Faculty Profile
Karen Wetherall
EDUCATION
BOSTON UNIVERSITY, M.S., Nutrition Education Boston, MA
Masters Thesis Proposal: "Nutrition Education in Medical Schools"
BETH ISRAEL HOSPITAL, Dietetic Internship Boston, MA
MARYMOUNT COLLEGE, B.S., Human Nutrition and Foods Tarrytown, NY
EXPERIENCE
The University of Tennessee (UT) Knoxville, TN
1995-Present Director, Dietetic Internship
• Redesign and coordinate internship, contracting services with RDs at local hospitals and work sites to provide quality and comprehensive learning experiences for dietetic interns.
• Develop program objectives, learning experiences, and evaluation strategies.
• Develop and coordinate dietetic internship course, utilizing RD preceptors to lecture and direct problem-based learning case studies.
• Advise, direct, and evaluate dietetic interns= needs and progress through weekly communications and evaluations.
• Maintain program compliance with the American Dietetic Association, through annual program evaluation, and comprehensive program documentation every five years. (Successfully accredited 5/98).
• Market program to undergraduate nutrition students and coordinate annual intern selection.
1994-Present Adjunct Faculty Member
• Develop curriculum and instruct elite athletes, utilizing
current research and facilitated discussions, on sports nutrition
and performance.
• Provided current professional issues and reference for undergraduate
nutrition students. Stimulated creative and comprehensive student
presentations.
1988-1994 The Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Boston,
MA
Ambulatory Care, Nutrition Specialist, Department of Dietetics (1991-94)
• Provided nutrition assessment and counseling for patients
with cardiac, cancer, and disordered eating problems, resulting in
decreased blood lipids and improved nutritional status.
• Managed and supervised 4 week outpatient experience for dietetic interns.
• Directed problem-based learning case study discussions for Preventive Medicine Course at Harvard Medical School.
• Provided quarterly nutrition assessment and education to research participants in C.A.R.E. (Coronary and Recurrent Events) Study.
• Initiated and delivered revenue generating nutrition education
classes,
providing heart-healthy nutrition focus which positively effected
lifestyle change.
• Developed marketing strategies for nutrition services resulting in 21% increase in revenue/patient base.
Guest Lecturer, Harvard Medical School (1988-91)
• Lectured and provided nutrition counseling demonstrations
for Preventive Medicine Course to 120 medical students annually.
Director of Cardiovascular Nutrition, Preventive Medicine Department
(1988-91)
• Managed and supervised nutrition practicums for graduate nutrition students.
• Provided nutrition assessment and counseling for 30-50 patients weekly, resulting in positive patient lifestyle changes, reduced blood lipids, and weight.
• Designed and delivered group nutrition classes, including cooking demos, vegetarian menu planning, and cognitive/behavioral restructuring.
1980-1987 The Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Boston,
MA
Ambulatory Care Nutritionist, Chelsea and Revere Health Centers
• Developed, supervised, and evaluated 8 week clinical experience
for 8-10 dietetic interns annually.
• Authored the Prenatal Chapter of the MGH Diet Manual.
• Positively impacted nutrition risk factors via individual assessment, counseling, and group nutrition programs for pregnant women, pediatric, diabetic, cardiac, and overweight patients. Services provided to Spanish, Cambodian, Vietnamese, and English speaking patients.
• Designed and managed nutrition education programs for W.I.C. patients, increasing breastfeeding rate and decreasing infant mortality rate.
CONSULTANT
2001-present
UT Executive MBA Program: Wellness Coach
1994-present
UT Lady Vols: Team ENHANCE Member, sports nutrition counseling
for elite athletes. Contributing to National Championships in ‘96,’97,
and ‘98.
1994-present
Family Practice Associates: nutrition counseling throughout
the life cycle.
1992-present
Tranquil Eating Associates: nutrition and behavioral
counseling for clients with disordered eating and weight management
issues.
1998-2000
UT Vols Football Team: Consulted with elite athletes regarding
diet, nutrition, and performance, contributing to 1998 National Championship.
1994-1996
Harriman City Hospital: directed individual and group nutrition
programs for cardiac rehab and employee wellness programs.
1993-1994
The Burdenko Institute of Water Therapy: nutrition counseling
for health.
1984-1994
Omnifitness: nutrition education for personal trainers
and clients.
1985
The Boston Globe: weight management wellness program.
PUBLICATIONS
1. Wetherall K. The Beautiful Project. SCAN Spring Newsletter,
2001.
2. Balnicki K, Silver-Kolodin L. Chap.11: Management of Cardiovascular Patients in a Hospital Setting, in: Cardiovascular Nutrition: Strategies and Tools for Disease Management and Prevention, The American Dietetic Association,1998.
3. Book Review: Balnicki K. The Dietitians Guide to Vegetarian Diets: Issues and Applications, Messina M. 1996. Gaithersburg, MD: Aspen Publishers, Inc, in JADA 97:214, 1997.
4. Zemel PC, Gorski J, Balnicki K. Implementation of Nutrition Education and Training Program Needs Assessment Plan for the Tennessee State Department of Education. Year One: Survey of Principals, Grades 6-12 Health Teachers and Grades 9-12 Lifestyle/Wellness, Physical Education Teachers. Final Report. Departments of Nutrition and Health, Leisure and Safety Sciences. College of Human Ecology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. 1995.
5. Book Review: Balnicki K. Human Nutrition, Guthrie H. 1995. St. Louis: Mosby-Year Book Inc, in: JADA 95:944-945, 1995.
6. Leaf A, Balnicki Frisa K. Eating for Health or Athletic Performance, Am J Clin Nutr 40:1066-1069, 1989.
7. Balnicki Frisa K. Overview of Very Low Calorie Diets. Group Practice News. Feb/Mar:17-18, 1989.
Contact the Department of Nutrition
1215 W. Cumberland Ave.
229 Jessie Harris Building
Knoxville, TN 37996-1920
Brenda Hart
bhart57@utk.edu
Phone: (865) 974-5445
Fax: (865) 974-3491