“The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison.”
- Ann Wigmore
Registered Dietitian Day was created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) to increase the awareness of registered dietitians as the indispensable providers of food and nutrition services and to recognize RDs for their commitment to helping people enjoy healthy lives. Registered Dietitian Day and National Nutrition Month® promote AND and RDs to the public and the media as the most valuable and credible source of timely, scientifically-based food and nutrition information.
In celebration of National Nutrition Month® and Register Dietitian Day we want to take time recognize our nutrition experts here at Virginia Hospital Center for their many years of experience, nutrition knowledge, and diverse background they bring to our facility.
Jill Anderson, RD
Jill Anderson is one of the RDs here at Virginia Hospital Center. She received her BS in Human Nutrition and Foods from West Virginia University and completed her dietetic internship through Adagio Health, a nonprofit health care organization in the Pittsburgh, PA area. After becoming an RD, she worked in a weight loss clinic and also a skilled nursing facility in Naples, Florida.
Meredith Brown, RD
Meredith Brown has been a Clinical Dietitian at Virginia Hospital Center for about three years. She completed her Bachelors of Science in Dietetics at James Madison University and went on to complete her Dietetic Internship through Virginia Tech in Northern Virginia. Meredith joined the Aramark team at Virginia Hospital Center in April of 2010. Meredith is also a member of the Glycemic Control Com-mittee. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family/friends, playing on local volleyball teams, and participating in outdoor activities (when it is warm outside J).
Jenna Christina, RD
Jenna Christina is one of the outpatient Registered Dietitians here at Virginia Hospital Center. She is originally from Michigan where she obtained her Bachelors of Science in Dietetics from Michigan State University. She went on to complete a Dietetic Internship at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI and continued to work in Detroit at a skilled nursing facility prior to relocating to Arlington. Jenna joined Virginia Hospital Center in May of 2011 and works with our Bariatric Surgery program. She also does outpatient consulting for weight loss, diabetes education and heart healthy nutrition. She is a member of the American Dietetic Association, Northern Virginia Dietetic Association and Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group. Her goal is to help people be as healthy as possible through proper nutrition, physical activity and a healthy lifestyle!
Nutrition Services | Metabolic Testing
Tania Downing RD, LDN, CLC
Tania Downing is the NICU and Pediatric Dietitian at Virginia Hospital Center. She is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Lactation Counselor and Certified in Pediatric and Adolescent Weight Management. She cov-ered the NICU as a consultant from December 2006 to February 2008 and officially joined the Food and Nutrition Department at VHC on November, 2010. Prior to that she worked at HSC Pediatric Center formerly The Hospital for Sick Children for 11 years where she had roles that included, Clinical Nutrition Manager, and Foodservice Director. In addition she was the Clinical Dietitian for the Feeding Program lead by the GI Team from Children’s National Medical Center.
Tania completed her B.S in Nutrition from University of Maryland, and her Internship Program with ARAMARK at John's Hopkins Hospital, Greater Baltimore Medical Center and Sinai Hospital for her clinical training. She started her clinical career at
Sheppard Pratt Hospital working with eating disorders and the geriatrics population. Then moved to practice in the areas of Intensive Care, Oncology, Neurology and MedSurg in Greater Baltimore Medical Center and George Washington Hospital. The last 13 years of her career she has focus Neonatal and Pediatric population.
Shawntel Green, RD
Shawntel Green received her Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science from Howard University. She interned as a Clinical Dietitian and Food Service Manager at various hospitals including: Howard University Hospital, Washington Adventist, National Rehabilitation Hospital, and St Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah, Georgia. She is an advocate for Public Policy within the Nutrition sector. She has had the opportunity to advocate for the Preventing Diabetes in Medicare Act, Frontline Healthcare Act, and the Farm Bill more specifically to include the SNAP program at Capitol Hill with various House of Representatives and Senators. She started her career in July 2011 with ARAMARK Healthcare at Virginia Hospital Center as a Patient Services Manager and has thus recently transitioned into the role of a Clinical Dietitian. She currently covers 2E Inpatient Rehab, 2W Wellness and Addictions, 7B Medical Renal, and 5B General Neuro Surgery.
