Brenda Senko
Silver Spring,Maryland
Summary
Knowledgeable Clinical Dietitian with 20+ years educating patients and families, monitoring patient nutrition and managing physician-ordered diets. Demonstrated success in collaborating with clinicians to optimize patient plans. Thrive in challenging, fast-paced settings when managing multiple tasks and working with various patients. Fluent in English and Spanish.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist
Foodsmart
01.2023 - Current
- Provided medical nutrition therapy to 8-10 individuals per day (pediatrics, adults, pregnancy, older adults) and groups with chronic illnesses via telehealth platforms.
- Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing customized nutrition plans based on individual needs and medical conditions.
- Coached individuals utilizing motivational interviewing techniques on methods for managing chronic diseases with effective dietary plans.
- Optimized clinical workflow by maintaining detailed documentation and efficient communication with colleagues.
- Provided expert guidance to clients seeking weight loss solutions, offering effective strategies tailored to individual goals.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction with personalized counseling sessions, focusing on dietary habits, lifestyle changes, and goal-setting strategies.
- Increased client retention rates by establishing strong rapport and providing exceptional customer service during consultations.
- Monitored patient progress and documented nutritional information in patient charts and records.
Clinical and Member Health Educator, Physician Development and Training
ChenMed
01.2017 - 01.2024
- Developed and implemented health education programs to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent chronic diseases.
- Created over 200 pamphlets, videos and other health education materials to promote health awareness, wellness, and preventive health practices.
- Organized conferences or training sessions that brought together stakeholders from various sectors involved in promoting community well being.
- Collaborated with over 500 health professionals to provide comprehensive health education services.
- Collaborated with over 200 physicians regarding nutritional care of patients.
- Enhanced patient outcomes by providing one-on-one counseling to over 50 patients weekly on health behaviors, diet, and disease management and prevention.
- Implemented health and wellness promotion campaigns to raise awareness of health-related issues for members and staff.
- Increased participation in wellness programs by creating engaging marketing campaigns and promotional materials.
- Utilized social media platforms effectively in disseminating vital information about disease prevention methods or available services within organization.
- Established and maintained partnerships with community organizations to promote health education programs.
- Monitored health trends and data to identify health concerns and develop related health education initiatives.
- Conducted research to stay up-to-date on health trends and health-related issues.
- Maintained accurate and complete records to document program activities and outcomes.
- Assisted with development of improved seminars and training materials.
- Developed and implemented health education strategies to reach target audiences.
- Assessed success of health education programs through surveys and data collection.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to create comprehensive patient education materials for various medical conditions.
- Participated in health education research initiatives, developing and evaluating health education programs.
- Provided direct patient care and health promotion counseling using Motivational Interviewing techniques impacting patient recruitment and retention, patient engagement with medical team, and self-care treatment compliance, including medication adherence and preventive care adoption.
- Provided career coaching and coordinated learning opportunities within organization and community.
- Educated and trained healthcare providers on health education practices for patients.
- Trained volunteers and interns, ensuring a productive workforce for community outreach events.
- Built partnerships with community organizations to expand reach and impact.
- Continually improved knowledge, skills, and performance based on feedback and self-identified professional developmental needs.
- Gained extensive knowledge in data entry, analysis and reporting.
- Complied with legal and ethical standards to meet regulatory requirements.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist
Vida
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Provided medical nutrition therapy to 10-20 individuals weekly with chronic illnesses via telehealth platform.
- Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing customized nutrition plans based on individual needs and medical conditions while utilizing Motivational Interviewing techniques.
Clinical Educator-Diabetes/Hybrid Sales Role-Field Based
VMS BioMarketing/AstraZeneca
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Educated and trained adult type 2 diabetes patients and healthcare professionals on complex product administration and treatment regimens.
- Responsible for training on pre-approved curriculum within multiple formats, including live and telephonic, to patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals and office staff.
- Engaged in face-to-face education and support with patients and their caregivers by building ongoing relationships, facilitating behavior change utilizing motivational interviewing/behavioral change theories and techniques as a guide to patient empowerment.
- Worked and communicated cohesively with territory sales force members to meet area needs and identify collaborative opportunities.
- Regularly called on HCPs within territory and supported promotional efforts of brand and educator network.
- Proven ability to penetrate offices with difficult access.
- Presented and engaged HCPs in meaningful clinical discussions.
- Developed and represented South Florida territory; servicing 150+ HCP’s and their office staff.
- Met and exceeded metrics for consecutive quarters in 2016
- Recognized for high achievement and collaboration with sales force by senior leadership within VMS and AstraZeneca.
- Responsible for conducting activities according to rules and regulations set forth by client.
Patient Health Advocate-Immunology
IQVIA-Quintiles/AbbVie
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Provided one on one support, disease education and resources to patients; imparted self-management support while utilizing motivational interviewing techniques to aid in improving health-related behaviors and clinical outcomes.
- Trained healthcare providers and educated community stakeholders on disease awareness to support and improve patient health literacy.
- Developed and implemented community-based disease state education programs.
- Promoted program to gastroenterologists, dermatologists, HCPs, and community leaders.
