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Clinical Nutrition | MaineHealth Franklin Hospital

MaineHealth Franklin Hospital Medical Nutrition supports patients through therapeutic diets, education, counseling and alternative nutrition therapies such as enteral feeding. Services may focus on overall health and well-being or may be a part of a treatment for specific diseases, injury or acute illness. Provider referrals are required. Talk to your primary care provider about a referral to our practice.

Expert clinical nutrition services, close to home

Services are provided by registered dietitians and dietetic technicians, licensed by the Board of Dietetic Practice. Our clinical nutrition team provides reliable nutrition information and uses evidence-based practices specific to each patients’ nutritional goals. We also provide nutrition education and counseling on many aspects of health, including:

  • Oncology
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Digestive disorders (IBS, diverticulitis, gastric reflux)
  • Kidney disease
  • Weight management for children and adults
  • Food allergies

Nutrition services can be individualized to help you achieve a specific goal. Services are provided in multiple settings:

  • Inpatient counseling
  • Individual outpatient counseling
  • Informational/educational sessions, including a Lifestyle Nutrition Class

Provider referrals are required. Talk to your primary care provider about a referral to our practice.

Our eight-week Lifestyle Nutrition Course is designed to help you get on track with healthier eating- setting the groundwork for lifelong nutrition success. This evidence-based class is lead by Leslie White, MPH, RD, LD, CSOWM, a registered dietitian. Classes focuses on whole-food eating with an emphasis on increasing intake of plant foods. Increased consumption of plant foods is scientifically proven to prevent, treat or even reverse chronic diseases and manage weight.

White has worked in the field of nutrition for 17 years with extensive experience in nutrition counseling, motivational interviewing, and promotion of behavior change. She has additional certification as a specialist in obesity and weight management (CSOWM).

The course is offered in a small group setting, where participants are provided with a new nutrition education topic each week and engage in a discussion with other group members. Participants will learn the important role nutrition plays in optimizing health while receiving individualized nutrition advice and group support.

Those interested in taking the class should reach out to their primary care provider for a referral. For additional information, please call 207-779-2656.

Diabetes nutrition

It is important for people with diabetes to make healthy food choices. Learn more managing diabetes through nutrition and meal planning.