2020 May Newsletter

President’s Message

I’m sure you are all aware by this time that Governor Lee’s latest Executive Orders are slowly opening up our state. You can access each of them here: https://sos.tn.gov/products/division-publications/executive-orders-governor-bill-lee

Per TAND Lobbyist Jill Talbert, the legislature is returning May 25th for committees. They will be in recess now for the summer and fall, which is a great time to meet up with them locally and not have to travel to Nashville. Their schedules are much more free and flexible as well. I encourage you to reach out to them.

And you should be aware without me telling you, this is a big election year, not only nationally but on the state and local level. Do your research and vote on the issues, not the party.

Well, this is my final newsletter article, and what a year it has been! The best part of working with TAND is getting to know you, the members and leaders around the state. There is so much knowledge and wisdom in you all it is overwhelming. Not to mention the tremendous work ethic that each of you display and your passion and love for nutrition and the people of Tennessee. You have kept me on my toes.

I have been humbled and blessed by your show of support these past 12 months via emails and text messages and the tireless work of our Pillars, Chairs, local districts, Executive Director and Lobbyist. And there are so many, many more that labor behind the scenes for the profession, not wanting or seeking recognition, but doing good just because that is who they are.

I am excited for the year ahead and the leadership of Ginger Carney in 2020-2021!

May God bless and keep you all and have a great summer!

Brian Carroll
bcarro18@utm.edu
618.727.0523

Free CEU Webinar

While we are disappointed our annual conference was cancelled due to the current Coronavirus pandemic, TAND is committed to bringing you professional opportunities this spring and early summer. We have our first confirmed webinar! Read on for details, and stay tuned for more webinars as they are confirmed!

The (re)Purpose of Food: Food Waste
Speaker: Judy Barbe, MS, RDN
Date: Thursday, May 28
Time: 1pm ET/12pm CT

Find out full details and register using the button below or by visiting our website.

Thank you for the generous support of the Dairy Alliance for making this opportunity possible

House of Delegates Updates

Greeting’s TAND Members,

I wanted to let you all know that due to the current pandemic, the spring house of delegate’s meeting has been cancelled. That said, there is still work being done on your (and the public’s) behalf!

In case you missed it, The Academy’s Board of Directors approved the following Healthful Eating Stance to replace the previously published  “Total Diet Approach” position statement:

“The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics believes the foundation of a healthful lifestyle is a pattern of eating nutrient-rich foods in appropriate portion sizes, combined with regular physical activity. Credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners use the best available science to develop personalized healthful eating recommendations for all people at every stage of life. A registered dietitian nutritionist is the expert source for customizing an eating plan based on a person’s health status, culture and personal preferences.”

This stance has been shared in Eat Right Weekly and in SmartBrief Nutrition.

This is in follow-up to the fall 2019 House of Delegates meeting dialogue and subsequent qualitative analysis that was provided to the Board of Directors.

It continues to be an honor to serve as a representative of the district professionals in the state of Tennessee. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns!

Sincerely,
Mary Catherine Schallert

TAND Advanced Practice Certification Scholarship

TAND is accepting applications for the Advanced Practice Certification Scholarship!
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: May 15, 2020

CLICK HERE to be directed to the TAND website for details on the scholarship and to apply.

If you have any questions, please contact ChristyDavis@IAmMorrison.com.

Diversity Updates

In keeping with the Academy’s mission of “…providing all practitioners with vital tools to practice culturally proficient care…” please utilize link to expand your knowledge and definition of these often used terms: https://generalassemb.ly/blog/diversity-inclusion-equity-differences-in-meaning/

See Article from CNM DPG titled: Moving Beyond Stereotypes: Tips for Fostering Collaborative, Intergenerational Work Relationships

Nashville’s 2019-2020 Award Winners

Please join us in celebrating Nashville’s 2019-2020 NAND Award Winners

Emerging Dietetics Leader: Jamie Flick
Outstanding Dietitian of the Year: Donna Harrell
Outstanding Dietetics Educator Award: Crystal Lunenschloss
Outstanding Dietetics Student Award: Erin Lancaster
Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year Award: Chelsea LeBlanc
Preceptor of the Year Award: Beth Mills
Iris Award: Dr. Julia Gomez

We will be celebrating and honoring these amazing individuals at the fall 2020 member meeting due to the cancellation of our spring meeting! We miss all of our members and are looking forward to events next year!

NAND will be offering a virtual CEU journal club in May as a way to stay connected and earn some CEU’s!

Help Americans Keep Food on the Table: TAKE ACTION TODAY!

Go to your action center and send your congressmen a note today. https://www.eatrightpro.org/advocacy/take-action/action-center

Free Livestream for Dietetic Students and Interns: Medical Nutrition Therapy in the Pediatric Patient

As we all know, the impact of COVID-19 on dietetic internships and DPD programs has forced programs to move practice hours and coursework online.

