Dietitians in Medical Nutrition Therapy DPG

Since its inception, DIGID has faithfully served its purpose to bring strong representation of gastrointestinal disorders to AND. In this short time, DIGID has brought together specializing dietitians to complete the Evidence Analysis Project, the Celiac Disease Toolkit, the Certificate of Training in Gluten-Related Disorders, and the credential, Credentialed Specialist in Digestive Health (CSDH). The pioneering leaders of DIGID created widespread awareness among dietitians, industry, and government that has immeasurably improved care to patients with GI disorders.

The goal of DIGID is to establish and advance the standards of care in gastrointestinal disorders by developing patient and practitioner resources, partnering with GI societies, and providing connection and networking via meetups, conferences, and the DIGID discussion board.

CFN is a specialty group for dietitians who work with or are interested in patients living with cystic fibrosis (CF) – the most commonly inherited disease amongst Caucasians. Over the past decade, the advances made in cystic fibrosis have been substantial. Most recently, the advent of Kalydeco has allowed patients living with a certain genotype of cystic fibrosis to live long beyond their initial life expectancies. Aside from this, the progress made in medical and nutritional therapies have lengthened the average lifespan into the early 40s and beyond.

This disease state is heavily dependent on optimized nutrition strategies, which is associated with improved pulmonary function. CF not only affects the lungs, but also the pancreas, liver, gastrointestinal tract, metabolism, and nutrient absorption. The medical nutrition therapy for cystic fibrosis includes but is not limited to: individualized dietary modifications, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, vitamin and mineral supplementation, nutrition supplement shakes, probiotic supplements, and electrolyte replacement.

The goals of this group include developing standards of care and education materials for patients and professionals, promoting discussions on implementation of how to utilize the International Dietetics and Nutrition Terminology manual specific to cystic fibrosis, and offer evidence-based resources while allowing for conversations on potential areas of future research.

The Dietitians in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (DPM&R) sub-unit is a resource for dietetic professionals providing MNT for people with loss of function due to illness, injury or surgery. The goals of rehabilitation are to reach and maintain the highest possible level of function and quality of life and prevent secondary complications. Nutrition has a strong role in achieving these goals. Services are provided in a variety of settings including acute hospitals, sub-acute rehabilitation facilities, skilled-care nursing homes, home health, clinics and private practice. There is great potential for research in nutrition for the variety of conditions treated in rehabilitation.

Conditions treated include: Dysphagia, Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Sport Injuries, Amputation, Osteoporosis, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary  Rehabilitation, Orthopedics - Joint Reconstruction, Wound Care and Parkinson’s.

The Immunocompromised and Transplant Nutrition sub-unit is created for dietetic professionals to access resources related to medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for immunocompromised individuals.

The prevalence of immunocompromised adults in the United States is thought to be growing due to medical advancements which have both increased the life expectancy of immunocompromised individuals as well as expanded the use of immunosuppressant therapies.

MNT for immunocompromised patients should be individualized based on the source of immunosuppression, underlying disease state, and current illness. This sub-unit will address MNT for immunosuppressed individuals specific to disease state.

Ultimately, the goal of this sub-unit is to provide a community for dietetic professionals to collaborate and share knowledge of nutrition as it relates to immunosuppression throughout the lifecycle.

The DMNT Member Marketplace is provided as a benefit to DMNT members to share their offerings and support others in medical nutrition therapy. DMNT members may submit a product or service that they are involved with for inclusion.

Note: Inclusion of a product or service does not suggest an endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by DMNT or the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy). Viewers should form their own opinions about any product or service that is posted.

DMNT members should use the  DMNT Member Marketplace Submission Request Form.