Get to Know Jodi Wolff, MS, RDN, LD, FAND, FAACPDM
What is your current job title and work location?
Pediatric Dietitian, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital
Adjunct Professor, Case Western Reserve School of Medicine
Cleveland, Ohio
What is your educational background?
Bachelor of Science, Master of Science in Nutrition
How did you get involved in the field of clinical nutrition?
I participated in a Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic when I was a freshman in college and saw many children with malnutrition. Seeing the effects of malnutrition sparked a desire to try and figure out how to help people get better by improving their nutrition. I returned from that trip and changed my major from social work to nutrition.
What specifically do you do in your current position?
I work as part of an interdisciplinary team that cares for children with complex medical needs such as cerebral palsy and syndromes with various forms of neurological impairment. Most of the patients in our program require enteral nutrition, and part of my role is to recommend appropriate feeding regimens to support growth and to adjust plans based on GI tolerance.
Why did you become involved in ASPEN and what are the benefits of being involved?
I was asked to serve on the ASPEN Malnutrition Committee, which has been a wonderful experience. I have the opportunity to work alongside individuals who have made extraordinary contributions in the field of nutrition. As a result, I have learned new things and continue to be inspired, working with those who share my passion to make a difference by addressing malnutrition. Being involved with ASPEN has led to tremendous networking resulting in several opportunities for professional and personal growth. It has challenged me to do things I may not have attempted on my own. ASPEN has provided the support I need to continue to develop my skills and I have made some great new friends along the way.
What recommendations would you give to someone just starting out in your field?
I would tell them “Do not wait until later to get involved. Get involved now.” Looking back, I wish I would have known all the benefits of volunteering and started this earlier in my career. I would recommend asking where a group needs help and then jump on a committee and help wherever the need is. Initially it may seem like a small contribution, but if you are faithful in the little things you will likely be asked to do more which can lead to great opportunities. This will likely result in some kind of informal mentoring as you work with professionals that have years of experience. Don’t wait until you have more experience to get involved; get involved early in your career and you will reap many personal and professional benefits.
