Liz Boucher here, outpatient dietitian at Elliot Health System in Manchester, NH. I am looking forward to hearing more about classmate’s practicum experiences this summer. Just in case you were interested in mine, I thought I would post a blurb.

Though I would have loved to explore an organization outside my place of work, childcare got in the way. Even so, I am very much engrossed in working to evaluate and improve Elliot Hospital’s Comprehensive Weight Management Program. The 10-week intensive behavioral weight management course was started back 2005. The program has not had any modifications since then primarily due to cost of additional services. The out-of-pocket cost to participants does not cover overhead for the program. Though vital to the community, it is no wonder these programs fade out. Based on a literature review and talking with other dietitians in the state who facilitate similar programs, I have been able to develop great recommendations. Currently, I am working to implement some of those changes in the summer session of the course- to begin July 26th. These pilot changes have been made possible through a first-time $2000 donation from Hannaford’s Supermarket to the Elliot’s Center for Advanced Nutrition Therapy. My manager and preceptor, Vipra Rai, was able to receive this donation at the opening of Hannaford’s new store.

Overall, I have been enjoying my experience of program evaluation and planning. Stay tuned to learn more about the changes to and benefits of an improved community weight management program.