Healthy eating can help patients manage chronic diseases and the complications associated with them. A good nutritional plan combined with exercise and medical care helps many patients heal from and/or manage their illness.
About Me
Welcome, I am Benjamin Browder, RD. I am a registered dietitian and certified dog and cat lover. I am also a caffeine-aholic. As a dietitian, I live in a society that is increasingly struggling with body image and weight issues such as obesity and its counterpart anorexia, today’s skyrocketing obesity rates are contributing solidly to significant increases in metabolic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and cancer. I was inspired to become a dietitian after witnessing firsthand the struggles within my own family when it came to both weight issues and nutrition-related illness. From my grandmother with numerous food intolerances to my closest cousins with highly sensitive food allergies.
People don’t choose the family they’re born into and they really do not get to choose the habits of their family. What they can choose to do is to learn newer healthier habits, learn new traditions and modify old ones. Knowing this allows one to approach nutrition education in a non-judgmental, patient-centric way that allows for quality discussion in a safe place that can lead to improved outcomes for not just one individual but even more. Because if one person can learn new eating habits, they can go on to teach others.
Understanding the role that a patient’s cultural and familial history could impact a person’s long term nutrition-related health outcomes gives a new appreciation to the struggles that many face when trying to lose weight. Either through engrained cultural beliefs regarding certain foods or certain traditions or through family eating habits, culture and family impacts the way we eat.
Resume
I am looking for the opportunity to be a tremendous asset to your organization. Please feel free to download my resume.
Education & Commendations
Florida International University Pediatric Certificate Program
Florida International University
M.S. Dietetics and Nutrition, 2018
B.S. Dietetics and Nutrition, 2016
State of Florida Licensed
State of North Carolina Licensed
Dean’s Academic Excellence Award 2018
Dean’s List 2014-2016
Case Studies
Case #1
Patient A presented with Anemia in CKD, and difficulties with dialysis, acute hemodialysis, fever and chills, sepsis. Patient A was non-compliant with treatment due to homelessness. I consulted with the patient and in said consult recommended the patient be seen by a social worker who then had the patient admitted to psychiatric. I was able to provide the patient with nutrition education regarding hemodialysis and the necessity of maintaining a consistent carbohydrate diet. Patient A was hemodynamically stable.
Case #2
Patient B presented with Acute kidney injury with pain, nonspecific and specific, patient’s past medical history disclosed acute systolic congestive heart failure, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and microcytic anemia. I consulted with Patient B and provided nutrition education with emphasis on the importance of eating a consistent carbohydrate diet in order to maintain the patients weight and manage blood glucose levels for the purpose of preventing the risk for further kidney disease. I also instructed the patient in the proper use of an exchange/choices list for managing proper blood glucose levels.
Case #3
Patient C presented with a myriad of diagnosis including Acute Respiratory failure, with exacerbation of CHF, kidney failure, SIRS, cardiogenic shock, and anemia. Patient was on LVAD and awaiting transplant. Patient C was receiving enteral support. This was a notable case due to the patients significant complex history and requirement of enteral nutrition support due to the patient being on a ventilator. I continued to provide Patient C with enteral support until patient was weaned off the trach.
Case #4
Patient D presented with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. Patient D received hemodialysis treatments for ESRD pending kidney transplant. Patient D is s/p coronary artery bypass graft for cardio-revascularization. Phatienas PMHx of HTN, Type 2 Diabetes, Hepatitis C and BKA to right leg.
I provided enteral nutrition support and worked with the doctor to transition the patient from tube feeding to oral intake.
Internship Experience
I was extremely fortunate that I completed my internship at Florida International University in Miami, FL. Several of my rotations allowed me to gain valuable experience at one of the largest hospital systems in the state and country. As a public hospital and one of Miami’s two Level 1 trauma hospitals, Jackson Memorial attracted patients of all socioeconomic status. This allowed for a well-rounded and diverse internship experience that exposed me to new ways of thinking and development of treatment strategies for nutrition-related problems.
Goals
My long-term goals are to work with renal and pancreatic transplant patients to ensure that patients are not only compliant with their diets but remain eligible for transplant and post-transplant. Equipped with this knowledge patients have an understanding of how compliance with their individual nutrition needs is able to minimize the chances of rejection.
Recent Posts
- Protein Powders and You: Choosing What’s Right for YouProtein powders have been a staple in the fitness world for decades. They are an easy and convenient way to get a high amount of protein in your diet. There are many types of protein powders on the market, each with their own unique properties. In this article, we will be discussing the differences between… Read more: Protein Powders and You: Choosing What’s Right for You
- Ketogenic Diets and Human Metabolism: Is this popular weight loss method all it’s cracked up to be?
Does Keto really burn fat? Yes, but it’s complicated. For those who don’t know or who are considering starting a ketogenic diet, a ketogenic diet is a diet with very low carbohydrates, usually less 20g/day. The diet is designed to induce oxidation of fatty acids for energy, or in other words, metabolizing dietary and body… Read more: Ketogenic Diets and Human Metabolism: Is this popular weight loss method all it’s cracked up to be? - Fiber and You: Reducing Cholesterol and Reducing Your Risk of Colon Cancer
What is Fiber and how does Fiber affect cholesterol? People are often told to eat fiber in their diet, they’re told that fiber will help them be more regular, give them more energy, improve blood glucose levels and more. And for the most part, fiber can help with all of these. Fiber is an essential… Read more: Fiber and You: Reducing Cholesterol and Reducing Your Risk of Colon Cancer - Vitamin D and You.
Throughout history, humanity has always thrived in the sun. It’s the one resource that is abundant, renewable, and won’t run out for another few billion years. Not only is the sun a valuable source for renewable energy, it is also essential for humans. You see, sunlight plays a direct role in the body’s manufacturing of… Read more: Vitamin D and You. - How to count calories
