The Future of Clinical Nutrition: AI Tools That Elevate Dietitian Practice

Disclosure: Brittney Patterson is employed by HealthLeap, an AI Malnutrition start-up. Have you ever wondered how artificial intelligence is changing the way dietitians work in hospitals and critical care? In this episode of the DNS Podcast, host Christina Rollins sits down with Brittney Patterson, MS, RD-AP, CNSC, a seasoned clinician and nutrition informatics expert.Brittney shares her decade-plus experience in critical care and nutrition support, and how she now helps dietitians harness AI and EHR data to:Quickly identify and prioritize malnourished patientsStreamline workflows for faster, safer careEnhance clinical decision-making without replacing the dietitian’s expertiseFrom her innovative work at Stanford Health Care to her role at HealthLeap, Brittney bridges the gap between clinical practice and cutting-edge technology, showing how AI can truly empower dietitians and improve patient outcomes.Whether you’re a dietitian curious about informatics, a healthcare professional navigating AI integration, or simply fascinated by the future of clinical nutrition, this episode is packed with insights, real-world examples, and practical takeaways.Continue learning today at www.dnsdpg.org!

Where do our evidence-based guidelines actually come from? In this episode, Christina Rollins sits down with researcher and educator Dr. Amy Ellis to unpack the real process behind developing EAL and ASPEN guidelines.You’ll hear:🔍 How evidence is gathered, graded, and translated into clinical recommendations⚠️ The challenges of conducting nutrition research—especially when RCTs aren’t feasible in critical care🧠 Practical tips for evaluating research articles🚩 How to spot predatory journals before they mislead your practiceIf you’ve ever wondered how to bridge the gap between research and clinical decision-making, this episode is for you.Visit dnsdpg.org to access a ton of nutrition support related resources, network with clinicians across the globe, and apply for funding to support your next great research project!

Hands-on training is transforming how dietitians learn and lead in nutrition support. Join host Christina Rollins as she talks with Jeanna Rich, RD, CSO and Gabrielle Haskell, MS, RD, LDN from OSF Cancer Institute, who share how they developed an interactive Enteral Nutrition Skills Lab to strengthen real-world enteral nutrition skills, boost collaboration, and improve patient care.Continue learning at dnsdpg.org. Be sure to check out Gabby and Jeanna at the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Spring Symposium on March 20 - 21, 2026. Registration is open at https://www.eatrightillinois.org/annual-spring-assembly.

Bone mineral disorder is one of the most challenging complications of chronic kidney disease, impacting bone strength, mineral balance, and even cardiovascular health. Nutrition plays a critical role in managing this condition — but the complexity of treatment often requires a skilled, multidisciplinary approach.In this episode, host Christina Rollins talks with Sarah Gilbert, MS, RD, LD, a renal nutrition expert and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of New England, about the dietitian’s role in managing bone mineral disorder in CKD.They explore:🧠 How bone mineral disorder develops and why it matters🥛 The interplay of phosphorus, calcium, and vitamin D in patient outcomes💊 Strategies for phosphorus control and binder adherence🍗 Balancing protein needs with mineral management❤️ Practical education approaches for patients with multiple comorbiditiesThis conversation highlights how nutrition professionals can make a meaningful difference in patient outcomes through evidence-based, individualized care.

Gastrointestinal complications are common—but often underrecognized—after lung transplantation. From diarrhea and nausea to malabsorption and poor appetite, these challenges can seriously impact recovery and long-term health outcomes.In this episode of the DNS Podcast, host Christina Rollins speaks with Bridget Doyle, MS, RD, LDN, CNSC, a transplant dietitian specializing in lung transplant nutrition. Bridget shares her expertise on identifying, managing, and supporting patients through complex GI issues post-transplant.Listeners will gain insights on:✅ The most frequent GI complications following lung transplant✅ How medications like immunosuppressants and antibiotics affect digestion✅ Practical nutrition strategies for diarrhea, nausea, and poor intake✅ Food safety guidance for immunocompromised patients✅ When to consider enteral or parenteral nutrition support✅ Key labs and nutrients to monitor for optimal recoveryTune in to hear evidence-based strategies for improving GI health and supporting successful long-term outcomes for transplant recipients. Visit us at dnsdpg.org to learn more.

Patients with malabsorptive conditions—like short bowel syndrome, bariatric surgery, or chronic GI disorders—are at high risk for vitamin and mineral deficiencies. In this episode, Christina Rollins sits down with clinical dietitian Gabriela D. Gardner, RD-AP, CNSC, LD, to explore evidence-based strategies for assessing, supplementing, and managing micronutrients in these complex patients. Gabriela shares practical tips for monitoring lab values, navigating product selection, and helping patients manage multiple supplements without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re a dietitian, clinician, or healthcare professional, this episode offers actionable insights to optimize patient care and improve outcomes.Listen now and learn how to confidently support patients with malabsorptive conditions.🔗 dnsdpg.orgThis epsiode was recorded on 10/5/2025 and is hosted by Christina Rollins, MBA, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND, CNSC.

Accessing enteral nutrition (EN) through durable medical equipment (DME) providers often hinges on one critical factor: medical necessity. Yet payer requirements, documentation standards, and coverage rules can make the process complicated for both clinicians and patients.In this episode, host Christina Rollins sits down with Kim Iles and Brittany Buchholz to unpack how DME suppliers determine coverage, clarify what constitutes medical necessity, and explore how policies differ across Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance.🎙️ Whether you’re a dietitian, healthcare provider, or advocate, you’ll gain practical strategies to document effectively, work with DME providers, and ensure patients receive the EN support they need. This episode was recorded on 9/17/25 and is hosted by Christina Rollins, MBA, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND, CNSC. Learn more at dnsdpg.org.

Are you a dietitian interested in telehealth, cross-state licensure, or expanding your RDN practice? In this episode, Christina Rollins talks with Charla Burill from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to unpack how the Dietitian Licensure Compact could transform the way dietitians work and improve patient access to care.Listen now to learn what it means for clinical dietitians, telehealth providers, and nutrition support specialists — and how you can advocate in your state.This episode was recorded on 9/3/25 and is hosted by Christina Rollins, MBA, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND, CNSC. Learn more at www.dnsdpg.org.

Enterocutaneous fistulas present one of the most complex challenges in clinical nutrition—and parenteral nutrition often plays a central role in management. In our latest episode, we’re joined by Vanessa Kumpf, PharmD, leading expert in nutrition support, to discuss evidence-based strategies, real-world decision-making, and how to optimize outcomes for these high-risk patients.🎙️ Hosted by Christina Rollins, this conversation covers:When and how to initiate parenteral nutritionManaging high-output fistulas and fluid/electrolyte balanceNavigating complications and multidisciplinary careTransitioning to enteral/oral feeding when appropriatePractical insights for clinicians working in acute and home care settingsWhether you’re a dietitian, physician, pharmacist, or nurse, this episode offers valuable tools to support your practice. This episode was recorded on 8/18/25.

How can NDTRs transform clinical nutrition care and boost RDN productivity? Join us on the DNS Podcast as we chat with Sami Hupp, MS, NDTR, about the critical — and often underappreciated — role of Nutrition and Dietetics Technicians, Registered in healthcare.✨ Delegation strategies that work✨ Enhancing patient outcomes✨ Building stronger nutrition teamsThis episode was recorded 8/4/25 and is hosted by Christina Rollins, MBA, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND, CNSC. Learn more at dnsdpg.org.