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Preserving Evidence, Empathy, and Trust in an AI Era

Tuesday, October 27, 2026

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Hemisfair C3

CPE: 1.5

Proficiency: Intermediate knowledge/experience

Track: Technology & Innovation

Theme: Disruptors & Debate

Description

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping healthcare, transforming how dietitians communicate with clients, document, develop education materials, manage workflows, and more. At the same time, national consumer research shows that people are trusting institutions and experts less, placing more confidence in AI tools for answers. The speed of AI adoption has raised ethical, practical, and professional questions for dietitians, and this shift represents a critical moment for our profession. In this session, speakers will explore how dietitians can maintain and rebuild trust in an era where AI is impacting client expectations, health information, and clinical decision-making. We will share a balanced examination of AI’s benefits, limitations, and ethical implications to help dietitians navigate and engage with AI tools intentionally and responsibly. Through real-world case examples and facilitated discussion, attendees will learn how to leverage AI tools without compromising their credibility, ethics, or values. Attendees will leave with practical strategies and guardrails to navigate AI thoughtfully, communicate transparently, uphold evidence and empathy, and strengthen trust within the communities they serve.

Learning Objectives

  • Analyze how AI influences client expectations, information-seeking behaviors, and engagement in nutrition care, and apply strategies to maintain trust, credibility, and client-centered practice.
  • Explain the ethical, regulatory, and professional considerations required for responsible AI use to reduce risk and ensure alignment with professional standards and evidence-based practice.
  • Implement practical guidelines, safeguards, and decision-making frameworks to use AI responsibly, ethically, and effectively across clinical and non-clinical workflows.

Performance Indicators

  • 1.3.2 Uses an ethical framework to guide decisions.
  • 5.2.2 Understands impact of own values, beliefs and professional and personal biases on decision making.
  • 6.3.5 Understands emerging technologies (e.g., AI, machine learning) and associated ethical considerations, including bias, data ownership, transparency, and the responsible use of data by healthcare professionals or clients.

Speakers

  • Jessica Romola photo

    Jessica Romola

    Founder, Empowering Dietitians Supervision

    Jessica Romola is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, and supervisor to fellow dietitians under the brand Empowering Dietitians. Through 1:1 supervision, public speaking engagements, and CEU courses, Jessica helps dietitians reduce burnout and imposter syndrome, feel fulfilled in their work and lives, and make a bigger impact on their patients and in their communities. She is the host of the four-season-long Empowering Dietitians Podcast, covering a robust range of topics and issues related to the advancement of the dietetics field. Jessica also provides nutrition counseling through Nourish, an insurance-based Telehealth company, where she specializes in weight-inclusive medical nutrition therapy primarily for IBS, heart health, and disordered eating. Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, completed her Dietetic Internship at ARAMARK, and is a trained chef through the former Natural Gourmet Institute of NYC.
  • Raul Palacios photo

    Raul Palacios

    DPD Director, Texas Tech University

    Raul Palacios is a practicing Registered Dietitian and Director of the Didactic Program in Dietetics at Texas Tech University, where he focuses on preparing the next generation of nutrition professionals for an AI-enabled healthcare landscape. He leads coursework on AI fundamentals for health and human sciences students and actively experiments with AI-driven tools for simulation, assessment, and curriculum design. Raul has contributed to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ AI in Education Workgroup and serves as a guest editor for the International Journal of Obesity’s special issue on Artificial Intelligence. He is also completing his PhD studies in AI & Nutrition intersections. He is a rising thought leader in the AI and dietetics space, delivering keynotes, workshops, media appearances, and media articles among other media outlets. His scholarship and teaching center on how AI can augment, rather than replace, sound clinical reasoning and evidence-based nutrition care to improve nutrition practice in practical ways.

Moderator

  • Alissa Rumsey photo

    Alissa Rumsey

    Founder and CEO, The Liberated Clinician and Rumsey Nutrition Consulting

    Alissa Rumsey, MS, RD, CDN, CSCS (she/her/hers) is a registered dietitian, certified intuitive eating counselor, author, and business coach. She is the CEO and founder of The Liberated Clinician, a training and mentorship platform for dietitians and clinicians who want to build sustainable, values-aligned private practices. With over 15 years of experience in clinical nutrition, eating disorder care, and entrepreneurship, Alissa is known for helping clinicians turn their expertise into thriving businesses through simple systems, ethical marketing, and client-centered care. Her work bridges the gap between clinical skills and business confidence, showing providers how to create purpose-driven practices that support both their clients and their own well-being. Alissa’s approach is rooted in inclusive, trauma-informed care and a deep belief that dietitians shouldn’t have to choose between integrity and income. Through courses, workshops, and coaching, she has helped hundreds of clinicians start, grow, and streamline their private practices. Alissa is also the author of Unapologetic Eating and the founder of Rumsey Nutrition Consulting, where she has spent over a decade supporting clients with a compassionate, non-diet approach to nutrition. Her expertise has been featured in hundreds of media outlets and she speaks regularly at trainings and conferences around the country. Alissa earned Bachelor’s degrees in Dietetics and Exercise Science and a Master’s of Science degree in Health Communications from Boston University. She calls New York City home and spends her free time exploring the city’s food scene and searching for green space to sunbathe in. Learn more at www.theliberatedclinician.com and www.alissarumsey.com.

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