February Member Spotlight: Angelica Anderson, M.S., RDN, LD

Provide us with a brief description of your job: I am an inpatient clinical dietitian at St. Mary’s Hospital, Mayo Clinic. I work with cardiovascular surgical patients in the ICU and PCU.

What do you love about what you do? I love using my expertise to nourish critically ill patients to help them through their recovery process. It’s also a joy connecting with my patients due to my personal experience with cardiac surgery.

What are the challenges? Acute critical illness is challenging in general! Patients’ needs change, sometimes daily, and my work is often accomplished in the ‘gray area.’

How has your MAND membership benefited you? My MAND membership has provided countless opportunities for networking and relationship building with other Minnesota dietitians and diet technicians. I am grateful to have a close network of nutrition professionals so early in my career.

What do you think is the future of nutrition and dietetics? We have so much opportunity for growth in our profession. I believe the COVID-19 pandemic has shone a light on our discipline and the important role RDNs/DTRs have in food access, health care, school nutrition, and much more. With our collective voice, especially through policy advocacy, we can continue expanding access to nutrition care and push for our expertise to be used to its fullest potential.

What are your favorite activities/hobbies? I have always been a musician at heart and still enjoy playing my clarinet in a community wind ensemble. I also have several passion projects that tend to keep me quite busy.

What is your favorite restaurant in Minnesota? This restaurant originated in North Dakota, but there are locations in Minnesota, so I think it counts: JL Beers. I don’t have a location close to me any longer and I miss it!