Here at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, the Nutrition Therapy Department host dietetic interns and student for multiple programs for supervised practice hours and a pediatric practicum. We pride ourselves as an educational hub for future dietitians. Though we have had to temporarily suspend our intern rotations, we are happy to announce we are hosting our pediatric practicum online.

Medical Nutrition Therapy in the Pediatric Patient is a virtual practicum hosted by the Nutrition Therapy Department at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN.

This FREE event will feature live presentations from Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital staff on evidence-based practice, research, and education in pediatric nutrition. Participants will apply the knowledge they have learned in multiple case scenarios. Though this event is designed for dietetic interns, this event is open to undergraduate, graduate, and internship students of nutrition/dietetics.

Please note: This is a free event, but registration is required. This event will not be recorded. CEUs will NOT be offered for attending this event.

For information and registration: https://www.lebonheur.org/our-services/nutrition-therapy/dietetic-intern-lecture-days/

We appreciate all of the hard work you do as internship coordinators and directors. Thank you for allowing us to continue to take part in the training and education of our future peers!

Please contact Michelle Miller, Michelle.Miller@lebonheur.org, with any questions or concerns.

Stay safe,
Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital Dietitians

UTC Dietetic Graduate Program 2020 Final Cohort

An Update from STAND

Hello fellow TAND members! As we wrap up yet another wonderful year in our organization, I wanted to take a moment to thank all my fellow STAND Board members. We have recently experienced some unprecedented times in our world and organization, but our board members have continued to work hard and prepare for the upcoming year of STAND.

Social Media Co-Chair, Natalie Brandenburg, is currently finishing her dietetic internship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Congratulations Natalie! After the Dietetic Internship, she plans to take and pass the credentialing exam. She is also excited to improve her food photography and writing skills while contributing to EDIBLE Nashville and on her Instagram page, @thecaliforniabowl. In addition, Natalie hopes to incorporate more of her dietetics background into her work in food product development. She is excited to pursue any nutrition-related experience for her growth within this ever-changing field.

Social Media Co-Chair, Sarah Turner, is preparing to graduate from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics. She has been matched with the Dietetic Internship at The University of Tennessee at Martin and will begin this program in the fall. After completing this internship, Sarah plans to pass the credentialing exam, and begin working towards her CSSD, as her dream is to be a private practice sports dietitian.

Amanda Steele, STAND Treasurer, is also concluding her senior year. She is finishing up her bachelor’s degree at The University of Tennessee at Martin. This summer she plans to head to South Dakota to work as a cook at Mount Rushmore in Dakota Kitchen. Afterwards, she will be moving to Oregon, as she has been accepted into the Oregon Health and Science University to complete a combined Dietetic Internship and Master of Science in Human Nutrition for the next two years.

Secretary Carmen Bell also has bright plans. She is wrapping up her senior year in the Nutrition and Food Science program at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and has been matched with the Iowa State University Dietetic Internship program. She plans to pursue her master’s degree in Leadership in Nutrition from MTSU while completing her internship. After completing these programs, Carmen plans to pass her credentialing exam and start working in an outpatient setting. She hopes to someday start a community service project to educate underserved populations on nutrition-based disease management.

Our President-Elect, Ash Abro, is finishing his junior year at MTSU, and is busy fulfilling his role as Project Assistant and Student Ambassador for the grant, Blue Raiders Drink Up, and serving as the secretary for the Food Science Association at MTSU. Ash plans to start searching for programs offering a master’s degree in nutrition and is especially interested in pursuing a future in functional nutrition. We are happy to have Ash returning as the STAND President for the 2020-2021 fiscal year, as well!

Like the other seniors, I am quickly approaching the date I graduate from MTSU with my Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Science, Dietetics degree. I am delighted to say that I have matched with the University of Virginia Health System Dietetic Internship and am eager to begin this next chapter in my life. I feel very confident that this program will provide me with a solid foundation for a future in clinical dietetics, specifically in nutrition support.

It was a privilege and honor to be a part of STAND and serve as the President for 2019-2020. Thank you to all our members and supporters! I look forward to seeing what the future holds for STAND.

Olyvia Norton

Payment Matters – Secure Your Fair Share

Understanding the basics of health care payments and other sources of funding for the services you provide is an asset to every RDN, no matter where you work.

• Even if you are collecting a salary from your employer, do you know how your position is funded?
• Do you know how much your employer has the potential to collect in reimbursement for the work you are already doing?

When you understand where the money comes from, you are better positioned to negotiate salaries and secure the future of the profession.

Topics are presented in eight emails sent over six months. Choose the series that is tailored specifically for you:

• I am not currently billing payers
• Someone else does the billing, but I want to understand
• I am a student or intern
• I want to learn more about Alternative Payment Models and Value Based Payments

Your knowledge about the financial value of the services you provide will help you secure your future and the future of the profession.

