Registered Dietitian II - Cystic Fibrosis - Hybrid

About VCU Health

VCU Health is a level one trauma and academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia. We are on the forefront of healthcare, providing patients with the most progressive treatments and medical technology available. Our mission is to impact lives through patient-centered care, research, and education.

About the Role

This outpatient Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) position is responsible for providing evidence-based nutrition care to adult Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and Bronchiectasis patients. Nutrition plays an integral role in the management of these complex disease states. Historically, patients with CF suffer from malabsorption, vitamin deficiencies, bone loss, chronic infections, and inflammation. With the advent of new modulators, patients are now successfully gaining weight but continue to struggle with inflammation, pancreatic insufficiency, diabetes, and bone disease.

Working as an RD in the CF clinic offers a niche opportunity to provide personalized, one-on-one care to patients who have a multitude of medical conditions as they live longer. This role also involves working with Bronchiectasis patients, who face nutritional challenges such as chronic infection, inflammation, muscle wasting, and protein deficiency. The ideal candidate will have a well-rounded experience in nutrition, including enteral nutrition support, and possess effective communication skills.

Day in the Life

You will monitor disease states through the CF registry and non-CF registry, requiring frequent checkups, periodic data review, and analysis. Engagement with a multidisciplinary team allows you to be part of an impressive network of clinicians and participate in national presentations, leadership opportunities, networking, research, and collaboration. The CF clinic is accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and provides opportunities for teaching, research, and quality improvement projects.

This position is academically rewarding, offering involvement in research and development regarding CF-related diabetes, vitamin D deficiencies, malabsorption, chronic inflammation, bone density, microbial challenges, genetics, enteral nutrition support, and pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. CF is one of the only genetic diseases that has shown a life expectancy change of two decades in four years due to new advances in the field.

Work Environment & Schedule

This is a hybrid role requiring a mixture of in-person clinic visits and remote telework. You must be local to the area, with a schedule consisting of 16-20 hours in-person and 20-24 hours remote. The role may require travel to satellite clinics (e.g., Stony Point, Hanover) when needed and flexibility regarding work hours, including evening appointments for pediatric outpatient positions.

Growth & Culture

We offer a Clinical Ladder to allow growth opportunities in leadership, professional development, and research. VCU Health has competitive benefits, including paid time off, medical, dental, and vision benefits, and retirement that are initiated at hire day. If you have the passion to take the lead in nutrition care, be innovative, and work side by side with an interdisciplinary medical team, then this position is for you.

Equal Opportunity

VCU Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a diverse environment. We consider qualified applicants regardless of background, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.