Susan L. Brantley, MS, RD

Susan L. Brantley, MS, RD

Metabolic Support Nutritionist
University of Tennessee Medical Center at Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennesee

Issue Impacting the Profession

Dietitians have a special set of skills enabling them to analyze and interpret information and perform tasks to obtain desired results. Dietitians are uniquely qualified to be able to look at a problem and break it down into manageable tasks. Dietitians should be recognized as the expert in the field of nutrition by other healthcare professionals to the extent that they are given the freedom to make informed decisions about patient care and act upon those decisions. To that end, I always teach surgical and medical residents about the dietitians' unique qualifications and expertise.


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

I have found the rewards of my professional career in dietetics to be diverse. I have been able to become a contributing and valued member of the health care team in a large, teaching hospital. I feel I have been able to gain the respect of other healthcare professionals as an expert in the field of nutrition support. Through my education in nutrition and dietetics, I was given the confidence to explore new theories and techniques and to share them with others.

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

The expertise I have obtained in the area of nutrition support and clinical dietetics have enabled me to practice and perfect other skills needed to be an ADA leader. As a result of the requirements of patient care, I have learned to be organized and detail-oriented. I am well aware of the skills needed by new dietitians to prepare themselves to function effectively and efficiently in this new healthcare environment. I am one who believes in doing a job to the best of my ability when offered the oppportunity.

Important Contributions and Leadership Achievements

  • American Society of Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition Nutrition Practice Poster Selection Committee: Chair (2006-2008)
  • University of Tennessee Medical Center Post-op Glucose Performance Improvement Committee: Chair (2006-Present)
  • Dietitians in Nutrition Support Practice Group: Chair (2006-2007)
  • Tennessee Dietetic Association: President (2003-2004)
  • Dietitians in Nutrition Support Practice Group: Secretary (2000-2002)

Honors and Awards Highlights

  • American Dietetic Association, American Dieteteic Association Foundation Award of Excellence in Clinical Dietetics (2006-2007)
  • University of Tennessee Medical Center Department of Surgery Faculty Service Award (2004)
  • Knoxville District Dietetic Association Educator of the Year (2003)