Memorial Heroes: Michael Mendoza, Outpatient Dietitian
February 26, 2021
Learn about Memorial's Outpatient Dieititian Clinic.
What is your official title?
Outpatient Dietitian.
How long have you worked here at Memorial Medical Center?
For about 2 years.
How did you come into this position?
I was working as a dietitian, commuting to El Paso for several years when I randomly ran into one of the MMC dietitians here in town who told me there was a position available and encouraged me to apply.
What was your motivation for a career in healthcare?
I’ve always been interested in health and believe proper nutrition can prevent and help manage many chronic diseases; I wanted to do something meaningful that involved helping people.
What is a typical day like for you?
I assess patients’ medical history and nutrition history, calculate their needs, gather together education materials and counsel them. I am also seeing inpatients to ensure they are meeting their nutritional needs. One day a week I am seeing patients at Memorial Cancer Center as well.
How would you describe your role’s responsibilities?
My responsibility is to provide patients with nutrition knowledge so they can form healthier nutrition habits and to encourage them to maintain these habits. It is important to be respectful, confidential and meet people halfway in that process.
In what areas do you help patients?
In direct patient care and nutrition support. That means giving them nutrition knowledge and collaborating with them in setting manageable goals for behavior change. Also recommending foods or supplements to meet their needs or making recommendations for tube feedings.
What are some of your interests outside of work?
I like to read and learn new things and I like lifting weights and playing computer games. Lately, I started collecting houseplants.
What is your favorite part about working for Memorial Medical Center?
Making a difference in a patient’s life and being around the many friendly people who work here that are all contributing to helping our community.