Clinical Dietitian Jessica Rea leading a continuing education course
Jessica Rea, MS, RDN, LD is a Pitt Dietitian Nutritionist Program alumna (BS '19, MS ’21) who currently practices as Clinical Dietitian II at Trinity Health System and the affiliated Tony Teramana Cancer Center. In her professional life, Rea works to identify patients at risk for malnutrition and develops nutrition care plans that optimize nutrition status and mitigate treatment breaks.
“Helping patients transform their relationship(s) with food is the highlight of my career,” says Rea. “Watching my patients get excited about eating and reclaim peace with progress has been life-changing.”
Outside of her professional role, Rea invests her time and talent in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics programs and initiatives.
“I became a registered dietitian because I wanted to make a difference in people's lives,” comments Rea. “My service to the Academy allows me to accomplish this on a broader scale.”
Rea was elected Pennsylvania Delegate (FT: 2022-2025) in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics House of Delegates (HOD). She represents three Pennsylvania districts nationally and serves as a member of her state and local affiliate’s Board of Directors.
Delegates, including Rea (first on the right), at Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Meeting and Expo 2023
“Together, HOD members work to identify and develop solutions to the current challenges facing our profession,” recalls Rea.
In her role, she acts as the liaison between her constituents and HOD executive members.
“Each members’ voice is important,” explains Rea, “and [in this role] it is my job to ensure that their voices are heard.”
In April 2023, Rea was selected to participate in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Leadership Institute, which is a comprehensive professional development program designed to foster interpersonal relationships and elevate the role of the registered dietitian nutritionist. The program concludes with an in-person meeting at the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo that will be hosted this year in Denver, Colorado.
“It is important to stay curious,” exclaims Rea. “I am thrilled to embark on this professional milestone.” For Rea, professional leadership is far-reaching. “My vision is for a field of nutrition professionals who are confident in their practices and able to communicate their value. The Academy’s Leadership Institute works to achieve just that.”
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Written in collaboration with Jessica Rea (MS ‘21)
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Want to get started in the Dietitian Nutritionist Program (DNP) at SHRS? Visit our webpage or reach out to talk to an enrollment specialist by emailing enroll@shrs.pitt.edu today.
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Published June 26, 2023