Get to Know Susan T. Lessar

Susan T. Lessar, MS, RD, is the Valley Health Director of Nutrition Therapy at Winchester Medical Center.

Why did you become interested in nutrition support?

There have been many novel advances in the positive role that nutrition support plays in patients with various diseases and conditions. I find it most challenging to address the patient’s specific nutrition needs in order to improve outcomes and overall quality of life.

What is your favorite aspect of being a member of A.S.P.E.N.?

Having access to other nutrition support professionals and resources that support evidence based practice.

 Tell us about your career pathway and how you got to where you are now?

I started my career as a RD in Oncology. My second job was in the Cancer Center, at the University of Maryland, where I rounded daily with the interdisciplinary team and gained invaluable knowledge about patient care; additionally, and almost more importantly, I learned how to communicate and interact with physicians!  Establishing that I was the nutrition expert afforded me the opportunity to make the decisions that addressed the patient’s nutrition needs.  I currently work in a Director role and oversee the RDs for the Valley Health system. In 2012, we were made our own standalone department (Nutrition Therapy), separate of Nutrition Services, and have further aligned the RD as a member of the clinical team and bedside patient care provider.

 What is your proudest moment as a nutrition support dietitian?

Having our awesome team of RDs and interdisciplinary members recognized for the A.S.P.E.N .Nutrition Support Clinical Team of Distinction Award in 2015. This team has worked really hard to implement best feeding practices, reduce inappropriate parenteral nutrition, learn placement of bedside feeding tubes, perform indirect calorimetry, etc. We are very proud of this award and team acknowledgement!

 What advice do you have for dietitians entering the field of nutrition support?

Be visible on your floors and develop relationships with physicians and the rest of the multidisciplinary team. Know our guidelines and evidence based practice so you can speak confidently to the medical staff. Gain comfort with physical assessment. Don’t let attainment of perfection stop you from progress and innovation.

 What do you do to relax?  

I have three little girls, a bunny, a new puppy, and six chickens.  There is no relaxing at my house – that’s why I choose to work!