Inside Methodist Healthcare Ministries: Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator

Q&A with Isela G.

Question: What do Dietitians and Certified Diabetes Educators do at Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM)?

Answer: As a registered and licensed dietitian, I teach health education specific to how the foods we consume impact our overall health and well-being. I'm passionate about education and using the right foods to promote a healthy lifestyle. I earned the added designation, Certified Diabetes Educator, which means I've completed additional training to help clients prevent and manage this debilitating disease.

Question: What's your typical day look like?

Answer: During a typical day, I receive referrals from the physicians and nurse practitioner at MHM's Wesley Health & Wellness Center to help educate clients who have different medical needs including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, obesity, food allergies or are underweight. My day may also consist of consultations with individuals regarding diabetes self-management and smoking cessation. I often partner with nurse health educators during the year to help teach diabetes self-management group classes.

Question: What is the best part of your job?

Answer: As a health educator, the best part of my job is being able to work directly with patients at the early intervention stage. I educate and motivate people to eat healthier, become more active and take better care of their health. I like to think of myself as a personal health coach who encourages clients to lead a healthier lifestyle, so they can improve their quality of life. I love my job as a health educator and feel fulfilled a the end of the day when I see clients reach their weight loss goals, become more active, improve their eating habits, significantly improve their lab values and reduce their medication.

Question: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Answer: I enjoy circuit training (combination of cardio and resistance training exercises), running, reading, cooking, baking, singing and dancing.

Question: What do you love about living in Texas?

Answer: What I love most about Texas is the crazy hot weather. Many people complain about it, but I actually love San Antonio, Texas weather.

Editor's Note: Join the MHM Challengers team and our team captain, Isela G., at the American Diabetes Association's Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes on Saturday, October 31 at Mission County Park Pavillions in San Antonio, Texas. We're making a difference and you can too! Walk with us or donate today.