What drew you to the Doctor of Clinical Nutrition program at SHP?

I knew that I wanted to be stronger clinically. I felt the DCN program at SHP would enhance my skillset and knowledge in a variety of ways including advanced clinical practice and clinical/translational research. There’s something unique about those combinations that are difficult to find elsewhere.

What were pivotal points in your career?

The biggest pivotal point was joining the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Team at Kentucky Children’s Hospital. Pediatric Hem/Onc was always where I wanted to be, but jobs are limited in this area. Joining this team has allowed me to grow and practice to my fullest potential. The trust and relationship I have with my team to fully manage all our patients without hesitation or questioning has truly let me see what our profession could be.

What are two highlights of your career?

Finishing my DCN. This would not have happened if it wasn’t for the support of my wife and family, but also of my program advisors, Drs. Jane Zeigler and Rebecca Brody. They were always there in a moment’s notice to turn to, to help guide or to navigate me through the program. They are still there today, helping me navigate the rest of my career.

The second highlight is the first grant that I got as a principal investigator. I received $25,000 to run a clinical trial within the Pediatric Hem/Onc field to examine nutrition interventions and alternative measures of success using novel body composition measures. Without the knowledge and rigorous research processes that the DCN program instilled in me, I would not have gotten this opportunity. This has also opened other doors for collaboration and additional clinical studies that can, hopefully, improve our nutrition care to patients and optimize their survival.

What are your future plans?

Finish my Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology. I had the opportunity to participate in a research study at my clinic that would allow me to receive my Ph.D. with it. Why not, I thought. I am hoping to complete it in the upcoming 12-18 months. This will further my background and knowledge, specifically in novel and advanced clinical body composition measures, and enable me to bring a new level of advanced bedside care to our patient populations. I also hope to be moving into more research and larger grants.

If you could speak to your young self, what words of wisdom or leadership advice would you give?

It is all worth it. There were times when it seemed like it might be impossible or, that it was the wrong choice. All things that are hard are worth doing. It has given me the opportunity to have the most amazing and rewarding career that I could have hoped for.

What might people be surprised to know about you?

I am a ranked all-world triathlete who has completed multiple Ironman and Ironman 70.3s. I have qualified for Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Marbella, Spain, to be held on November 9. I’ve competed in Nationals for the last three years, but this is my first year making the World’s Championship.