Celebrating National Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day
Today, we celebrate National Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) Day by spotlighting our Systems Clinical Nutrition Manager, Melissa Faura.
National RDN Day is a time to appreciate the vital role RDNs play in healthcare. They provide expert nutritional guidance, develop effective programs, and drive innovations that improve patient care. Today, we are excited to highlight one of our own, Melissa Faura, Systems Clinical Nutrition Manager, who leveraged our company’s resources to grow in her career and make a meaningful impact in the field.
Melissa’s Journey: A Commitment to Excellence in Clinical Nutrition
Melissa joined Sodexo in 1992 and dedicated her career to enhancing patient outcomes through innovative, evidence-based nutrition systems. With over 26 years of experience in clinical
management, she has been instrumental in developing and implementing comprehensive nutrition programs that align with both clinical and operational goals. As a leader, she thrives on guiding multidisciplinary teams and ensuring high-quality care across diverse healthcare settings.
Beyond her technical expertise, Melissa is passionate about empowering dietitians to challenge existing processes and become pioneers in the field of dietetics. Her leadership has fostered a culture of continuous learning and innovation, inspiring others to seek opportunities for growth and development.
Maximizing the Benefits of Being a Sodexo Dietitian
Throughout her career, Melissa has taken full advantage of key benefits and resources available to RDNs within Sodexo.
“Sodexo is the world’s largest employer of registered dietitians,” Melissa exclaims.
She attributes much of her professional growth to our company's robust networking opportunities across various business segments and global markets. Engaging with dietitians from different specialties broadened her perspective and strengthened her leadership skills.
Mentorship also played a pivotal role in Melissa’s career. Actively seeking guidance from subject matter experts has been instrumental in her professional development, allowing her to refine her skills and expand her knowledge. Additionally, she values the professional benefits Sodexo offers, such as access to continuing education and evidence-based research, which enable her to stay current in the ever-evolving field of dietetics.
Leveraging Resources for Continued Growth
In her current role working at Lehigh Valley Health Network, Melissa continues to leverage these benefits by attending national conferences and sharing her team’s best practices. She emphasizes the importance of having support from the national clinical leadership team, as collaboration is key to brainstorming innovative solutions for clients.
“Piloting Clinicia, an innovative practice management software, and its value tools has been a game changer in elevating the role of the dietitian as a key contributor of revenue generation and care cost avoidance for the health system,” Melissa explains.
These tools reinforce the importance of RDNs in clinical and operational decision making, further positioning them as integral members of the healthcare team.
Advice for Fellow RDNs
For other RDNs looking to maximize the benefits available to them, Melissa encourages utilizing the Clinicia career ladder as a roadmap for professional advancement.
“You never know what doors can be opened by expressing interest in learning something new and contributing to a national project,” Melissa shares.
On this National RDN Day, we celebrate Melissa and all the incredible RDNs who dedicate their careers to improving lives through nutrition. Thank you for your passion, commitment, and contributions to the field.
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