Cheryl Moore, RD
Cheryl is the Assistant Director of Patient Services for the Food and Nutrition Department. Cheryl received her Bachelor of Science in Medical Dietetics from The Ohio State University in 2003. Cheryl spent time in a variety of nutrition settings during her supervised practice, including The Ohio State University Hospital, Children’s Hospital, and the Heinzerling Developmental Center all located in Central Ohio. She began her clinical career in long term care at The McGregor Home in East Cleveland, Ohio as the Clinical Dietitian. Cheryl then relocated to the Northern Virginia area in 2008 and transitioned into a management role as the Patient Services Manager at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital. Cheryl joined ARAMARK and Virginia Hospital Center in January of 2011 to pursue both a management and clinical role.
Lindsey Proctor, MS, RD, LDN - Registered Dietitian & Certified Health Coach
Lindsey Proctor, MS, RD, LDN, is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Health Coach. She obtained her Bachelors of Science in Biology/Nutrition from NC State University and her Masters of Science in Foods and Nutrition from the University of Georgia, both of which she graduated summa cum laude. During this time, she studied abroad in New Zealand and completed an internship in Taiwan. Lindsey went on to complete her dietetic internship at Meredith College, obtain certifications in Adult Weight Management Levels 1 and 2, certification in Childhood Weight Management, and is now also a Certified Health Coach. She has publications in the Pharamacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior journal, the Washingtonian magazine, and was a featured speaker at Virginia Hospital Center’s Annual Breast Cancer Awareness conference in October 2012. Lindsey is a wellrounded dietitian with experience in numerous areas of nutrition, from patients in a hospital setting to outpatients in a cancer center to private clients. She always strives to tailor nutritional advice to each individual’s needs with the belief that no one way of eating is right for everyone. With her involvement across a broad range of practice, Lindsey also understands the importance to help people overcome various obstacles standing in the way of optimal nutritional health.
Mary Ann Petryszyn, RD
Mary Ann obtained her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from the University of Delaware in 2006. She completed her Dietetic Internship in 2007 from Montclair State University in Northern New Jersey. She started her career at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center in Patterson, NJ as an inpatient dietitian and eventually transferred to an outpatient dialysis center. She is currently the outpatient dietitian for ARAMARK with Virginia Hospital Center focusing on the outpatient Diabetes program. Mary Ann is originally from New Jersey and moved to the northern Virginia area in September of 2010.
Andrew Malone, RD
Andrew Malone graduated from James Madison University with a B.S. in Dietetics in May 2011 and successfully completed his Dietetic internship through the ARAMARK Distance Learning Dietetic Internship Program here at VHC. Andrew is now a full time inpatient dietitian covering the behavioral health unit, 7A, and 8A. His interests include oncology nutrition, sports nutrition, and healthy nutrition education.
Arlene Suros, RD, PA-C
Arlene is a physician assistant working with the Hospitalist Group at VHC. She graduated from the George Washington University PA Program in 2009 and joined the Hospitalist Group in the summer of 2010. Prior to attending PA school, Arlene worked as a clinical dietitian for 6 years. During this time, she grew more interested in broadening her role in patient care and thus pursued a master’s degree in physician assistant studies. She received a Bachelor of Science in nutrition from the Pennsylvania State University and completed her dietetic internship at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA. She then worked as an inpatient clinical dietitian at various medical centers including The Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA, Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, NY, and Tulane University Medical Center Abdominal Transplant Institute in New Orleans, LA. Arlene’s primary interests in dietetics are in the areas of clinical nutrition support and nutrition in organ transplantation. Although no longer working in the role of clinical dietitian, Arlene continues to promote the benefits of nutrition in the care of her patients.