Renewing Your Membership

We appreciate your Academy and TAND membership and commitment to the profession as a member during the 2019-20 membership year. While we navigate this unprecedented time of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Academy and TAND remain committed to serving our members.
Now more than ever, you need the cutting-edge practice information and professional resources Academy membership offers at the national level, while also maximizing the benefits of TAND, such as networking, annual conferences, webinars, CEU opportunities, and more!

The Academy recognizes that membership renewal coincides with this challenging time and is offering several options to help with your renewal:

• The membership renewal deadline has been extended through June 30 online, by phone or by mail.
• An option to pay dues in two equal installments is now available. The first installment is due by June 30, and a second installment is due by September 15.
• If financial hardship threatens your ability to maintain Academy membership, you may request an application for a Financial Hardship Dues Reduction.

Renew your membership with the Academy and the TAND online or by calling the Academy Member Service Center toll-free at 800/877-1600, ext. 5000 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Central Time). International callers can reach us at +1-312/899-0040, ext. 5000. For more information on the installment and hardship options, please email membership@eatright.org or call the Academy Member Service Center.

With programs and support at both the local and national level, now is the time to stay connected. Today, tomorrow and beyond, the Academy and TAND are here to amplify your voice, your profession and your career.

We’re stronger together!
Carrie Kiley
eatrighttn@gmail.com

Updates from the Academy

Webinar Recording Available: Providing Nutrition Services via Telehealth During the COVID-19 Pandemic: What RDNs Need to Know
Recorded March 26, 2020 – As a hospital-based dietitian, are you being asked to provide remote outpatient counseling? As a private practice dietitian, are clients asking to meet with you from their home? As our nation faces an unprecedented public health emergency, RDNs in both health care facilities and private practice are turning to telehealth as a means for providing medical nutrition therapy and other nutrition-related services to the populations they serve. Whether you are new to delivering care via telehealth or want to learn more about the special guidelines from payers unique to the COVID-19 pandemic, this webinar is for you. Join Academy staff experts who will share information on the latest updates and answer questions.

Available now – click here: https://www.eatrightpro.org/practice/professional-development/distance-learning/free-cpe-for-members

CDR Deadline Extended to July 15
The Commission on Dietetic Registration is extending from May 31 to July 15 the deadline for CDR-credentialed practitioners to complete continuing professional education needed to finish their PDP requirements. CDR is communicating with practitioners affected by this extension.

Learn More: https://www.cdrnet.org/covid19

Changes to Dues Deadline, New Payment Options Announced to Help Support Members During the COVID-19 Pandemic
In a time when we are faced with more questions than answers, the Academy is listening to government agencies, experts and our members—and adapting and executing business strategies to meet the ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic.

• Recognizing that the annual renewal cycle coincides with a time of uncertainty, membership renewal has been extended through June 30, 2020. In addition, CDR will be holding off invoicing registration maintenance fee until mid-July.
• The Academy also has implemented a two-installment payment option, with the first payment due June 30 and the second due by September 15.
• For individuals experiencing a financial hardship that threatens their ability to maintain Academy membership, an application for a Financial Hardship Dues Reduction is available.

Members may use the two-installment payment plan or request a Financial Hardship Dues Reduction application by calling the Academy Member Service Center by phone 800/877-1600, ext. 5000 (M-F; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Central Time) or by email membership@eatright.org for assistance.

Academy Foundation – Donate for a Chance to WIN!
The Academy Foundation is proud to have been able to provide $60,235 to Tennessee members and students since 2017 through our scholarship, award, and research grants programs.

The Foundation has issued a challenge to all affiliates. Affiliate with the highest percentage of its members contributing to the Foundation when renewing their Academy member dues before June 1, 2020 will receive a $1,000 scholarship in their name to be awarded to a student member of their affiliate in the 2021 membership year.

The State Fundraising Champion from the winning Affiliate will also receive free registration for FNCE 2020 in Indianapolis.

Through your support the following people have received funding since 2017. Congratulations to the following recipients!

Carmen Bell, Marissa Black, Kendre Brown, Marissa Castano, Sarah Ferguson, Lauren  Fischer, Miranda Fulmer, Margo Grover, Elizabeth Hall, Katherine Irwin, Kaela McIver, Sade Meeks, Rebekah Miller, Kaitlyn Moorhead-Hill, Emily Murray, Tracy Noerper, Jennifer Pate, Marleah Payne, Kaitlyn Philipps, Caroline Pruente, Evelyn Reilman, Abigail Rider, Lauren Saxena, Jennifer Smith

These scholarships, awards, research grants and fellowships are made possible through the generosity of our donors. Thank You!