Nestle Nutrition Institute Announces Enteral Nutrition Fellowship Recipients

New Fellows to Focus on Improving Medical Outcomes for Acute and Chronically Ill Patients

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., May 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nestle Nutrition Institute (NNI) today announced the recipients of the Enteral Nutrition fellowship. The inaugural class of six fellows will receive intensive training in nutrition therapy as an integral part of trauma, surgery, gastroenterology, endocrinology and critical care specialties at some of the nation's leading medical centers.

This new initiative is designed to help better integrate enteral nutrition therapy into medical practice, improve patient outcomes and manage chronic diseases in clinical settings. NNI is committed to supporting, training and building a nationwide network of physician nutrition leaders working to advance clinical nutrition knowledge.

The 2010-2011 class of fellows includes:

• Dr. Jill R. Cherry-Bukowiec. Cherry-Bukowiec is an assistant clinical professor of surgery at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Her current research focuses on surgical infections and nutrition in the ICU. She is also earning her master's degree in clinical research design and statistical analysis at the University of Michigan's School of Public Health.
• Dr. Bryan R. Collier. Collier is an assistant professor of surgery in the Trauma and Critical Care Division of Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn. During his fellowship at Vanderbilt, he created his own curriculum designed to focus on nutrition in the surgical critical care field and has gained national exposure as a physician nutritionist.
• Dr. David J. Frantz. Frantz is a second-year fellow studying gastroenterology, hepatology and epidemiology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill. He also has a master's degree in molecular biology with a focus on nutrition.
• Dr. Christy M. Lawson. Lawson is a first-year fellow at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, specializing in surgical critical care. She has experience working on nutritional management for intensive care unit (ICU) patients.
• Dr. Craig Munroe. Munroe is a second-year fellow studying gastroenterology at Stanford University in Stanford, Calif. He is interested in developing creative and groundbreaking multi-disciplinary methods to promote nutrition and prevent obesity.
• Dr. Vance L. Smith. Smith will begin his surgical critical care and trauma surgery fellowship at Stanford University in Stanford, Calif. this summer. He holds a master's degree in human nutrition and chemistry and works as a gastrointestinal and trauma surgeon.

"We are pleased that this fellowship program is endorsed by A.S.P.E.N. and the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA). The Fellowship Program provides physicians with a learning experience in nutrition therapy like no other in medical practice," states Dr. Jose Saavedra, Head of the Nestle Nutrition Institute in North America.

"The new fellows identified through the NNI's initiative represent the next generation of physician thought leaders," said David Yates, Regional Business Head of Nestle HealthCare Nutrition. "Their dedication to using enteral nutrition as a key component in the critical care process will not only change the landscape of care, but it will ultimately save lives. We are proud to welcome these fine candidates to the program."

Over the course of a year, this group of medical and surgery subspecialty fellows will receive intensive one-on-one mentoring and clinical training from recognized leaders in the field while taking part in professional development activities designed to build a national network of nutrition physician leaders. The 2010-2011 fellows will begin coursework in August. Some of the nation's leading experts in medical nutrition and nutrition research will serve as faculty for the program, including: Dr. Robert Martindale, at Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) and Dr. Stephen McClave at the University of Louisville School of Medicine.

The program will advance the practice of clinical nutrition by supporting a year of didactic and clinical experiences, including a four-week clinical rotation where fellows will be exposed to an intense educational curriculum while participating in hospital rounds and learning tube-feeding related procedures. The fellowship also provides mentoring and professional support, enabling participants to publish, identify research interests, and participate in U.S. and international professional meetings, including the A.S.P.E.N. Clinical Nutrition Week meeting.

About the Nestle Nutrition Institute

For more than 60 years, Nestle has contributed to the continuing nutrition education of health professionals.  Founded in 2000, the Institute formalizes Nestle's commitment to collaborate with health professionals in the area of infant, clinical and performance nutrition to actively participate in the exchange of knowledge and nutrition expertise. Primary activities under the Institute include the sponsorship of workshops, the development of publications & educational tools, and provide scholarships for postgraduate study or training in fields related to health and nutrition. For information about the Nestle Nutrition Institute, health professionals can visit www.nestlenutrition-institute.org.

About Nestle HealthCare Nutrition

Through science-based nutrition products and services, Nestle HealthCare Nutrition, part of Nestle S.A., a leading global nutrition, health and wellness company, offers complete nutritional solutions for people with specific illnesses, disease states or the ongoing challenges of different life stages.

SOURCE Nestle Nutrition Institute