Nutrition Clinical Services

MUSC Health Nutrition Services are provided by a team of registered dietitians (RD) who have acquired their nutrition expertise through an advanced nutrition science degree and dietetic internship program. To provide the highest level of care, dietitians managing specialty patients have received additional certifications in weight management and nutrition support.

The clinical nutrition organization structure is designed to integrate nutrition services into every aspect of patient care. Nutrition services are provided to inpatients and outpatients of both the pediatric and adult populations

Inpatient Adult Services

Adult Inpatient Dietitians assess patients identified with the following nutritional risk factors:

Unintentional weight loss, reduced oral intake
Enteral or parenteral nutrition-dependent patients
BMI less than 18.5
Large or nonhealing wound, burn, or pressure ulcer
Dysphagia or difficulty swallowing
New onset diabetes
Malnutrition
New transplant (kidney, liver, heart, lung)
Ventilator-dependent ICU patients
Provide nutritional recommendations and/or education on an as-needed basis
Determine the need for nutrition support as part of the Nutrition Support Team

A team of Registered Dietitians cover the 750 bed hospital system which includes University Hospital, Ashley River Tower, and the Institute of Psychiatry. Each dietitian is registered and licensed in the state of South Carolina. Many of our inpatient dietitians have also received an additional certification as a Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC) or a Certified Specialist in Oncology (CSO).

Diabetes Management Service

Approximately 10.5 percent of the total US population has diabetes. Per capita, South Carolina has the second highest number of people with diabetes in the country. The Diabetes Management Service (DMS) at MUSC Health is a team of clinical experts, including a dietitian, specialized in diabetes management and dealing with its complications.

Nutrition Support Team

The Nutrition Support Team (NST), under the direction of Dr. John Maxwell, provides an inpatient consult service concentrating on parenteral and enteral nutrition. As part of the NST, Inpatient RDs meet with Dr. Maxwell weekly to discuss patients on parenteral nutrition and to ensure appropriateness of the feeding regimen and to increase the overall knowledge and development of the team.

Cortrak Tube Team

The cortrak tube team is comprised by experienced dietitians and under the direction of Dr. John Maxwell, provides post pyloric tube placement for compromised patients in the acute setting.

Adult Outpatient Services

To meet patients specialized nutrition needs, MUSC Health provides services at various locations throughout the campus. Learning more about your diet and ways to improve your diet is an essential part of your health care.

Outpatient Nutrition Services
To get the diet information that you can trust, an individual appointment can be scheduled with an MUSC Outpatient Registered Dietitian (RD) at Rutledge Tower with the appropriate Physician Referral (PDF). During the medical nutrition therapy session, you will learn the skills needed to take an active role in managing your health.

Hollings Cancer Center Nutrition Services
MUSC Hollings Cancer Center's (HCC) Nutrition Services provides proactive individualized nutritional consultation for cancer outpatients across the continuum of cancer care, including primary prevention, cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery), secondary prevention, cancer recurrences, palliative care, and survivorship.

Bariatric Surgery Program
As a Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery, MUSC offers patients options for the surgical treatment of obesity.

Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic
For adult patients with Cystic Fibrosis, MUSC Health holds a weekly clinic to meet with the team of clinicians, including a dietitian specializing in the needs of adults with Cystic Fibrosis.

Cardiovascular Prevention Program
The Cardiovascular Health Program is dedicated to improving cardiovascular health by offering one-stop access to a full range of preventive cardiology services. The program brings together comprehensive cardiovascular exams, nutrition counseling, weight management, exercise prescription, diabetes management, and vascular services, as well as early detection and diagnostic imaging.

Weight Management Center
A team of psychologists, physicians, dietitians, and exercise physiologists work together, using their diverse knowledge, to help you reduce excess weight. Several programs are available to meet your individualized needs.

Prenatal Wellness Center
The Prenatal Wellness Center offers a complete range of prenatal counseling and testing services, including counseling with a dietitian.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
With a doctor's referral, a registered dietitian is available through the Cardiac Rehab Program to assist you in setting and reaching your goals.

Pediatric Services