Elizabeth Choate Named Kentucky’s Outstanding Dietitian of the Year

The Kentucky Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (KAND) recognized Jackson Purchase Medical Center’s Elizabeth Choate, RD, LD as the 2022 Outstanding Dietitian of the Year for the state of Kentucky during the 2022 Annual Nutrition Conference & Expo Thursday morning. Elizabeth, better known by Liz, has served as the director of clinical nutrition at JPMC since 1988 and as the president of the Western District of KAND since 2015 as well as for the 1999-2000 office year.

Liz, a Mayfield native, manages the nutritional assessments and counseling of inpatients at JPMC. She also sees outpatients with a variety of conditions, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure and weight control. Her programs revolve around diet modifications including sodium restrictions, fiber intake and healthy nutrition, among others. She recently implemented an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program to improve outcomes in surgical patients at JPMC.

“Liz is deserving of this award because she truly cares about her patients. She has an energetic personality and always maintains a good relationship with her patients, colleagues and community,” said Samantha Finke, MS, RD, LD. “Liz is always willing to go above and beyond to help others in need. She has recently taken on several new outpatients with eating disorders – some who travel from other counties to see her since she is experienced and comes highly recommended. If she feels that they need help beyond her means she will even refer them to inpatient programs. She will then follow them after discharge to ensure they have a good support system and maintain progress.” Samantha serves as the director of the JPMC Diabetes Care Center and works closely alongside Liz in monitoring patient nutrition.

The Kentucky Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (KAND) is an affiliate of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy’s mission is to empower members to be food and nutrition leaders. Recipients of the Outstanding Dietitian Award are nominated by other members of KAND.

Liz has previously been recognized as the WDKAND Young Dietitian of the Year and has held additional roles in the organization including WDKAND president elect and secretary as well as being a member of the KAND Nominating Committee. To schedule an appointment with Liz, call 270.251.4169 or for more information, visit JacksonPurchase.com/clinical-nutrition.