Frances Lechak
Johnstown,PA
Summary
Experienced Registered Dietitian with expertise in nutritional assessment and education. Committed to developing tailored nutrition strategies that improve patient health and satisfaction, fostering collaborative relationships within healthcare teams to achieve optimal outcomes.
Additional qualities include working on and Interdisciplinary Team, providing diabetes education, nutrition care for cancer patients, and education for community outreach.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Dietitian
UPMC Home Health
09.2007 - Current
- Contributed to the development of departmental policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
- Initiated process improvements within the department that resulted in streamlined workflows for more efficient patient care management.
- Mentored junior dietitians, fostering a collaborative work environment that facilitated professional growth and development.
- Increased client retention rates by establishing strong rapport and providing exceptional customer service during consultations.
- Developed personalized nutrition plans based on patient assessments and dietary needs.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to optimize patient outcomes through nutritional interventions.
- Educated patients on dietary modifications and healthy eating habits to improve health conditions.
- Conducted comprehensive nutrition assessments utilizing electronic health record systems for data accuracy.
- Analyzed patient feedback to refine nutritional programs, enhancing overall satisfaction and effectiveness.
- Developed educational materials to promote healthy eating habits, resulting in increased awareness among patients and their families.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction with personalized counseling sessions, focusing on dietary habits, lifestyle changes, and goal-setting strategies.
- Conducted comprehensive nutritional assessments for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
- Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing customized nutrition plans based on individual needs and medical conditions.
- Continuously updated knowledge of industry trends through ongoing professional development opportunities, ensuring best practices were applied in daily practice.
- Reduced hospital readmissions by providing effective discharge planning and follow-up support for patients with complex nutritional needs.
- Determined client-specific nutrient and energy requirements, with consideration to specific lifestyles, physiology and medical concerns.
- Planned nutritious meal options for individuals with various health needs and conditions.
- Assisted patients clients with mean plan development, addressing individualized dietary requirements.
- Completed detailed nutritional assessments of each patient based on health history, medical conditions, and energy requirements.
- Developed nutrition plans addressing individual patient diabetes and food allergies.
- Developed nutrient-dense recipes and flexible meal templates to meet nutritional objectives.
- Coached individuals on methods for managing chronic diseases with effective dietary plans.
- Monitored patient progress and documented nutritional information in patient charts and records.
- Liaised with healthcare professionals in creating nutrition-related treatment plans.
Registered Dietitian
UPMC Somerset
01.2020 - 01.2025
- Developed personalized nutrition plans based on patient assessments and dietary needs.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to optimize patient outcomes through nutritional interventions.
- Educated patients on dietary modifications and healthy eating habits to improve health conditions.
- Conducted comprehensive nutrition assessments utilizing electronic health record systems for data accuracy.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to enhance meal planning and food service operations.
- Mentored junior dietitians, fostering professional growth and ensuring adherence to clinical guidelines.
- Analyzed patient feedback to refine nutritional programs, enhancing overall satisfaction and effectiveness.
- Led community outreach initiatives promoting nutrition education and wellness programs among diverse populations.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to optimize patient care and ensure seamless delivery of nutrition services.
- Developed educational materials to promote healthy eating habits, resulting in increased awareness among patients and their families.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction with personalized counseling sessions, focusing on dietary habits, lifestyle changes, and goal-setting strategies.
- Optimized clinical workflow by maintaining detailed documentation and efficient communication with colleagues.
- Conducted comprehensive nutritional assessments for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
- Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing customized nutrition plans based on individual needs and medical conditions.
- Provided expert guidance to clients seeking weight loss solutions, offering effective strategies tailored to individual goals.
- Continuously updated knowledge of industry trends through ongoing professional development opportunities, ensuring best practices were applied in daily practice.
- Evaluated food service operations for quality assurance purposes, identifying areas for improvement in efficiency and costeffectiveness.
- Conducted food demonstrations to educate clients on meal preparation techniques, improving adherence to dietary guidelines.
