What is your current job title and work location?
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Nutrition Support Service, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.
What is your educational background?
Received both my B.S. in Pharmacy and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees from the University of Cincinnati College of Pharmacy. In addition I am a Board Certified Nutrition Support Pharmacist (BCNSP) and a Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC).
How did you get involved in the field of clinical nutrition?
My first clinical pharmacy position was in pediatrics and one of the requirements for the position was writing the neonatal PN orders and writing a PN consult in the chart of the non-neonates receiving PN.
What specifically do you do in your current position?
I am the pharmacist member of the Nutrition Support Team and Intestinal Support Service. My primary responsibilities revolve around the daily monitoring of non-neonatal patients receiving parenteral nutrition, assisting in the initiation and advancement of PN in selected patients and I serve as the focal point for patients on home PN as they transition between the home and the hospital. My role also requires contributing to the nutrition education of the medical and nursing staff as well as education of pharmacy students. I also provide inpatient clinical pharmacy services to the GI, Renal, Rheumatology and Endocrinology departments.
Why did you become involved in A.S.P.E.N. and what are the benefits of being involved?
I became involved in A.S.P.E.N. because it gave me the opportunity to grow professionally and work with the many leaders in the field of clinical nutrition. I have been fortunate to serve as a member of many of the A.S.P.E.N. committees. I currently serve on three committees and the Chair of the Drug Shortage Taskforce. I have also had the privilege to serve in various roles with the State affiliate, The Ohio Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition including a term as President. Working with A.S.P.E.N. has allowed me the opportunity to serve as Section Editor for both editions of the A.S.P.E.N. Pediatric Nutrition Support Core Curriculum as well as Editor for the Parenteral Nutrition Handbook.
What recommendations would you give to someone just starting out in your field?
The most important recommendation I can give is to not only join A.S.P.E.N. but get involved sooner than later. The benefits gained by volunteering for various committees or projects are enormous both to the member and to the membership. We all have some area of expertise that we can share to others and becoming involved with A.S.P.E.N. allows for growth to occur. With our personal growth and contributions comes a great sense of pride and professional satisfaction not found in any other professional organization.
While reading your blog it seems that you research on this topic very much. I must tell you that your blog is very informative and it helps other also.