Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is an evidence-based nutrition service provided by registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) to help people manage chronic conditions such as kidney disease, wound healing and metabolic disorders, improve health outcomes, and build sustainable eating habits. At Pentec Health, our MNT service connects patients with experienced RDNs who provide personalized nutrition counseling and ongoing support for a wide range of nutrition-related health challenges.
We recently sat down with several RDNs to learn more about their experiences, what inspired them to pursue a career in nutrition, and the impact they make in the lives of patients every day.
From helping patients manage chronic conditions to providing personalized nutrition guidance and support, these clinicians share their perspectives on delivering compassionate, patient-centered care.
Read on to hear firsthand from the registered dietitian nutritionists who support our patients every day.
From your perspective, what is the biggest challenge patients face regarding adherence?
Colleen G.
While patients face many challenges, the biggest challenge I see is confusion surrounding conflicting nutrition and health information and understanding what advice is appropriate for them to achieve their health goals.
As their dietitian, I provide evidence-based information and education and apply it to their specific needs. Taking the whole person into account, including their diagnoses, lab work, habits, lifestyle, food preferences, likes and dislikes, I help them incorporate small changes over time that lead to long-lasting, sustainable health improvements.
Barbara H.
The biggest challenge with adherence is the gap between knowing what is healthy and fitting it into actual lifestyle changes. The RDN will listen to your challenge,learn about your lifestyle, and suggest gradual changes that are suited and manageable for you.
Susan A.
Sometimes it is just a lack of support and encouragement. Meeting more frequently with patients helps keep them on track and focused on their goals.
Emily G.
Consistency with gradual, small step behavior change, along with education explaining why.
Katie M.
Consistency is often the biggest challenge. By listening to each patient's needs, barriers, and goals, we can develop practical strategies and small, sustainable changes that are reinforced through ongoing support and follow-up.
Monica C.
Stress and lack of time are common challenges for people and families trying to eat better. The temptation of looking for a quick-fix diet is always there in our society. Meeting with an RDN can help patients make small behavioral changes that feel sustainable without feeling overwhelming.
Elizabeth V.
The biggest challenge is remaining consistent. The accountability check-ins with the Registered Dietitian assist with motivation to remain consistent with goals.
What is the most rewarding part of working in such a specialized field of nutrition support, and why does it matter to you personally?
Colleen G.
By far the most rewarding part of my work is when my patient achieves a nutrition or health goal, like improving a lab value, losing weight, identifying a food intolerance and eliminating symptoms, or even getting a "good job!" from their PCP, and they express their satisfaction, even joy, to me. I love saying that you don't need to thank me, because you did all the work.
Barbara H.
Seeing patients make meaningful lifestyle changes and watching those efforts translate into improved health outcomes.
Susan A.
Seeing patients improve their overall health and well-being. Whether it is weight loss or improved lab values, it is a great reward to know you have helped someone improve their health and also their well-being.
Emily G.
Building relationships with patients and watching them improve their health. It is rewarding anytime a patient comes to a visit, excited to share their progress with a lower weight, improved labs, or easier exercise.
Katie M.
Helping people to improve their health. I have been given a gift to help and support people, and have channeled this into nutrition.
Monica C.
The most rewarding parts for me are the long-term relationships that are formed with patients. That they trust you to help them with their very personal health track. When I work with a patient who has had a long, unhealthy relationship with food, and we see that improve dramatically over time, I realize that this is why I became a dietitian.
Elizabeth V.
The most rewarding part is seeing my patients make improvements in their overall health. I have always wanted to work in the healthcare field to help others. Nutrition and good health have always been a passion and way of life for me.
How have advances in technology or new therapies changed the way you support your patients in recent years?
Colleen G.
Telehealth. I am so grateful for the ability to see my patients via telehealth. Given my life at the moment, caring for elderly parents, I wouldn't be able to maintain this position without Telehealth, which would be very unfortunate. I have 30 years of experience as a dietitian and still have a lot of knowledge and support to provide.
Barbara H.
Advances in technology provide dietitians with more real-time data and insight into patients' daily habits.
Susan A.
Tracking apps and, currently, AI tools such as ChatGPT can provide extra support and guidance when adopted into their education curriculum.
Emily G.
All visits are virtual online. Most communication is via email. I also have some patients using apps, ChatGPT, and AI to help make handouts concise. Without the internet, none of this would be possible.
Katie M.
Better ways to assess their food intake. Tools to understand reading labels and CMS to address blood sugars.
Monica C.
Electronic tracking devices, whether for calories, macros, daily steps, blood sugars, weight, blood pressure, etc., have helped patients take more control of their health by offering feedback and accountability in real time.
Elizabeth V.
The biggest advances I have seen are the GLP-1 medications. I have seen the most incredible results with weight loss and overall improvement in health.
What is one core principle of nutrition management you find yourself returning to most often when counseling patients?
Colleen G.
While it is close to impossible to avoid all processed foods, the more that your diet is comprised of whole, unprocessed foods, the healthier and more nutrient-dense your diet will be.
Barbara H.
The plate method for food choices and helping the patient to understand their hunger versus full cues.
Susan A.
Keeping things simple and adhering to the basics. Avoiding overly complicated guidelines and expectations.
Emily G.
Active listening. Everyone is different. You have to listen to help them achieve their goals, adapting to what is realistic for them.
Monica C.
Lifestyle, not restrictive dieting. Eating and food should be pleasurable parts of our lives, and learning to have a healthier relationship with food without all the guilt and shame can make a massive difference.
Elizabeth V.
The most important thing I stress to my patients is eating a diet with natural, whole foods, limiting highly processed foods and drinks, and maintaining daily movement and exercise.
Establishing new nutritional habits takes time and patience, but patients are never alone in
the process. We are here to support our patients and work closely with providers to achieve the best possible outcomes. Learn more about Pentec Health's medical nutrition therapy services and how our registered dietitians help patients achieve better health through personalized nutrition care. If you have questions, our team is here to help.
