Dietitians Day shines a light on nutrition teams| McGill University Health Centre

March 18 is Dietitians Day — a day to recognize, dietitians/nutritionists, dietetic technicians, and administrative staff who support patients every day at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC). 

For nutritionist, Jennifer Titleman, the campaign theme We are the MUHC reflects the teamwork that defines care across the hospital.

“Patient care is never delivered in isolation. The values of teamwork, collaboration, mutual respect, and communication are continuously a priority here at the MUHC. The focus on the WE is why the MUHC is a globally recognized hospital.”

Jennifer recently celebrated two years of service at the MUHC. She began her practice on the stroke unit at The Neuro while also supporting patients at the Royal Victoria Hospital Oncology Day Centre during chemotherapy treatments. Early cross-coverage across internal medicine and cardiology units gave her broad clinical experience before she moved to her current role in the Preoperative and Prehabilitation (POP) Clinics at the Montreal General Hospital, helping patients optimize their health before surgery.

Working in an outpatient setting allows Jennifer to follow patients over longer periods, building close relationships. One experience stands out: supporting a patient for several months prior to surgery and continuing visits to the ICU during a difficult recovery. The patient later returned to clinic smiling for his final post-operative appointment and framed his “graduation” certificate — a moment that highlighted the long-term impact of sustained nutrition care.

Clinical Nutrition across the MUHC

Dietitians/nutritionists, and diet technicians work across all MUHC sites, providing specialized care to patients in a variety of clinical settings. Together, the different sites embody the motto “We Are the MUHC,” collaborating toward a shared goal of delivering best practices in patient care while contributing unique areas of expertise and specialty services at each site.

The Clinical Nutrition Department at the adult sites (Glen, Montreal General Hospital, and The Neuro) consists of 44 registered dietitians/nutritionists (RDs), 13 dietetic technicians, and 2 administrative agents who work together to provide medical nutrition therapy, assist patients in managing their health conditions, and prevent malnutrition. Dietetic technicians play a vital role by customizing menus to meet individual needs and serve as a bridge between Clinical Nutrition and Food Services.

Lachine Hospital has a team of five dietitians who provide nutrition services across various areas, including the Emergency Department, medical, surgical, and palliative care units. Additionally, they cover a nephrology unit and manage the nutritional care of 126 residents in the Camille Lefebvre Pavilion (CHSLD). The dietitians are supported by four dietary technicians who work in collaboration with Food Services to ensure that patients and residents receive appropriate and individualized nutrition.

At the Children’s, clinical nutritionists specialize in complete nutritional assessments and create individualized intervention plans for children whose medical conditions affect their overall nutrition. They are active members of multidisciplinary teams in areas like neonatal and pediatric intensive care, gastroenterology, endocrinology, and more. Their work ensures children receive the nutritional support they need to grow and thrive. In addition to their work with children, they also serve the Women’s Health Mission and the adult population in obstetrics, including those with gestational diabetes, as well as patients of all ages with genetic diseases that have metabolic consequences.

In Food Services, dietitians/nutritionists and dietetic technicians play a key role in menu planning and continuous improvement, ensuring nutritional quality, food safety, and efficient management of the menu system. They coordinate purchasing, meal production, and distribution while supporting sustainability initiatives.

Together, the Clinical Nutrition and Food Services teams combine their expertise to provide safe, personalized, and patient-centered nutritional care—truly making a difference in the lives of patients and residents and exemplifying the collaborative spirit of “We Are the MUHC.”

Let’s take a moment to recognize their expertise and care of these teams, whose work makes a real difference in patients’ lives.

Here’s to a healthy and nourishing Nutrition Month at the MUHC!