Catherine Dowling, Rdn, Ldn Email & Phone Number

Health Connections Outpatient Pavilion, Leonardtown, Md

As a member of the Health Connections team I play a crucial role in community outreach, outpatient care, and prevention of hospital readmission post-discharge. Responsibilities include: - Provides one-on-one individual and group nutrition counseling sessions across a wide spectrum of chronic conditions and age groups, including but not limited to: * General healthful nutrition through pregnancy, childhood, adolescence, adults and older adults * Portion control and carbohydrate counting for gestational, Type 1, and Type 2 diabetes * Meal planning and healthy food options for multiple chronic health conditions: cardiac, renal, dysphagia, celiac disease, cirrhosis, GI disorders, cancer, nutrition support- Teaches diabetes education and self-management courses with an RN/CDE- Assists with facilitation of bi-annual Diabetes Fairs- Performs various health screenings and supports general health education programs- Provides 1-on-1 counseling for pre- and post-op bariatric surgery & facilitates local support group- Collaborates with Case Management services to establish clinical transition plans for patients being discharged from the hospital

Chesapeake Shores, Lexington Park, Md

The consultant dietitian provides proper nutrition care and services to all residents of the facility. Responsibilities include: - Maintains compliance with MDS and Medicare regulations- Monitors significant changes in weight status, skin integrity, appetite, cognitive status, and recommends appropriate nutrition interventions to resolve issues- Documents initial, quarterly, and annual assessments in medical record. Completes further monthly and follow-up assessments as clinically and nutritionally indicated. - Initiates and updates Nutrition Care Plans- Attends meetings with other medical professionals and family members to plan resident care- Completes white-glove quality surveys of the food service department and collaborates with CDM to resolve all dietary issues

Clinton, Md

The clinical dietitian plans and provides nutritional care to all patients. Responsibilities include: - Reviews medical history and orders on all patients- Interviews patients to obtain food and nutrition-related history- Calculates calorie, protein, and fluid needs dependent on age and medical condition- Implements medical nutrition therapy for patients determined to be at nutrition risk- Develops appropriate recommendations for enteral and parenteral nutrition support- Documents assessments in the electronic medical record- Conducts follow-up assessments according to medical condition and nutrition risk- Performs nutrition education classes for all age groups and staff as required

Raritan, Nj

As part of my Nutrition Education and Counseling Concentration for my Dietetic Internship, I provided my expertise at a business corporation, engaging in one-on-one nutrition counseling sessions with employees and contractors at three separate buildings on the facility's campus. My work there culminated in a presentation which helped launch their new wellness initiative, "Lose to Win!" which explored the trouble with "diets" and empowered the audience to choose healthful lifestyle changes.

Therapy Services

My work at the Therapy Center required the ability to shift between outpatient clerical duties and inpatient treatment depending on the department's needs. Administrative tasks included scheduling outpatient therapy (physical, occupational, speech, audiology), verifying insurance coverage and obtaining authorization for therapy, and managing status of client accounts. I maintained an open communication network with clients, therapists, and insurance providers in-person and over the phone in a courteous and professional manner. For inpatient treatment I prepared equipment (walkers, resistance bands, oxygen tanks, etc.), and assisted the physical therapist with moving the patient in and out of bed for treatment. I would ensure that all medical equipment was transported safely with the patient and followed with a chair while walking in case he or she could not travel very far.

Nutrition Care Services

My daily tasks included many responsibilities to provide nourishment to the residents at the medical center. For every meal I collected inpatient menu orders from either the patient or a family member of the ordering individual was unavailable, and verified diet prescriptions with healthcare personnel and the computer system. I also delivered each meal and required supplements while abiding to standard precautions and food safety standards. Between collecting orders and delivering food trays, I kept my unit kitchens well-stocked in both the refrigerator and pantry so patients would have access to food during the kitchen's off-hours.

Nutrition Care Services

As a volunteer with Nutrition Care Services, I assisted the Clinical Nutrition Manager (CNM) with weekly auditing of test trays, unit refrigerator temperatures, patient identifiers, and hand hygiene. Additional responsibilities included preparing materials for the Get Fit Kids! physical and nutrition education program, and creating informational cafeteria displays regarding current topics in nutrition.

I acted as a substitute teacher for Warren Hills Middle School and High School during breaks from college. I was required to respond to phone calls late at night and early in the morning and make a decision about whether or not I could adequately fill the position. While there I carefully carried out the lesson plans and documented the students' progress for the teacher when he or she returned. On all occasions I monitored a classroom of 20-30 students, and acted in a friendly and professional manner appropriate for the age group I was supervising. There were times when classes split into smaller groups for reading and mathematics help, and I used that time to provide one-on-one assistance to the students as they requested help.

Nutrition And Dietetics Department

As a senior I was offered this position from the head of my department. I would shop for food and prepare materials for sessions in the food laboratory on weekly basis, including setting out supplies, organizing ingredients and chemicals, and cleaning up the laboratory after classes. I worked with my fellow teaching assistant to maintain an inventory of pantry and cleaning supplies, and replaced them as necessary. Responsibilities outside the food laboratory included creating instructional materials for nutrition classes and assisting the head of my department with her research on the nutrient value of Moringa leaves. During part of my spring semester I substituted for one of my professors due to an injury, and taught Food and Food Science and Food Science and Technology class and laboratory sessions.

Dietetic Internship, Nutrition Education And Counseling

Over the course of 10 months I completed over 1200 hours of supervised practice experience to hone my skills in the nutrition.

Bachelor'S Degree, Nutrition And Dietetics, 3.86

Activities and Societies: Messiah College Honors Program, Sigma Zeta National Science and Mathematics Honor Society, Acclamation Dance.