Clinical Nutrition Clinical Training

Registered dietitians from the Department of Clinical Nutrition provide patient services through the James W. Aston Ambulatory Care Center on the UT Southwestern campus. Physicians generally refer patients to our dietitians, but patients may also refer themselves.

Dietary and lifestyle changes are important adjunct therapies in preventing and treating cardiovascular disease, diabetes, eating disorders, gastrointestinal system diseases, hypertension, kidney disease, obesity, osteoporosis, and other conditions. The registered dietitian assesses patients’ nutritional needs based on diagnoses, laboratory test results, physical assessment, and dietary history. Patients may be asked to keep food records prior to their appointment, and these records may be analyzed using a computerized nutrient analysis program to determine dietary inadequacies or excesses.

The registered dietitian will make individualized recommendations for practical, specific dietary changes the patient can implement. The dietitian collaborates with patients and physicians to implement diet changes and monitor outcomes.

Call 214-648-3678 for an appointment or for general information regarding fees and possible insurance coverage. (Medicare coverage of medical nutrition therapy is limited to treatment of diabetes or kidney disease with appropriate physician referral.)