Karen Marr, MS, RD, LDN, CSO – Clinical Oncology Dietitian
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“My overall goal for patients is to help them maintain positive quality of life as they undergo cancer treatment,” says Karen Marr, a registered and licensed dietitian. “I help patients make appropriate dietary choices and maintain nutritional balance, as well as manage symptoms and side effects of treatment.”
In October 2009, Marr joined the team of clinical oncology dietitians/nutritionists at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) at Eastern Regional Medical Center. She wanted to be part of an establishment where the number one concern was the care of patients. That’s precisely what she found at CTCA.
“CTCA is a placed filled with love and hope,” says Marr. “Walking through the door every morning, I know I am making a difference. Whether it is making meal plans, managing tube feedings or simply just holding someone’s hand.”
Marr, who is board certified in oncology nutrition, provides personalized nutrition consultations and recommendations to patients. She works alongside Dr. Shayma Kazmi, a medical oncologist and hematologist, as well as a naturopathic oncology provider, care manager, and registered nurse.
As Marr notes, “Appropriate nutritional balance during cancer treatment is correlated with not only positive quality of life, but also minimizing treatment side effects.”
She helps patients maintain a healthy weight during treatment by providing dietary guidance through menu planning, tips on controlling treatment side effects such as nausea and vomiting, and overall diet education. When necessary, Marr also provides alternative nutrition therapy through means of enteral and parenteral support.
A Philadelphia native, Marr grew up a few blocks away from the hospital. She attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in food and nutrition. She also completed a dietetic internship through the university.
Although Marr’s background is primarily clinical, her interests include weight management, wellness, and sports nutrition, which is reflected in her personal interests as a novice runner and an avid cook and baker. Marr believes balance through nutrition and physical activity is the key to health and well-being.
Other Nutritionists/Dietitians at Eastern
- Nhu Huynh, RD, LDN
Director of Nutrition - Jen Koffs, RD, LDN
Dietitian/Nutritionist - Kelly Prall, RD, LDN
Dietitian/Nutritionist - Danielle Schopf, RD, LDN
Dietitian/Nutritionist - Megan Whitaker, RD, LDN
Dietitian/Nutritionist
