Christina K. Biesemeier, MS, RD, FADA

Christina K. Biesemeier, MS, RD, FADA

Manager, Clinical Nutrition Department
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, Tennessee

Issue Impacting the Profession

I believe very strongly that the quality and quantity of nutrition interventions by RDs with patients in acute and ambulatory settings requires adequate RD staffing and payment for services. To this end, I wrote ADA's Clinical Staffing book as a resource for developing staffing guidelines and justifying the importance of RDs in the clinical setting. I have been very active in ADA's reimbursement initiatives, made numerous presentations and provide frequent assistance to RDs with questions.


How have you promoted ADA's mission/vision/values?

It has been an honor to participate in leading the profession to our future by helping develop ADA's Standardized Nutrition Language, assisting members in implementing the SNL and Nutrition Care Process through the Peer Network, serving as Work Group Chair for the Adult and Pediatric Weight Management Practice Guidelines, Chair of CNM and WM, and on the CADE Accreditation Standards Committee, and working on ADA's reimbursement initiatives.

 

In assessing your skills, which ones do you think best prepare you to be an ADA leader and why?

I am able to look at situations and individuals with an open mind, listening to all perspectives and evaluating input from many sources. I can integrate different types of information and identify out-of-the-box applications. I am patient, yet decisive and work collaboratively with many different types of people, bringing diverse input into decisions. I maintain a sense of optimism, am hardworking, organized, listen well and am very committed to ADA and its members.

 

Important Contributions and Leadership Achievements

  • Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group: Chair (2006-2007)
  • Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education Accrediation Standards Committee: Member (2005-2007)
  • Clinical Nutrition Management Dietetic Practice Group: Chair (2001-2002)
  • American Dietetic Association Quality Management Committee: Chair (1998-2001)
  • American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Sunflower Chapter: President (1995-1996)

 

Honors and Awards Highlights

  • American Dietetic Association Medallion Award (2006)
  • Missouri Dietetic Association Outstanding Dietitian of the Year (1996)
  • Kansas City Dietetic Association Outstanding Dietitian of the Year (1995)