August Board Member Spotlight: Sydney Bexell, RD, LD

Provide us with a brief description of your job: As an inpatient clinical dietitian float at Essentia Health, I provide care to patients on 16 units between 2 hospitals (Duluth and Superior). In this role, I am responsible for calculating nutrition support plans/prescriptions, communicating with providers regarding vitamin and mineral supplementation recommendations for a variety of conditions (i.e. wounds, gastric bypass, nutrient deficiencies, etc.), diagnosing and aiding in the treatment of malnutrition, and providing nutrition education for a variety of symptoms and/or disease states.

What do you love about what you do? One of my favorite parts of this role is calculating enteral nutrition plans as well as collaborating with pharmacists to determine macro- and micronutrients in parenteral nutrition prescriptions. Because of this, I would have to have to say my favorite floors to cover are the ICUs. I have also really enjoyed learning about the different roles that nutrition and food plays in people’s lives while discussing nutrition-focused history with patients.

What are the challenges? I started my job at Essentia Health in October as a new dietitian, so would have to say one of the biggest challenges is all of the “new” I encounter every day, especially as a float dietitian. However, I am so grateful for my position as a float dietitian because it has given me the opportunity to be exposed to and learn from a variety of patients and disease states.

How has your MAND membership benefited you? This is my first year as a MAND board member, and I have been amazed by the connections I have made around the state, especially as a new dietitian. Before MAND, I really didn’t know many other dietitians, and it has been so fun make the connections I have because of MAND. I have loved learning about the variety of options available in our field and connecting with people who have similar professional interests.

What do you think is the future of nutrition and dietetics? I am very passionate about Health at Every Size and I hope to see the research behind this approach positively impact healthcare and decrease weight bias/stigma.

What are your favorite activities/hobbies? Rollerblading, taking my dog for walks, baking bread, and trying new foods!

What is your favorite restaurant in Minnesota? That’s a tough one! I recently went to Lyric Kitchen in Duluth, which was really tasty – great variety!

Please share your Instagram handle (and any other social media handles that you would like us to share): sydbexell