Watson is Dietitian of the Year

Pat Watson Photo:

DIETITIAN HONORED - From left are Pat Watson, MS, RD, LD, CDE and Patsy Catsos, MS, RD, LD, Maine Dietetic Association President

NORWAY – Western Maine Health Vice President of Clinical Services, M. Patricia Cook, RN, MBA, EdD, announced recently that Stephens Memorial Hospital Registered Dietitian, Patricia Watson, MS, RD, LD, CDE has been recognized by the Maine Dietetic Association (MDA) as the Outstanding Dietitian of the Year for 2010.

Pat is currently Director of Nutrition Services and is a Diabetes Educator at Stephens Memorial Hospital, an Instructor for the Nursing Department and Graduate and Professional Studies at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine and the staff Dietitian for Norway Rehabilitation and Living Center, as well as being an active member of the MDA board.

According to the MDA Announcement about the award, as the MDA Public Policy Coordinator, Pat has made significant contributions in public policy advocacy for securing the future of Maine RDs/DTRs. As a Certified Diabetes Educator and clinical dietitian, Pat is a leader and is recognized as both a nutrition expert and a diabetes expert. She has presented her extensive work in dietetics and diabetes on numerous occasions throughout the state. She generously shares her knowledge with her students at the college and with her colleagues. Pat works quietly and effectively behind the scenes volunteering many hours for the profession and is long overdue for recognition by MDA and ADA.

Pat was recognized the first week of November at the annual Maine Dietetic Association’s Meet and Greet Social at the American Dietetic Association’s 2010 Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE) in Boston.

Cook shares, “At Stephens Memorial Hospital, Pat has always sought innovating yet practical ways to work with patients and families toward better nutrition. She has authored several grants to support these efforts. We are so delighted, but not at all surprised, that she has achieved this statewide honor. We are fortunate to have her in our community.”

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