Yesterday I got to spend some time at Duke Raleigh's cancer center with one of the dietitians that works here. I enjoyed being off the floor and seeing something different. What Heather (the RD) does on a regular basis is much more specific; she sets up her day by seeing who the "new starts" are on the schedule, and noting when she is able to squeeze some time in to talk to them. I accompanied her on a few patient interviews. Some were in to receive only radiation, and others were receiving combination treatment- both radiation and chemotherapy. The patients seem to value their time with the RD. They often have many questions, and Heather can help figure out individual strategies to increase their intake. They commonly report that they either have no appetite or altered taste perceptions. The RD hands out nutritional supplements to help the patient decide what tastes best to them. I enjoyed my time in part because cancer is a disease that nutrition truly plays a very important role in managing. There is much evidence proving that preventing weight loss in cancer patients improves outcomes. I liked the counseling environment too. Instead of feeling rushed in and out of patient rooms in the hospital, these interviews were relaxed and under no time constraints. And most of the patients are very receptive to the education, and sometimes just value having another person to talk to/listen.