December Spotlight: Brooke Mess

Provide us with a brief description of your job: I work at Alomere Health in Alexandria, MN as a clinical dietitian and I am the MAND NW Regional Representative.

What do you love about what you do? I love being able to help people understand how small changes truly do make big changes overtime. I enjoy helping people use the tools they already have to make the changes they would like to see with their current lifestyle. Also, with working in a smaller hospital, we are able to work closely with MDs, RNs, SLPs, etc to help move processes forward and discuss patient care in a more detailed manner than I have experienced in a larger hospital setting.

What are the challenges? With my current work situation, I have worked here for three years and we have been working on setting up a more consistent outpatient counseling opportunities for patients. It has been frustrating and exciting to work through this process to have this set up for patients to utilize.

How has your MAND membership benefited you? I’ve enjoyed being able to connect with other dietitians in the area that I work.

What do you think is the future of nutrition and dietetics? My hope for the future of nutrition and dietetics is more of a public understanding of what a dietitian can do. Many people do not understand the skill set a dietitian has to offer. I hope for hospitals, clinics, and other businesses to utilize dietitians to the full extent of what we have been trained to do.

What are your favorite activities/hobbies? My husband and I love being outdoors hiking, being on the water and hanging out with our two cats – Bandit and Marshall. COVID has helped me get back into reading again – any book suggestions are greatly appreciated!

What is your favorite restaurant in Minnesota? I love going to Garden Bar in Alexandria, MN. They have a great wine selections and wonderful food! If you want a great homestyle breakfast in Alex, go to Travelers – bottomless cups of coffee is a must for RDs!