For Stephanie Samascott, a career as a registered dietitian simply made sense.

"Food has always been a big part of my life," she said. "Some of my earliest memories involve cooking and baking with my grandmother. Plus, as a dancer, proper nutrition was incredibly important for training. I took an intro to nutrition class in high school, and it was fascinating. I was hooked."

Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are food and nutrition experts who earn certification only after completing a bachelor's degree and 1200 hours of supervised practice, as well as passing a national exam. They work in a variety of settings—hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities—to provide nutritional therapy to help their clients reach individual goals.

"There's a lot of content out there about diet and nutrition, and that can be confusing," Stephanie said. "Registered dietitians are the best source for accurate nutritional information. We assess each individual client and make recommendations to fit their needs."

Stephanie works with patients at Saratoga Hospital, as well as members of the community through the Saratoga Community Health Center. She helps them manage a variety of health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

"Everyone can benefit from seeing a dietitian," she said. "But I always tell patients they should make an appointment with us whenever there is a change in their health status. We'll work with you to suggest appropriate modifications that can help you be the healthiest version of yourself."

For Stephanie, that's what makes her job so rewarding. "At the Community Health Center, I work with patients one-on-one, as well as in a group setting, and during the summer I have the opportunity to counsel backstretch workers at the Backstretch Clinic. There are just so many ways to reach people and help them lead healthier lives."

Saratoga Hospital's registered dietitian nutritionists develop customized nutrition plans for each individual based on science, research, and proven strategies to ensure safety and success. To learn more about how an RDN could help you, please call 518-886-5121. Physician referral is required.