Professional Development Scholarship Enhances Nutrition Therapy at Capitol Lakes

In the fast-changing world of nutrition and dietetics, staying updated is key for practitioners. Access to professional development can make all the difference. Macie Maulbetsch, Nutritional Services Manager at Capitol Lakes and a Registered Dietitian, experienced this firsthand when she received a Professional Development Scholarship from the Capitol Lakes Foundation. This funding allowed her to attend the annual Wisconsin Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (WAND) conference, themed "Nutrition as Prevention Through the Lifespan."

Macie's time at the conference was filled with valuable insights that she has already begun applying in her work with Capitol Lakes Health Center patients. For the past two years, she has played a vital role in a dedicated team focused on medical nutrition therapy and patient nutrition education. Her responsibilities include reviewing patient charts and collaborating with an interdisciplinary care team to implement appropriate nutritional interventions. Additionally, she partners with the Dining Services team to ensure that patient dietary needs are not just met but are also viewed as a crucial aspect of their health journey.

At the WAND conference, a key takeaway was the powerful role food plays in individual lives. Several speakers pointed out that personal relationships with food can differ dramatically among individuals. Understanding each patient’s unique relationship with food is therefore essential in crafting personalized discussions and sustainable dietary strategies.

Macie's engagement in the conference directly enhances her capability to support her patients effectively. Registered Dietitians like Macie rely on evidence-based practices rooted in extensive research and peer-reviewed studies. By attending educational events like WAND, she gains insights from leading experts and stays updated on the latest nutrition science. This continuous education equips her to deliver the most relevant, research-backed interventions, which can lead to significantly improved patient health outcomes.

Macie's gratitude for the scholarship highlights its importance. She shared, "I was grateful to receive the professional development scholarship to attend the annual WAND conference as I was able to network with other Dieticians, and I will also receive continuing education credits that will go toward maintaining my licensure. It helped me financially as conferences can be expensive, but necessary for personal and professional growth.” Her experience illustrates how financial support is pivotal for healthcare providers seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge.

The impact of the Capitol Lakes Foundation's professional development scholarships, provided thanks to your support, is multifaceted. They not only foster individual growth but also lead to collective improvements in health center nutrition therapy and education. By supporting dietitians like Macie in gaining access to important conferences, you play a vital role in enhancing patient care and expanding understanding of nutrition's critical place in health. With the field of dietetics continually evolving, ongoing learning opportunities remain essential to ensuring healthcare providers can deliver the best possible care tailored to each patient's needs.