IMH Registered Dietitian II

Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system UChicago Medicine as a Registered Dietitian II (Bariatric Dietitian) in the Clinical Nutrition Department.

As a core member of our world-class academic healthcare system the Bariatric Registered Dietitian II guides patients through the entire weight management and bariatric surgery process from initial evaluation and surgical preparation to long-term post-operative care and weight maintenance. This position focuses on supporting medical weight management and bariatric surgery patients ensuring positive outcomes and sustainable evidence-based lifestyle changes. The dietitian collaborates with a multidisciplinary team and follows all regulatory accrediting and licensing requirements and quality improvement initiatives.

Essential Job Functions

• Provide evidence-based medical nutrition therapy (MNT) education and counseling for patients before and after bariatric surgery in both individual and group settings.
• Conduct comprehensive pre-operative nutrition assessments including:
  • Escalate concerns to bariatric team when: Red flags are identified (non-adherence medical instability disordered eating).
  • Weight history diet history and dietary and lifestyle patterns
  • Disordered eating screening
  • Readiness for surgery and lifestyle change as well as compliance potential
  • Micronutrient risk and baseline supplementation
• Monitor patient progress through regular supervised weight loss visits (individual and group sessions)
• Deliver structured pre-op and post-op education in both individual and group settings on:
  • Diet phases and progression
  • Protein hydration and vitamin/mineral supplementation
  • Long-term behavioral and lifestyle modification
• Develop and implement individualized nutrition care plans that are culturally sensitive and compassionate to our diverse patient population
• Provide longitudinal post-op follow-up at defined intervals
• Track attendance/compliance for insurance prior-authorization documentation
• Deliver ongoing long-term patient follow-up to monitor nutritional status manage clinical issues (e.g. nausea intolerances dumping syndrome) guide expectations and support dietary changes.
• Identify and manage: malnutrition nutrient deficiencies dumping syndrome intolerance dehydration and poor intake.
• Order evaluate interpret and monitor nutrition labs and guide vitamin/mineral supplementation to prevent deficiencies
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team (bariatric surgeons program staff behavioral health and allied health professionals) to ensure comprehensive patient care
• Use computer programs to access information and communicate with other members of the interdisciplinary team
• Document clinical care according to organizational guidelines
• Plan and lead monthly group support sessions for pre- and post- operative patients; foster a supportive community
• Develop review update and implement educational materials for bariatric patients and staff
• Participate in bariatric program educational and promotional activities
• Assist with quality improvement plans and maintain accreditation standards specifically for the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation & Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP)
• Engage in opportunities for bariatric nutrition research including healthcare disparities and access to care initiatives quality initiatives patient safety efforts and healthcare delivery science.
• May attend national conferences or continuing education events as appropriate
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• BS/BA in Nutrition Dietetics or other relevant major with completion of didactic program in dietetics.
• MS degree in Nutrition Dietetics or other relevant major or a specialty certification relevant to the position (e.g. Certified Specialist in Pediatrics Certified Nutrition Support Clinician Certified Specialist in Oncology Certified Specialist in Renal)
• Registered Dietitian (RD) by the Commission on Dietetic Registration
• Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN) by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Division of Professional Regulation
• Licensed Dietitian (LD) by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency

Position Details:

• Job Type/FTE: Full-Time 1.0 FTE
• Shift: Days
• Work Location: Hybrid - Harvey Tinley Park Remote
• Unit/Department: Clinical Nutrition
• CBA Code: Non-Union

Weve been at the forefront of medicine since 1899. We provide superior healthcare with compassion always mindful that each patient is a person an individual. To accomplish this we need employees with passion talent and commitment with patients and with each other. Were in this together: working to advance medical innovation serve the health needs of the community and move our collective knowledge forward. If youd like to add enriching human life to your profile UChicago Medicine is for you. Here at the forefront were doing work that really matters. Join us. Bring your passion.

UChicago Medicine is growing; discover how you can be a part of this pursuit of excellence at:UChicago Medicine Career Opportunities

UChicago Medicine is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race color ethnicity ancestry sex sexual orientation gender identity marital status civil union status parental status religion national origin age disability veteran status and other legally protected characteristics.

As a condition of employment all employees are required to complete a pre-employment physical background check drug screening and comply with the flu vaccination requirements prior to hire. Medical and religious exemptions will be considered for flu vaccination consistent with applicable law.

Compensation & Benefits Overview

UChicago Medicine is committed to transparency in compensation and benefits. The pay range provided reflects the anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position.

The pay range is based on a full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) and is reflective of current market data reviewed on an annual basis. Compensation offered at the time of hire will vary based on candidate qualifications and experience and organizational considerations such as internal equity. Pay ranges for employees subject to Collective Bargaining Agreements are negotiated by the medical center and their respective union.

Review the full complement of benefit options for eligible roles at Benefits - UChicago Medicine.