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio

Specialty Areas: Lipid Management; Wellness/Prevention; Diabetes Management

Other: Nutrition education/counseling at CCF Solon and Twinsburg Family Health Centers; Numerous professional and lay presentations; Member of the American Dietetic Association; member of Diabetes Care and Education practice group.

»Zumpano, Julia

Specialty: Outpatient Dietitian

Gender: Female

Specialty: Cardiology, Weight Loss, Hypertension, Disease Prevention

Education: University of Akron; Dietetic Internship: Cleveland Clinic; Certified Fitness Instructor

She focuses on strategies and behavior modification individualized to each patient's lifestyle, needs and readiness to change.

She also 'practices what she preaches' as a certified fitness instructor, leading Cardio-Kickboxing and a variety of other fitness classes at the Employee Fitness Center in the Walker Center. Julia is also a vegetarian.

Eat Right at School

Kids can eat healthier in school – and enjoy it!

Cleveland Clinic's "Eat Right at School" program is specifically designed to help schools ensure their menu items are truly healthy. Registered dietitians from our Center for Human Nutrition are available to evaluate your school's menus against our nutrition checklist. The criteria meet and exceed the USDA school lunch program guidelines.

Cleveland Clinic knows that healthy eating is important at every stage of life, and childhood is a particularly crucial time to teach good habits that will serve students well throughout their lives. That's why we designed our "Eat Right at School" program to provide a solid foundation for students to strive for an even healthier lifestyle in the years ahead.

Learn more about our program and download our brochure.

Ready to become and "Eat Right at School" partner?

If you would like to work with our dietitians to have your school menu receive the Cleveland Clinic "Eat Right at School" seal of approval, contact Nutrition Manager Laura Jeffers, RD, LD at 216.444.3046.

What is your BMI?

BMI stands for Body Mass Index, and is a measurement or ratio of your weight versus your height. It indicates the effect of body weight on disease and death.

How is BMI Calculated?

BMI is calculated by dividing your weight (in kilograms) by your height (in meters) squared. You can use the following equation:

weight in kilograms (weight in pounds divided by 2.2) divided by: (height in meters)²
or
[(height in inches x 2.54) / 100]²]

Calculate your BMI

Don't have a calculator handy? Here is a way to figure your BMI with less hassle:

What does this all mean?

A BMI calculated between 18 and 25 is considered to be a healthy weight. If BMI is between 25 and 30, this is considered to be a category known as overweight. A BMI above 30 implies obesity. Obesity is related to a range of significant health problems including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea, and others. If your BMI is above 25, consider visiting a Registered Dietitian to lean how you can develop a plan to manage your weight and avoid negative health problems.

Expert Videos

Resources

The free information provided in the links below is considered to be general information, and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition.

Lifestyle changes, such as dietary modifications, often require on-going support and guidance. Whenever possible, family members are included in the comprehensive outpatient education plan.

Patient education and lifestyle changes take time. You and the dietitian will be working together over several follow-up appointments to address your medical and nutritional needs. Outpatient appointments make lifestyle modifications easier on you. Appointments are available at Cleveland Clinic's main campus, and at the Family Health Centers in Beachwood, Brunswick, Elyria, Independence, Lakewood, Lorain, Solon, Strongsville, Willoughby Hills and Wooster to help you reach your goals.

Make an Appointment

• Patients: Request an appointment online
• Providers: Refer a patient

To prepare for your first appointment please download the Adult Nutrition Profile or the Pediatric Nutrition Profile and bring the completed form with you.

Appointment Locations »

Appointments can also be made directly by calling:

• Cleveland Clinic's main campus:
  216.444.3046
• Beachwood Family Health & Surgery Center:
  216.839.3000
• Brunswick Family Health Center
  330.225.8886
• Elyria Family Health & Surgery Center (Chestnut Commons)
  440.366.9444
• Independence Family Health Center :
  216.986.4000
• Lakewood:
  216.521.4400
• Lorain Family Health & Surgery Center :
  440.204.7400
• Richard E. Jacobs Family Health Center:
  440.695.4000
  800.599.7771
• Solon Family Health Center:
  216.519.6800
• Strongsville Family Health & Surgery Center :
  440.878.2500
• Twinsburg Family Health & Surgery Center :
  440.878.2500
• Willoughby Hills Family Health Center:
  440.943.2500
• Wooster Family Health Center:
  330.287.4500
• Pediatric Outpatient Appointments:
  216.444.9000

Toll-free: 800.CCF.CARE (800.223.2273) ext. 4-3046
Hearing Impaired (TTY) Assistance: 216.444.0261

• View more information regarding Cleveland Clinic's Family Health Centers.

What to Expect from Your Visit »

The Registered Dietitian (RD) works individually with each client to assess their nutritional needs, implement a tailored plan of care and follows up with the client until the goals of the nutritional plan of care are met. The RD provides treatment for malnutrition, chronic or acute illness, and education for diet therapy.

During your appointment, the RD will evaluate various health factors to determine your nutritional status.

• The assessment begins with an evaluation of your ability to consume food.
• The RD looks at current and past eating habits. A diet record completed by you or a family member is reviewed and discussed with you.
• The RD then obtains medical history such as weight and weight history, selected laboratory tests that may affect nutrition and/or your results, and medications that may affect nutritional status.
• The RD then examines you for signs of under- or over-nourishment; conditions that may affect swallowing, digestion, and the body's ability to absorb or use the food eaten.
• Food intolerance and allergies; religious, cultural, ethnic, and personal food preferences; and diet prescriptions are also taken into account.
• The RD may also ask for information from the physician or other providers such as nurses, speech pathologists, and occupational therapists.
• The RD interprets all the information and designs an individualized plan of action including education, if needed.
• Two to three nutrition therapy sessions are recommended for optimal results.

Benefits of Nutrition Therapy in acute care

In the acute-care setting, factors contributing to an increase in the demand for medical nutrition therapy include the aging of the population, the higher acuity level of hospitalized patients, and the coexistence of malnutrition with chronic diseases. Adequate nutrition is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality from acute and chronic disease. Well-nourished persons are more resistant to disease and are better able to tolerate other therapy and to recover from acute illness, surgical interventions, and trauma. Nutrition plays a direct role in the recovery of a patient from disease or the treatment associated with the disease.

Benefits of Nutrition Therapy in preventive care

The goals of medical nutrition therapy in preventive care are to keep people healthy in their communities; to reduce the incidence and severity of preventable diseases; to improve health and quality of life; and to reduce total medical costs, particularly costs for drug therapy, surgery, hospitalization, and extended care. Healthy People 2000 states the following objective: “Increase to at least 75% the proportion of primary care providers who provide nutrition assessment and counseling and/or referral to qualified nutritionists or dietitians” The US complete dietary history, understand barriers to changes in eating habits, and offer individualized guidance on food selection and preparation, should refer patients to a registered dietitian or qualified nutritionist for further counseling.

Benefits of Nutrition Therapy in outpatient care

Current health care payment systems have decreased the length of hospital stays. As a result, medical nutrition therapy services to prepare patients needing to follow special diets are very limited in the inpatient setting. These services may need to be provided and reinforced in the outpatient setting. Examples include medical nutrition therapy for diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and kidney failure.

Source: The Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 1995;95: 88-91.