ARAMARK Distance Learning Dietetic Intern Erika Stahl
Erika Stahl graduated from Radford University with a B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics in May of 2011. She is currently completing her dietetic internship through the ARAMARK Distance Learning Dietetic Internship Program at Virginia Hospital Center. The internship began in September 2012 and ends in May 2013 and consists of various rotations in management, clinical, and community practice. Once completing the program and passing her RD exam, Erika hopes to work closely with the celiac disease population.
Food & Nutrition Services Department | Subway
Nutrition & Weight Management Medicine | Weight Loss Surgery | One-to-One Health Assessment
April-May 2013
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED | Questions? Call 703.558.2468.
Preparation for Childbirth
(4-Week Class)
This four-session class for expectant parents covers pregnancy through the postpartum period, including breathing & relaxation techniques, Cesarean deliveries, medications & signs of labor. Tour included. This class is recommended for those who prefer to learn at a slower pace in a more intimate setting. Each class lasts for 2 hours. We suggest you wear comfortable clothing suitable for light activity. Cost:$170 per couple. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Preparation for Childbirth (One Day Class)
This 8.5 hr one-day class for expectant parents covers pregnancy through the postpartum period. This class does not include Infant Care Skills. We suggest you wear comfortable clothing suitable for light activity. Cost: $170 per couple. Saturdays and Sundays.
All dates >
Comfort BreathingNEW!
For couples planning amore natural birth experience. Prerequisite: Preparation for Childbirth Class. Cost: $50/couple.
4/04/2013 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Preparing for CesareanNEW!
For families thinking about or planning a Cesarean. Addresses surgery, anesthesia, recovery & role of the support person. Tour included. Cost: $65/couple.
5/02/2013 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Infant Care Skills
Learn how to care for your newborn during the first two weeks, including infant safety, sleep, diapering & bathing. This class includes a lecture from a pediatrician. Cost: $65 per couple. Thursdays and Sundays.
GrandparentingNEW!
What grandparents should know about the newestmedical updates and safety issues. Long distance relationships discussed. Cost: $45/couple.
5/9/2013 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Refresher Childbirth ClassNEW!
For families who have experienced labor and want to learnmore about breathing, relaxation, medications & sibling issues. Cost: $50/couple.
More classes will be available from June 2013.
Sibling Class
This 1-hour interactive class helps your children, ages 2-3 (or 4-6), adjust to their mothers’ stay in the Hospital & the addition of a new sibling. Tour included. Cost: $30 per child (additional children are $15 each). Saturdays and Sundays.
4/21/2013 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM ages 2-3
4/21/2013 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM ages 4-6
5/19/2013 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM ages 2-3
5/19/2013 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM ages 4-6
Hospital Tour for Expectant Parents
Tours of Labor, Delivery & Recovery, Nursery & PospartumUnits. Registration required. Adults only. Sundays and Wednesdays. FREE.
All dates >
Breastfeeding 101
This class prepares expectant parents for a successful breastfeeding journey. In this 2.5 hour class, the art and science of breastfeeding is presented by a Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Partners are encouraged to attend. Cost: $65/couple. Thursdays.
4/18/2013 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
5/2/2013 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
For the most up-to-date and complete listing of classes, click here and search by date.
Childbirth| Birthing Information for Mothers & Partners | Breastfeeding | Information on Choosing Anesthesia
Parenting 101: There’s a Lot to Learn! | Newborn Tests & Treatments
2nd Annual ENDURAHealth Summit
Sat, 03.16.13
10:00 - 12:00 pm
John T. Hazel, MD Conference Center - HT Get Directions X Close Window
1701 N. George Mason Drive, Arlington VA 22205
- 10:00 a.m. Panel
- 11:00 a.m. Screenings & Vendor Exhibits
Parking for FREE in Blue Parking
Registration is Required. To register, visit http://ehs2013.eventbrite.com.
