Julia Fechtner,

RD, LDN, CNSC, CSO

Clinical Oncology Dietitian

I am very compassionate and empathetic toward my patients. I actively listen to their questions and concerns so I can customize their nutrition plan to address their nutrient needs and food preferences.

Location: City of Hope Chicago
2520 Elisha Avenue
Zion, IL 60099

Specialties: Nutritional Support

Education: Advanced degrees: BS, Food Nutrition & Dietetics - Illinois State University, Normal

Certifications: Registered & Licensed Dietitian
Certified Nutrition Support Clinician
Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition

About Me

Registered and licensed dietitian Julia Fechtner makes it clear what she loves most about working at City of Hope—caring for patients. “I learned very early in my career patient care was my passion, especially in oncology," she says. "It is such a rewarding experience to offer help and guidance to patients in such a stressful time in their lives. I enjoy being able to support patients through their treatment, and I truly cherish the relationships I have developed with them.”

Since July 2006, Fechtner has been a member of the nutrition metabolic support team at our Illinois hospital. She works side-by-side with our doctors helping to care for patients who are fighting hematologic malignancies. Additionally, she works with our radiation oncologists to care for patients undergoing radiation treatment.

“I help guide patients throughout their cancer journey,” says Fechtner. “I assess patients for their nutritional needs and provide evidenced-informed nutrition recommendations to help optimize their bodies’ ability to fight cancer and tolerate treatments.”

Fechtner works with patients to help prevent and manage common side effects of cancer treatment, including weight loss, taste change, mouth sores, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Such side effects can impact a patient’s ability to intake adequate nutrition. Fechtner provides suggestions to optimize patients’ food intake and prevent further weight loss. If needed, she can also provide alternative forms of nutrition such as parenteral nutrition.

Board certified in oncology nutrition and nutrition support, Fechtner earned a bachelor’s degree in food nutrition and dietetics from Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. She completed a dietetic internship at Mount Mary College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Fechtner is an active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly known as the American Dietetic Association). Additionally, she participates in the association’s oncology nutrition dietetic practice group.

Fechtner loves spending time with her husband and their two children. She also enjoys exercising, biking and camping.

Patient reviews: The patient ratings and comments on this page are obtained from an external Press Ganey^® outpatient survey provided to all eligible City of Hope patients within one to two weeks of their treatment occurrence. Raw data from the answers to the survey questions about our physicians are calculated by Press Ganey into a one- to five- star rating. In the spirit of transparency, all patient comments are posted as written by the patient, whether they are positive or negative. We only exclude comments if they are deemed to be slanderous or libelous, contain profanity or vulgar language, or do not relate to the patient's experience with the doctor involved. As a result, the comments are the views and opinions of the patients surveyed and are not endorsed by, and may not necessarily reflect the opinion of, City of Hope.