Professional Development Scholarship Recipient Experience Summary

Mary Jo Porter, RD

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Dietitians in Nutrition Support (DNS) Nominating Committee for awarding me the DNS Professional Development Scholarship fund.   This was a trip of “firsts”. It was my first ASPEN conference, first abstract submission, first oral presentation and first trip to Las Vegas! I would not have experienced such an incredible opportunity without the support and encouragement of DNS, my manager Neha Parekh, and mentors, Dr. Ezra Steiger and Dr. Cristiano Quintini.  

My experience began by attending the 2010 Intestinal Failure Research Workshop which started on February 7, 2010. It was an invigorating workshop packed with industry leaders who discussed intestinal failure (IF) pathophysiology, and medical, surgical and nutritional strategies for the treatment of IF patients.  I particularly enjoyed the review of radiology techniques to assist evaluation and integrity of anatomical configuration, overview of medications used for treatment of IF, and also the great discussion regarding small intestine bacterial overgrowth. The workshop encouraged open discussion which identified areas in need of further research. 

I had the privilege of displaying my poster during the IF Research Workshop, and was honored with the opportunity to give an oral presentation of my research during the Parenteral Nutrition Associated Liver Disease (PNALD) session on Wednesday, February 10, 2010. 

Some key highlights for me personally included the presentation by Laura Matarese RD, regarding her current practice of supplementation in post intestinal transplant patients, and the Rhoads Research lecture by Dr. Alverdy during which he was able to present complex data in both a stimulating and understandable format. It was an honor to be recognized at the Dietetics Practice Section Meeting on Wednesday, February 10, 2010, and also to receive encouragement from the clinicians who are leading the field of dietetics and research! 

This was my first experience attending ASPEN’s Clinical Nutrition Week, and I was delightfully overwhelmed with the amount of information and research that was presented, as well as the great opportunity to network with my peers and leaders of ASPEN. I look forward to my continued career development, and hope in turn to encourage other dietitians to take advantage of this great opportunity that is provided by the DNS Professional Scholarship!