Megan Whitaker, RD, LDN – Clinical Oncology Dietitian
Learn More About CTCA Nutritionists: Chat with Us | Email Us
When registered and licensed dietitian Megan Whitaker found Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), she knew she discovered a place where she could make an impact on patients’ lives and find deeper meaning in what she had chosen to study and practice.
She says, “I knew right away my interaction with patients would increase dramatically because of the amount of staffing and support at CTCA. And my excitement grew when I learned of the Mother Standard® of care and the Patient Empowered Care® model, both of which are tailored to benefit each patient.”
Whitaker became a member of the Nutrition & Metabolic Support Department at CTCA at Eastern Regional Medical Center in August 2011. She works on a close-knit care team that includes a medical oncologist, naturopathic clinician, care manager, and registered nurse.
“One of the most important parts of my job as a dietitian is to help manage patients’ symptoms before, during and after treatment,” explains Whitaker. “Nutrition intervention during treatment is focused on managing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or taste changes. I meet with patients throughout their care at CTCA, which allows me to help them develop individualized nutritional plans based on their cancer type and treatment regime.”
Whitaker earned a bachelor’s degree in dietetics from La Salle University in Philadelphia. She completed a dietetic internship through the university by completing clinical rotations at several hospitals in and around Philadelphia.
Whitaker says of CTCA, “I like the dedication and concentrated amount of time I am able to spend with patients, the availability of wholesome nutritious food, and the philosophy that the majority of what we recommend to patients can be found in the cafeteria or pharmacy. And, I find it unique and beneficial to be able to have patients work with our Mind-Body Medicine and Naturopathic Medicine Departments for additional support for quality of life.”
Prior to joining CTCA, Whitaker served as a clinical dietitian for healthcare facilities in Philadelphia and Roxborough, Pennsylvania. She is a member of the Philadelphia Area Society for Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition.
Whitaker enjoys teaching Vinyasa hot yoga and spending time with her husband and Duchess, her Chihuahua.
Other Nutritionists/Dietitians at Eastern
- Nhu Huynh, RD, LDN, CNSC, CSO
Director of Nutrition - Jen Koffs, RD, LDN
Dietitian/Nutritionist - Karen Marr, MS, RD, LDN, CSO
Dietitian/Nutritionist - Kelly Prall, RD, LDN, CNSC
Dietitian/Nutritionist - Danielle Schopf, RD, LDN
Dietitian/Nutritionist
