This video features Dr. Nisha Mangalat, Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Gastroenterology at the St. Louis University School of Medicine and Medical Director for the Glennon Intestinal Rehabilitation and Feeding (GIRAF) Program at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.

The GIRAF program was formed around a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach to caring for complex pediatric patients with intestinal failure. The GIRAF team meets weekly to discuss patient cases and review updates provided by the patients’ parents/caregivers. This enables the team to make proactive, systematic adjustments to each patient’s nutrition therapy. Dr. Mangalat shares that the name “GIRAF” was coined by their registered dietitian while attending an ASPEN meeting.

Dr. Mangalat holds nutrition education very close to her heart and notes several gaps in the current medical education curriculums. Dr. Mangalat is the director of the pediatric gastrointestinal fellowship program and offers some insight into how we can engage future physicians to get involved in nutrition. She advises young professionals to not be afraid to say “yes” when it relates to their career and to explore if they are curious. Whether an avenue has been explored or not, Dr. Mangalat encourages others to think, “Why not me?” when researching something they have questions about.

Physician Spotlight is a forum for outstanding Senior Leaders, Young Rising Stars, and International Colleagues in the field of nutrition to discuss important topics and ideas that impact patient care. Visit the ASPEN Physician Community at www.nutritioncare.org/physicians