IMH Registered Dietitian II

University of Chicago•Phoenix, IL

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

As a core member of our world-class academic healthcare system, the Bariatric Registered Dietitian II guides patients through the entire weight management and bariatric surgery process, from initial evaluation and surgical preparation to long-term post-operative care and weight maintenance. This position focuses on supporting medical weight management and bariatric surgery patients, ensuring positive outcomes and sustainable, evidence-based lifestyle changes. The dietitian collaborates with a multidisciplinary team and follows all regulatory, accrediting, and licensing requirements and quality improvement initiatives.

Requirements

BS/BA in Nutrition, Dietetics or other relevant major with completion of didactic program in dietetics.
MS degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or other relevant major or a specialty certification relevant to the position (e.g. Certified Specialist in Pediatrics, Certified Nutrition Support Clinician, Certified Specialist in Oncology, Certified Specialist in Renal)
Registered Dietitian (RD) by the Commission on Dietetic Registration
Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN) by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation
Licensed Dietitian (LD) by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency

Responsibilities

Provide evidence-based medical nutrition therapy (MNT), education, and counseling for patients before and after bariatric surgery in both individual and group settings.
Conduct comprehensive pre-operative nutrition assessments, including: Escalate concerns to bariatric team when: Red flags are identified (non-adherence, medical instability, disordered eating). Weight history, diet history, and dietary and lifestyle patterns Disordered eating screening Readiness for surgery and lifestyle change as well as compliance potential Micronutrient risk and baseline supplementation
Monitor patient progress through regular supervised weight loss visits (individual and group sessions)
Deliver structured pre-op and post-op education in both individual and group settings on: Diet phases and progression Protein, hydration, and vitamin/mineral supplementation Long-term behavioral and lifestyle modification
Develop and implement individualized nutrition care plans that are culturally sensitive and compassionate to our diverse patient population
Provide longitudinal post-op follow-up at defined intervals Track attendance/compliance for insurance prior-authorization documentation
Deliver ongoing, long-term patient follow-up to monitor nutritional status, manage clinical issues (e.g. nausea, intolerances, dumping syndrome), guide expectations, and support dietary changes.
Identify and manage: malnutrition, nutrient deficiencies, dumping syndrome, intolerance, dehydration, and poor intake.
Order, evaluate, interpret and monitor nutrition labs and guide vitamin/mineral supplementation to prevent deficiencies
Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team (bariatric surgeons, program staff, behavioral health, and allied health professionals) to ensure comprehensive patient care
Use computer programs to access information and communicate with other members of the interdisciplinary team
Document clinical care according to organizational guidelines
Plan and lead monthly group support sessions for pre- and post- operative patients; foster a supportive community
Develop, review, update and implement educational materials for bariatric patients and staff
Participate in bariatric program educational and promotional activities
Assist with quality improvement plans and maintain accreditation standards, specifically for the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation & Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP)
Engage in opportunities for bariatric nutrition research including healthcare disparities and access to care initiatives, quality initiatives, patient safety efforts, and healthcare delivery science.
May attend national conferences or continuing education events, as appropriate
Perform other duties as assigned