This spotlight is on Dr. Patricia Byers, MD, FACS. She is a Professor and Section Chief in Surgical Nutrition and Metabolic Surgery at the Ryder Trauma Center/Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, FL.

Dr. Byers became interested in nutrition while working in trauma and critical care, where she saw the impact of nutrition support on this patient population. She credits her career development to mentors like Drs. Stanley Dudrick, Bruce Bistrian, and Miguel Echenique.

Dr. Byers also discusses the importance of a multidisciplinary team in the care of patients receiving nutrition support, and how all members of the team are able to learn and grow from each other. She highlights the minimal nutrition training that surgical residents receive and yet surgical patients can benefit the most from nutrition support. In her institution, she makes sure that her surgical residents are exposed to their nutrition support team and gain experience in writing orders for TPN.

Dr. Byers is an active member of ASPEN and contributes to various committees, including the Physician Engagement Committee. She encourages others to get involved in ASPEN to promote their careers in nutrition.

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