Under the direct supervision of the Surgeon and Practice Manager, the Registered Dietitian is responsible for all aspects of nutritional care based upon patient needs, preferences, and evidence-based science.

Performs initial nutrition assessment of patients. Determines their healthcare needs as well as participating in the screening of potential candidates for surgery. Conduct pre-surgical evaluations for surgical candidates working as part of a broader treatment team consisting of surgeons, mental health professionals, and wellness advisors. Provide pre-surgical dietary consultations to prepare candidates for successful surgery. Review clinical and biochemical data to formulate a nutrition care plan encompassing socio-economic and psychosocial factors. Provide comprehensive post-surgical nutrition consultations guiding the patients through all phases of the post-surgical diet, conduct nutrition focused examinations to detect post-surgical complications, and communicate progress to the broader treatment team headed by a bariatric surgeon. Counsels' post-op patients to ensure dietary compliance, nutritional adequacy, and formulation of goals throughout their 2-year post-operative course. Assesses and adjusts diet regime based on diet tolerance, weight changes, laboratory values and clinical parameters. Monitor and tailor each patient's vitamin and mineral supplementation according to daily requirements, absorption capacity, supplement tolerance, food consumption, and clinical parameters. Lead or organize patient support groups. Conduct patient education sessions.
Counsel patients on non-surgical weight loss while addressing using nutrition to treat chronic lifestyle diseases. Work as part of a team with wellness advisors, mental health professionals, exercise physiologists, physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals. Complete all necessary documentation and communicate the nutrition care plan through written, verbal, and electronic systems as the need dictates. Interprets, evaluates, and utilizes pertinent research in nutrition to assist in best practice outcomes for the patient. Makes follow up telephone calls, emails, and/or letters to patients with questions regarding the patient's diet, vitamin and mineral supplementation, and laboratory results.

Ability to speak and read English at a level that is sufficient to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the position. Knowledge of standard office equipment (i.e., calculator, fax, photocopier) and personal computer and computer software skills (i.e., MS Windows, Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint, internet, e-mail). Windows computer skills including proficient use of keyboarding, use of mouse or keys for functions such as selecting items, use of drop-down menus, scroll bars, opening folders, copying and similar operations required upon employment or within the 1st two weeks of employment to perform the essential functions of the job. Performs other duties as assigned. Follows Palomar Health Medical Group rules, policies, procedures, applicable laws, and standards. Carries out the mission, vision, and quality commitment of Palomar Health Medical Group.

Job Requirements