- Partnered with local advocacy groups and patient organizations.
- Developed and represented Puerto Rico territory and growing customer base to 250+ while serving HCPs.
- Exceeded 2014 sales metrics by 170% and tracked above target for TYD 2015.
- Achieved above average Field Ride Along Reports from managers and leaders.
- Recognized for high achievement by senior leadership within industry and among community stakeholders.
Personal Health Coach
Humana Inc.
01.2013 - 09.2013
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to help clients overcome barriers preventing them from reaching their goals.
- Created content for health education and training resources.
- Taught weekly health education and wellness classes for community workers and members of public.
- Assisted clients in achieving their fitness goals through tailored exercise routines and nutritional guidance.
- Recommended nutrition and fitness modifications to improve overall health of clients.
- Implemented health promotion campaigns to raise awareness of health-related issues for Medicare members and client groups.
- Generated reports for client groups measuring progress and results of wellness programs.
- Maintained detailed client records, ensuring confidentiality and accuracy of personal information.
- Monitored client progress closely to ensure optimal results from customized coaching programs.
Clinical Dietitian and Nutritionist
Health Keepers Hospice, Inc.
01.2008 - 01.2013
- Provided medical nutrition therapy, nutrition support and palliative nutrition care and counseling to 10-15 hospice patients and caregivers per week.
- Provided expert input during case conferences discussing complex patient cases requiring specialized nutritional interventions.
- Optimized nutritional support by adjusting enteral and parenteral feedings as needed based on patient needs and tolerance levels.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to provide comprehensive care for patients in various clinical settings.
Clinical Dietitian and Nutritionist
Doctor’s Weight Loss
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Developed individualized meal plans for 8-10 patients daily, considering their medical conditions and personal preferences.
- Monitored patient progress and documented nutritional information in patient charts and records.
Clinical Dietitian
Genesis Food and Nutrition Services
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Provided medical nutrition therapy for 152-bed long-term care and rehabilitation facility.
- Conducted thorough nutritional assessments to identify malnutrition risk factors and develop effective interventions.
- Actively participated in interdisciplinary team meetings, providing insight into the role of nutrition in overall patient care and contributing to comprehensive treatment planning efforts.
- Served as a resource to staff and peers for nutrition-related questions, offering guidance on best practices in clinical dietetics.
- Optimized nutritional support by adjusting enteral and parenteral feedings as needed based on patient needs and tolerance levels.
Clinical Dietitian
Hospital San Pablo
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Conducted 5-8 thorough nutritional assessments daily to identify malnutrition risk factors and develop effective interventions.
- Actively participated in interdisciplinary team meetings, providing insight into the role of nutrition in overall patient care and contributing to comprehensive treatment planning efforts.
- Served as a resource to staff and peers for nutrition-related questions, offering guidance on best practices in clinical dietetics.
- Optimized nutritional support by adjusting enteral and parenteral feedings as needed based on patient needs and tolerance levels.
- Participated in performance improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall quality of care provided by clinical nutrition team.
Education
Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management -
Commission On Dietetic Registration
San Juan, PR01.2000
Post-Bachelor Certificate in Dietetic Internship Program - Dietetics
University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus
Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico01.1999
Bachelor of Science - Dietetics
University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, Maryland01.1997
Skills
- Patient education
- Nutrition Education
- Disease Prevention
- Wellness Promotion
- Motivational Interviewing
- Diabetic lifestyle planning
- Medical Nutrition Therapy
- Enteral/Parenteral Nutrition
- Content Creation
- Interpersonal and written communication
Accomplishments
Collaborated with team of 4 in the development of vaccination campaign for influenza and COVID-19 yielding vaccination of nearly 100% of staff, 90% of our patients and more than 100,000 vaccines. Multiple Ragan and Hermes Award wins.
Developed and facilitated Diabetes Education Program for members, achieving 1.8 percentage point A1C reduction, 75% of participants achieved goal weight loss, and 80% of participants achieved goal blood pressure and lipid levels.
Languages
English
Native language
Spanish
Proficient
C2
Timeline
Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist
Foodsmart
01.2023 - Current
Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist
Vida
01.2021 - 01.2022
Clinical and Member Health Educator, Physician Development and Training
ChenMed
01.2017 - 01.2024
Clinical Educator-Diabetes/Hybrid Sales Role-Field Based
VMS BioMarketing/AstraZeneca
01.2016 - 01.2017
Personal Health Coach
Humana Inc.
01.2013 - 09.2013
Patient Health Advocate-Immunology
IQVIA-Quintiles/AbbVie
01.2013 - 01.2015
Clinical Dietitian and Nutritionist
Health Keepers Hospice, Inc.
01.2008 - 01.2013
Clinical Dietitian and Nutritionist
Doctor’s Weight Loss
01.2004 - 01.2007
Clinical Dietitian
Genesis Food and Nutrition Services
01.2002 - 01.2004
Clinical Dietitian
Hospital San Pablo
01.2000 - 01.2002
Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management -
Commission On Dietetic Registration
Post-Bachelor Certificate in Dietetic Internship Program - Dietetics
University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus
Bachelor of Science - Dietetics
University of Maryland-College Park
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