EMMA POLING, RD, LDN
New Orleans,LA
Summary
Personable and knowledgeable Registered Dietitian with 7 years of experience facilitating patient focused chronic disease management through effective nutrition education and support in both 1:1 clinical settings as well as large scale community wide non-profit initiatives. Proven talent for navigating challenges, meeting individuals where they are at, and fostering change in individuals from diverse backgrounds and lifestyles. Balances strong problem-solving skills and a desire to be proactive with an empathetic approach. Known for adaptability, integrity, and delivering impactful solutions.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Dietitian
Nourish
05.2024 - Current
- Completed detailed nutrition assessments of patients based on health history, medical conditions, energy requirements, and any specific preferences or cultural considerations
- Educated individuals on methods for managing chronic disease states with effective dietary interventions - specialty areas include: bariatric surgery, kidney disease, pre-diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, weight loss, emotional/disordered eating, GERD/acid reflux, healthy aging, vegan/vegetarian
- Monitored and evaluated patient progress, documented ongoing care in patient chart notes
- Developed strong organizational and communication skills through management of personal schedule and balancing of patient correspondence and needs
- Maintained both personal provider ratings and patient outcomes classified as 'above expectations'
Eat Fit NOLA Operations and Marketing Dietitian
Ochsner Health
06.2022 - 11.2024
- Onboarded new community, grocery store, festival, and product partners to program in addition to ~30 new restaurant locations, exceeding pre-determined annual goals per year - including the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, New Orleans Food Cooperative, Saba, Miss River, Acorn, Tito's Ceviche & Pisco, Poke Loa, Byblo's, Lamara, and others
- Performed detailed recipe analysis, maintaining confidentiality and providing recommendations to optimize nutritive value
- Ensured accurate and visible company branding present with menu spot checks in person to 86 unique restaurant partners (219 total locations) and six grocery stores on a regular schedule, evaluating any new menu items
- Performed on-site staff education
- Coordinated and participated in strategically planned community events and group presentations
- Maintained KPIs and close documentation of value, reporting out at end of year
- Developed systems to refocus and achieve stronger restaurant partner relationships as well as higher integrity in documentation practices
- Managed social media accounts, content creation, and mobile app featuring key initiatives and community partner updates
- Project management including advising teammates on multi-regional processes, projects, and best practices
- Assisted the Marketing and Public Relations teams to cross-promote the brand and related services including seasonal products and large-scale events
- On-air media appearances, radio spots, podcast interviews, and written article contributions
- Precepted dietetic interns from Tulane Dietetic Internship, Tulane School of Public Health and Harding University (16 total in 2023)
Renal Dietitian
DaVita Kidney Care
03.2019 - 06.2022
- Evaluated, developed, and completed comprehensive nutrition assessments and reassessments consistent with regulations
- Responsible for approximately 75 hemodialysis and 55 peritoneal dialysis patients
- Completed lab test orders and interpretations, working with full interdisciplinary team to establish plan of care
- Developed individualized Medical Nutrition Therapy based on lab results and goals
- Provided nutrition education and counseling based on individual patient needs including nutrient requirements, knowledge and abilities, medical, economic, and social situation
- Monitored dialysis adequacy, dialysis bath prescriptions, blood pressures, target weights, and response to nutrition related medications to determine and implement appropriate recommendations
- Fluid Manager, Assessment Manager, and Mineral and Bone Disorder Manager roles, including motivating other team members towards completing associated tasks diligently and punctually
- Participated in patient care conferences, weekly core team meetings, monthly facility health meetings, chem reviews with medical director, and continuous quality improvement teams
- Applied for nutrition support including oral supplements, IPN/IDPN
- Adjusted nutrition related in-center medications per protocol, called in MBD related prescriptions to pharmacy, completed applications for patient assistance programs and prior authorizations for medications on behalf of patients
- Responsible for creation of educational materials, all bulletin board and lobby decorating, educational decorating in-clinic, holiday patient appreciation gifts, and other patient morale projects
Bariatric Center and Pulmonary Clinic Dietitian
Tulane Medical Center
11.2017 - 03.2019
- Coauthored the nutrition aspects of the Tulane Bariatric Center Patient Handbook
- Worked collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to achieve Center of Excellence status for the Tulane Bariatric Center
- Assessed patients and managed the education and nutritional progress of all bariatric and adult Cystic Fibrosis patients seen at Tulane Medical Center
- Responsible for collection of bioimpedance analysis data in the adult CF population seen in clinic for future use in tracking objective data goals and research opportunities
Community Nutrition Intern
Ruth U. Fertel / Tulane Community Health Center
05.2015 - 08.2015
- Collaborated with physicians and care team to determine nutritional guidance for patients
- Created visual aids, including powerpoint presentations and handouts used in weekly peer led nutrition support groups
- Coordinated and implemented nutrition programming within the community to promote healthy eating
Sports Nutrition Intern
LSU Sports Nutrition
01.2015 - 05.2016
- Educated athletes about long-term health benefits of balanced diets and fueling appropriately
- Early morning shift work including stocking and cleaning kitchen space for around the clock access to nutritious items
Culinary Education Program Assistant
Wellness Ambassador Program at LSU
08.2013 - 12.2014
- Supervised students in hands-on nutrition focused lessons designed to increase education, confidence, and skills in the kitchen
- Set up kitchen supplies, equipment, ingredients, and classroom displays to support lesson delivery
- Encouraged inclusion, patience, an open mind, and for students to be food adventurous when introduced to a new concept or food
Server, Bartender, Trainer
Service Industry
05.2007 - 08.2014
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and split checks
- Used slow periods to clean, expedite and run food, restock supplies, and conduct counts
- Maintained thorough knowledge of ingredients in menu items to suggest appropriate options for food allergies and dietary restrictions
- Cultivated strong relationships with regulars
- Learned and followed local alcohol laws to keep restaurant compliant with regulations
- Followed health and safety protocols crucial for maintaining safe and sanitary environments for customers and staff. ServSafe certification
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nutrition and Dietetics
Louisiana State University, College of Agriculture, School of Nutrition And Food Sciences
Baton Rouge, LA05-2016
Tulane Dietetic Internship -
Tulane School of Public Health And Tropical Medicine
New Orleans, LA06-2017
Skills
- Public health promotion
- Nutrition education
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Written, verbal, media communication
- Disease management
- Individualized support
- Quality improvement
- Evidence-based care
Credentials
RD, LDN
Timeline
Registered Dietitian
Nourish
05.2024 - Current
Eat Fit NOLA Operations and Marketing Dietitian
Ochsner Health
06.2022 - 11.2024
Renal Dietitian
DaVita Kidney Care
03.2019 - 06.2022
Bariatric Center and Pulmonary Clinic Dietitian
Tulane Medical Center
11.2017 - 03.2019
Community Nutrition Intern
Ruth U. Fertel / Tulane Community Health Center
05.2015 - 08.2015
Sports Nutrition Intern
LSU Sports Nutrition
01.2015 - 05.2016
Culinary Education Program Assistant
Wellness Ambassador Program at LSU
08.2013 - 12.2014
Server, Bartender, Trainer
Service Industry
05.2007 - 08.2014
Bachelor of Science - Nutrition and Dietetics
Louisiana State University, College of Agriculture, School of Nutrition And Food Sciences
Tulane Dietetic Internship -
Tulane School of Public Health And Tropical Medicine
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