Marissa Ciorciari, RD, LDN - Dietitian
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Marissa Ciorciari, clinical oncology nutritionist at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), delights in teaching patients how to prevent malnutrition. She explains, “I am able to provide nutrition care to patients, which is integrated with all other aspects of their treatment.”
Ciorciari began her inquiry in the healthcare field during her undergraduate years. In 2004, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Connecticut, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Upon graduation, Ciorciari accepted a dietetic internship at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – School of Health Related Professions (UMDNJ – SHRP).
In the years following, Ciorciari became a clinical instructor at UMDNJ and enrolled in a graduate program. She anticipates receiving her Master of Science degree in Clinical Nutrition from UMDNJ in December 2009. Though busy with work and school, Ciorciari devotes time to professional activities. In recent years, she has worked on projects involving the Salvation Army and the Women’s Heart Foundation. She also acted as co-editor of the the HIV/AIDS Dietetic Practice Group (DPG) newsletter.
Ciorciari joined the nutrition team at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) in 2008. “I came to CTCA because the integrative model CTCA provides to people diagnosed with cancer makes absolute sense to me,” says Ciorciari. She adds, “There is seamless communication between the patient, caregiver, and stakeholder team which ensures optimal care here.”
When asked about her approach to nutritional intervention, Ciorciari explains that individuality is key, “Cancer types are different, every individual experiences cancer and cancer treatment in a different way. At CTCA, we develop a plan to consider each individual’s unique needs.”
Educating patients about the benefits of healthy eating is a large part of Ciorciari’s job, “I want my patients to see that healthy food can taste good, it’s all in the preparation! It is a wonderful thing when you see people empowered to take charge of their health, and are enjoying foods that are both delicious and good for them.”
Aside from teaching cancer patients the value of proper nutrition, Ciorciari advances her own understanding of nutrition studies. She attends annual conferences and expositions held by the American Dietetic Association and has presented multiple times at the Annual Nutritionists in AIDS Care and HIV/AIDS DPG conference. In 2007, the Association of Nutrition Service Agencies (ANSA) awarded Ciorciari a conference scholarship. Positive Communication and The Journal of the American Dietetic Association have both published Ciorciari’s work.
Ciorciari belongs to the American Dietetic Association, HIV/AIDS Dietetic Practice Group, Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group, Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutritionists Dietetic Practice Group, and the New Jersey Dietetic Association.
In her free time, Ciorciari enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time at the beach where she scuba dives and polishes her surfing skills. However, nothing quite compares to the time Ciorciari spends playing with her young nephew.
Other Nutritionists/Dietitians at Eastern
- Nhu Huynh, RD, LDN
Director of Nutrition - Kelly Minnich, RD, LDN
Dietitian/Nutritionist