Take parking elevators to LOBBY and follow blue directional signs to the event
Are you thinking of signing up for your first triathlon, marathon or other endurance sports event? Are you an experienced endurance athlete who wants to achieve a personal best at your next race? Come learn how to get the most out of your equipment — your body — at the Second Annual ENDURAHealth Summit sponsored by Virginia Hospital Center and TriColumbia, the Mid-Atlantic’s premier endurance event production company.
Come hear a panel of medical experts. You’ll learn about:
- Pre-training physicals, with internist Laura Riggins, MD
- Heart health during endurance training with Michael Notarianni, MD, cardiologist
- Sports medicine with Christopher Annunziata, MD, orthopedist
- Protecting your feet and ankles, with Daniel Cuttica, DO, foot and ankle orthopedist
- Effect of endurance cycling on urologic health with Andrew Joel, MD, urologist
- Diet and nutrition for endurance athletes, with registered dietician Jenna Christina, RD
Talk to local endurance training coaches Anne Johnson and John Hughes and local professional triathletes Kristin Andrews and Suzy Serpico about healthy, effective training techniques.
Then grab a healthy mid-morning snack, special giveaways, take a baseline on your basic body statistics with free blood pressure, pulse and BMI screenings, and visit with representatives from tri clubs and companies related to endurance sports. It’s two hours of non-stop information, all designed to keep you fit and healthy — all the way to the finish line!
VIRGINIA HOSPITAL CENTER NAMED ONE OF THE NATION'S
100 TOP HOSPITALS BY TRUVEN HEALTH ANALYTICS
Also one of only 17 of the 100 Top Hospitals to receive the 2013 Everest Award.
Hospital Recognized Nationally for Balanced Performance and Long-Term Improvement Rate
Arlington, VA (February 25, 2013) – Virginia Hospital Center, a leading comprehensive healthcare facility in the Washington Metropolitan area, today announced that is has been named one of the Nation’s 100 Top Hospitals® by Truven Health Analytics, formerly the healthcare business of Thomson Reuters. Truven Health Analytics is a leading provider of information and solutions to improve the cost and quality of healthcare. Virginia Hospital Center is also the only hospital in the area to be named a 2013 Everest Award winner.
Each year, the 100 Top Hospitals® study identifies the hospitals with the best facility-wide performance, based on quantitative research. A team of researchers evaluates hospital performance using public data sources and the 100 Top Hospitals National Balanced Scorecard, a set of measures that evaluate performance excellence in clinical care, patient perception of care, operational efficiency, and financial stability. 
The study also names Everest Award winners, which recognizes hospitals that have the highest one-year performance and the fastest long-term improvement over a period of five years. Only 17 of the 100 Top Hospitals received the 2013 Everest Award.
“It is an honor to be recognized as a 100 Top Hospital nationally, an award that is based on metrics that evaluate the quality care delivered to our patients,” said James B. Cole, President and Chief Executive Officer of Virginia Hospital Center. “Our medical staff, employees, and leadership team work hard to ensure Virginia Hospital Center is a place where patients receive the highest quality of care in a healthcare environment like no other” ... Press Releases >
The winning hospitals were announced in the February 25 edition of Modern Healthcare magazine.
Awards & Recognition | About the Hospital | Patients & Visitors | Medical Services | Read more
On April 6, 2013 the United States Navy will commission the eighth of a new class of amphibious landing ships. This new ship, one of three commemorating the events of September 11, 2001, will be named the USS ARLINGTON and it will contain a unique feature; a Tribute Room memorializing the heroism of our first responders on 9/11.
The ship honors the memories of those killed or injured in the terrorist attack on the Pentagon that day, and recognizes the heroism of Arlington’s first responders. The ship’s on-board Tribute Room, which features steel girders from the Pentagon, will tell Arlington’s story as it sails around the world for the next fifty years.
Virginia Hospital Center was an integral part of the Arlington County first responder network and will be featured in the Tribute Room and in the memorial framed USS ARLINGTON print.
Learn more by visiting the USS ARLINGTON website at www.ussarlingtonlpd24.org >
About Virginia Hospital Center | 9/11 Tribute Video