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
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City of Hope Chicago
2520 Elisha Avenue
Zion, Illinois 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
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 Drs. Istvan Redei and Syed Abutalib, 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 ratings
- Star ratings and comments are only available for medical, radiation and gynecologic oncologists. Gynecologic surgical offerings are not included at this time due to a different survey tool required to evaluate these services. CTCA uses a validated Press Ganey® survey, which captures patient experience feedback for the primary oncology services of chemotherapy and radiation therapy at our comprehensive care and research centers. Following industry best practice, star ratings and comments are only published for physicians with a minimum of 30 completed patient surveys.