Faculty Spotlight

Assistant Professor Kate Walker to Lead Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Webinar on Malnutrition

Main College Building on Simmons' academic campus.

Dietitians and physical therapists have unique and intersecting roles to play in the identification and treatment of malnutrition, a problem that impacts people of all ages – even here in the United States.

Headshot of Kate Walker

Simmons University announced today that faculty member Kate Walker, MDA, RDN, LDN will participate in a webinar on combatting malnutrition hosted by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

The webinar, “Malnutrition Across the Lifespan: Perspectives from Registered Dietitians and Physical Therapists,” takes place on Wednesday, June 24 from noon to 1 p.m. It provides an introduction to malnutrition across the lifespan from the health practitioner perspectives of registered dietitians and physical therapists.

Both professions play a significant role in the identification and treatment of malnutrition. While their interventions often relate and intersect, dietitians and physical therapists rarely manage patients together. This creates missed opportunities to positively influence patient outcomes and work on goals together. The webinar explores opportunities for increasing collaborative care between dietitians and physical therapists, while emphasizing healthy aging throughout the lifespan. It will also help participants better identify the prevalence of malnutrition and the risk factors impacting individuals of all ages and diagnoses.

“Dietitians and physical therapists have unique and intersecting roles to play in the identification and treatment of malnutrition, a problem that impacts people of all ages – even here in the United States,” said Walker. “I’m pleased to have the opportunity to participate in this webinar and share some best practices and opportunities for increasing collaboration on care and improving patient outcomes.” 

Walker is an assistant professor of practice and clinical instructor at Simmons University, where she precepts dietetic interns during their clinical rotations and teaches core nutrition courses. She also works as a contracted nutrition-focused physical exam trainer with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, travelling around the country, teaching NFPE workshops to nutrition professionals. She completed her dietetic internship with Utah State University where she also earned her Masters' in Dietetics Administration. Walker, who pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition and dietetics from Simmons, is passionate about progressive practice and building the teamwork necessary to provide the highest quality care to patients.

Joining Walker on the webinar is Dr. Patrick Berner -- a physical therapist and registered dietitian nutritionist practicing in upstate South Carolina. Dr. Berner is one of only a few of individuals in the country who holds this combination of credentials. He currently serves as adjunct faculty for Anderson and Baylor Universities’ Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. 

For information or to register, please visit the eat right store.