Jessica Engelbrecht, MS, RD, LD – Clinical Oncology Dietitian
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“Nutrition improvement and maintenance helps patients fight through some of the toughest times during cancer treatment,” says Jessica Engelbrecht. “As a registered and licensed dietitian, I try to empower each patient with nutrition education that will enable them to choose nutrient-dense foods and beverages that will make their bodies stronger.”
Engelbrecht joined the integrated team of doctors and other clinicians at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) at Southwestern Regional Medical Center in October 2011. She says right from the start of her career at CTCA, she was impressed with the patient-centered model of care. She notes, “It is amazing to be a functioning part of many patients’ entire scope of care from hope to healing!”
Engelbrecht provides nutrition consultations and therapy to new and returning patients. During patients’ return visits to the hospital, she meets with them to ensure they are continuing to intake adequate nutrition. Because Engelbrecht sees her patients regularly and is a key member of their care teams, she is continually involved in their care and informed of each step of their treatment. This allows her to stay on top of treatment side effects patients may have that impact their nutritional status.
Engelbrecht says of her approach to caring for patients, “I feel as though I have never met a ‘stranger’ at CTCA. I take that approach with each patient by helping them to feel comfortable and supported throughout their treatment.”
Engelbrecht earned a master’s degree in nutrition from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio and a bachelor’s degree in nutrition from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. She completed a dietetics internship at Louis Stokes Veterans Administration Medical Center in Cleveland.
Previously, Engelbrecht provided nutrition therapy to patients at a dialysis center and an outpatient surgical facility in Corpus Christi, Texas.
She is a member of the American Dietetic Association and is a frequent guest lecturer and presenter on nutrition topics at numerous colleges and community events.
In her spare time, Engelbrecht enjoys running, cooking and spending time with her husband, family and friends. She adds, “I’m excited to be back in cowboy country (go pokes!) and near family.”
Other Nutritionists/Dietitians at Southwestern
- Katie Bandy, MS, RD, CSO, LD
Dietitian/Nutritionist - Kylie Buchan, RD, CSO, LD
Dietitian/Nutritionist - Kalli N. Castille, MS, RD, CSO, LD
Director of Nutritional Support and Culinary - Brooke McIntyre, RD, LD
Dietitian/Nutritionist - Andrea Reser, RD, CSO, LD
Dietitian/Nutritionist, Food & Nutrition Manager - Matt Rinehart, RD, CSO, LD
Dietitian/Nutritionist - Jessica Smith, MS, RD, CSO, LD
Dietitian/Nutritionist - Jason Stevens, MA, RD, CSO, LD
Dietitian/Nutritionist & Diabetes Program Coordinator - Jasmyn Walker, MS, RD, CSO, CNSC, LD
Dietitian/Nutritionist
