TAMIKA FORKNER

• Full-Time Position: Monday - Wednesday, 24 hours/week

(Hybrid Work Schedule with River Oaks as the Bariatric Clinic Dietitian and hospital Clinical Dietitian)

• Conduct comprehensive dietary assessments to identify individual health needs.
• Collaborated with culinary teams to enhance menu offerings based on American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery guidelines.
• Educated clients and staff on nutrition best practices through workshops and training sessions.
• Mentored Dietetic Interns, fostering professional development and knowledge sharing within the team, focusing primarily on Outpatient counsel, Motivational Interviewing, Size/Weight Inclusivity.
• Educated patients on the importance of proper nutrition for managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.

• Full Time Position: Thursday - Wednesday, 16 hours/week

(Hybrid Work Schedule with River Oaks as the Bariatric Clinic Dietitian and hospital Clinical Dietitian)

• Collaborate with Interdisciplinary teams to develop patient-centered care
• Used electronic medical record systems proficiently for tracking patient progress notes, orders, and other essential documentation aspects required in daily practice as a Clinical Dietitian.
• Optimized nutritional support by adjusting enteral and parenteral feedings as needed based on patient needs and tolerance levels.
• Developed personalized nutrition plans based on individual patient assessments and dietary needs.
• Collaborated with healthcare team to optimize patient care and improve health outcomes.
• Conducted regular follow-up assessments to monitor patient progress and adjust nutrition strategies accordingly.
• Led workshops to train staff on best practices in clinical nutrition and dietetic principles, primarily focusing on Malnutrition - diagnosing and management with nutrition and alternative feeding options

• Contract Position: 2-3 days/month, 4hrs/day
• Developed individualized meal plans for patients with chronic kidney disease
• Educated patients on dietary restrictions and nutritional guidelines to enhance health outcomes.
• Collaborated with healthcare teams to integrate nutrition care into overall patient management strategies.
• Monitored patient progress and adjusted dietary recommendations based on lab results and clinical feedback.
• Conducted group educational sessions focused on renal nutrition topics and lifestyle modifications.
• Analyzed trends in patient data to optimize dietary protocols and improve adherence rates among clients, specifically the management of bone health, collaborating with Nephrologist

• Contract Position: Monday-Friday, 40 hours/week
• Developed personalized nutrition plans tailored to individual health needs and goals.
• Conducted comprehensive assessments to evaluate dietary habits and nutritional requirements.
• Educated patients on dietary choices, food preparation, and meal planning for optimal health outcomes.
• Implemented community wellness programs focusing on preventive nutrition and healthy lifestyle practices.
• Led workshops and seminars promoting nutritional awareness within the community and healthcare settings.
• 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.

• Full Time Position: Monday-Friday, 40 hours/week
• Division of Aging & Adult Services
• Developed a strong referral network with local fitness centers, medical facilities, and wellness organizations to increase program visibility and enrollment.
• Reviewed and approved Federal budgets effectively while maintaining high-quality services and resources for clients.
• Increased community outreach by collaborating with other community resources to increase food/meal access to rural areas
• Ensured compliance with industry standards and regulations governing the practice of nutritional counseling and management programs.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams of community providers to ensure comprehensive care for clients.
• Developed educational materials tailored specifically to different age groups and socio-economic backgrounds, attending various events organized under the Nutrition Program Manager role.