North Star Lodge dietitian becomes Board-Certified in Oncology Nutrition

Kim McCorquodale, a dietitian at Memorial’s North Star Lodge Cancer Center recently achieved Board Certification as a specialist in Oncology Nutrition. McCorquodale is one of only thirteen specialists in the state of Washington to have this qualification along with Lena Gill and Carli Hill who both also work at North Star Lodge. She successfully met the rigorous specialty practice requirements and passed a nationally administered examination from the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency for the American Dietition Association (ADA).

“Nutrition plays a critical role in the fight against cancer,” says Mary Marsh, Director of North Star Lodge. “Eating the right kinds of foods before, during, and after treatment can help patients feel better and stay stronger. We are very fortunate to have Kim’s knowledge and expertise working alongside Lena and Carli, treating our patients here at North Star Lodge.”

For many patients, the side effects of cancer and cancer treatments make it difficult to eat well. Appetite, taste, smell, and the ability to eat enough food or absorb the nutrients from food may be affected. Dietitians specializing in Oncology Nutrition can develop nutrition therapies to help cancer patients get the nutrients needed to maintain body weight and strength, prevent body tissue from breaking down, rebuild tissue, and help fight infection. According to the National Cancer Institute, being well-nourished has been linked to a better prognosis (chance of recovery) in cancer patients.

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The American Dietetic Association is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The mission of the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) is to protect the nutritional health and welfare health of the public through dietetics certification. CDR currently awards seven separate and distinct credentials.