- Delivered engaging presentations at community events, raising public awareness about the importance of proper nutrition for overall health.
- Promoted the importance of proper hydration for athletic performance, designing individualized fluid plans for athletes in various sports.
- Reduced hospital readmissions by providing effective discharge planning and follow-up support for patients with complex nutritional needs.
- Determined client-specific nutrient and energy requirements, with consideration to specific lifestyles, physiology and medical concerns.
- Planned nutritious meal options for individuals with various health needs and conditions.
- Assisted patients clients with mean plan development, addressing individualized dietary requirements.
- Completed detailed nutritional assessments of each patient based on health history, medical conditions, and energy requirements.
- Developed nutrition plans addressing individual patient diabetes and food allergies.
- Developed nutrient-dense recipes and flexible meal templates to meet nutritional objectives.
- Coached individuals on methods for managing chronic diseases with effective dietary plans.
- Monitored patient progress and documented nutritional information in patient charts and records.
- Provided medical nutrition therapy to individuals and groups with chronic illnesses.
- Coordinated and implemented nutrition programs within community to promote healthy eating.
- Liaised with healthcare professionals in creating nutrition-related treatment plans.
Education
No Degree - General Undergrad Course Work
University of Pittsburgh At Johnstown
Johnstown, PAMaster of Science - Food And Nutrition
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, Pennsylvania, PA08-2006
Bachelor of Science - Food And Nutrition
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, Pennsylvania, PA12-2000
Skills
- Diabetes management
- Medical nutrition therapy
- Meal planning
- Sports nutrition
- Gastrointestinal nutrition
- Oncology nutrition
- Parenteral nutrition
- Cardiovascular nutrition
- Renal nutrition
- Enteral nutrition
- Clinical nutrition
- Vegetarian nutrition
- Community nutrition
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Nutrition education
- Bariatric nutrition
- Vegan nutrition
- Geriatric nutrition
- Nutritional assessment
- Food allergy management
- Weight management
- Dietary counseling
- Evidence-based advice
- Health promotion
- Meal distribution
- Special diets
- Written and verbal communication
- Patient education
- Nutrition counseling
- Sanitation rules and regulations
- Electronic medical records
- Nutritional analysis
- Interpersonal and written communication
- Healthy eating tips
- Nutrition therapy
- Disease prevention
- Dietary planning
- Patient training
- Nutrition recommendations
- Tailored nutrition strategies
- Evidence-based care
- Disease management
- Diet and activity discussions
- Cultural Competency
- Health education
- Registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN)
- Vegetarian and vegan nutrition
- Teamwork
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Critical thinking
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Decision-making
- Relationship building
- Clinical documentation
- Vital sign monitoring
- Nutritional planning
- Team building
- Task prioritization
- Equipment operation
- Self motivation
- Nutrition needs assessment
- Interpersonal skills
- Client relationship management
- Analytical thinking
- Diet modification
- Goal setting
- Professionalism
- Health and wellness education
- Interpersonal communication
- Public speaking
- Time management abilities
- Continuous improvement
- Adaptability
- Written communication
- Diabetic lifestyle planning
- Menu development
Accomplishments
Nominated for and awarded Key Player of the Month.
Nominated and Awarded Salute to Working Women - Woman of the Year UPJ.
Employee of the Year Windber Medical Center.
Nominated for and Awarded Woman of Distinction Honor Somerset Our Town Newspaper.
Cantor and Member of St. Benedict Church Choir.
Timeline
Registered Dietitian
UPMC Somerset
01.2020 - 01.2025
Registered Dietitian
UPMC Home Health
09.2007 - Current
No Degree - General Undergrad Course Work
University of Pittsburgh At Johnstown
Master of Science - Food And Nutrition
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science - Food And Nutrition
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Professional Memberships
American Dietetic Association - 1998 to Present
Pennsylvania Dietetic Association - 1998 to Present
Pittsburgh Dietetic Association - 1998 to Present
Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists - 2020 to Present