Kathryn K Hamilton, MA, RD, CSO, CDN
CDR Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR)
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Position / Skills and Attributes
| POSITION | Skills/Attributes associated with the position | Examples of how I have demonstrated outcomes for each skill/attribute that qualify me for the position |
| CDR Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR) |
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Employment History
| Employer | Title | Years Employed |
| Morristown Medical Center | Outpatient Oncology Dietitian | 2002-present |
| Memorial Sloan Kettering | Outpatient Nutrition Educator/Manager | 1992-2000 |
| Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | Clinical Dietitian (Inpatient) | 1989-1992 |
Leadership Experience
| Leadership Position | Organization | Years Involved in the Organization | My specific leadership contributions, achievements and outcomes: | Leadership Skills used in this position: |
| Item Writer and Reviewer for Certified Specialist in Oncology (CSO) exam | Commission on Dietetic Registration | - | I was invited to join the first item writing and reviewing work group for the certification exam in oncology. I have served in this capacity for four years with the exception of the time I cycled out to actually take the exam. In addition to drafting and editing exam items, we sit for each exam form and help to develop a cut-score for passing the test. This is hard work but very rewarding. I am able to share some of my experience with my item-writing colleagues, and learn a tremendous amount from them. In addition, I serve as the representative to the Commission on Dietetic Registration from the Oncology Nutrition DPG. While I am not able to divulge any information regarding the exam, I am able to answer general questions from members and potential applicants, and share information between the two groups for more efficient communication. | |
| Workgroup Member: Nutrition and Physical Activity consensus documents for prevention/survivorship | National American Cancer Society | - | The American Cancer Society (ACS) gathered a group of researchers and clinicians to draft the first consensus document on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention and for Cancer Survivors around the year 2000. I have been fortunate to be involved in the process both as a contributor as well as a reviewer. These documents, which have been updated approximately every five years, serve as the basis for ACS community service messages, patient education and assorted ACS publications. As a contributor and reviewer, I am asked each time to update certain sections of the document and then offer my opinion, based on my clinical experience, on the document as a whole. It is extremely rewarding to be part of the creation of these documents. The ACS is a credible organization with the potential to have a significant positive impact on the health of Americans. | |
| Americanc Dietetic Association liaison to Commision on Cancer | American Dietetic Association and the Commission on Cancer | - | The Commission on Cancer (CoC) is a division of the American College of Surgeons. With the exception of a few allied health-care members, the organization is populated by physicians: oncology surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and assorted other medical specialties related to the treatment of cancer. Every three years the Commission drafts a set of standards for cancer centers around the country interested in receiving accreditation or re-accreditation through the CoC. The Commission on Cancer Standards for 2012 were in final review when I , as a very new member, coordinated a response for edits and additions with Sharon McCauley and Karen Lechowich of the American Dietetic Association. While we did not get all we asked for this time, we accomplished much: an addition of Nutrition Services to the Eligibility Criteria for accreditation; a change from diet/nutrition specialist to registered dietitian throughout document, and an addition of registered dietitian for inclusion/consideration on Cancer Committee membership (highly recommended but not mandatory at this time). We also included information on the certification programs in oncology as well as pediatrics to highlight specialists in these areas. Work on the 2015 Standards will start next year and I look forward to continuing my work to include dietetic professionals and nutrition services as an integral part of cancer care. Inclusion in this documents helps to assure individuals treated for cancer have access to registered dietitians, and ideally a certified specialist in oncology (CSO). | |
| Chair of Oncology Dietetic Practice Group | American Dietetic Association | - | During my years of leadership in the Oncology Nutrition DPG, I helped accomplish two goals that stand above the rest for me. First, I helped salvage the revision of the Clinical Guide to Oncology Nutrition, which serves as a primary resource for DPG and ADA members, as well as dietitians working in oncology around the country. The publication had missed it's due date by some time and the information was no longer current. With the assistance of technical editor Barbara Grant and editor Laura Elliott, I convinced the ADA Publications Department to work with us again. Barbara, Laura and I worked through the summer to update the book and have it in to ADA Publications on time. I am pleased to say...we did it and the book serves not only as a reference for practice but also for the CSO exam. Exploring and launching a certification program in oncology through CDR was the second memorable goal and accomplishment from my leadership years. I directed DPG resources , both time and money, to evaluate our chance of winning CDR support and the impact certification would have for dietetic professionals practicing in cancer care. I am pleased to say that CDR agreed to support a certification program in oncology; and since the first exam in March of 2008, we have had approximately 500 dietitians sit for the CSO exam, and probably just shy of 500 become CSOs (after the exam results are released from September 2011). | |
| Author | American Cancer Society | - | The American Cancer Society (ACS) recruited four oncology nutrition experts to voluntarily revise the Eating Well, Staying Well mass market consumer book. Abby Bloch and Cindy Thomson were authors from the original publication, and Barbara Grant and I were asked to join in the revision; and so the book was written by four registered dietitians, who are also members of the ADA and the ON DPG. I feel very good about my time and work on the book. Many people being treated for cancer do not have access to a qualified dietetic professional during or after treatment. For me, this book was a way to reach out to those individuals and offer sound, evidence-based advice during a very difficult time. The ACS was committed to marketing the publication and it can be found in many libraries and book stores. It has also won a number of awards, most notably, the 2011 American Medical Writers Association first place Medical Book Award: Health Care Consumers Category. |
Personal and Campaign Statements
What do you see as opportunities for the future of the nutrition and dietetics profession?
Campaign Statement
As a practicing oncology dietitian, published author and active volunteer, I would like to represent you on the Commission because I believe in our profession, and the value education and training brings to the practice of nutrition. I would work hard to promote our credentials and engage members.