DIGID's Got Talent

I would like to take this opportunity to say “thank you” to some very special people who helped to make our “DIGID’s Got Talent” reception at the American Dietetic Association Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) such a huge success. The evening was full of laughter, yummy gluten-free delights and great conversation. All this made “DIGID’s Got Talent” a one-of-a-kind event.

For those of you who were not able to attend, let me recap some of what you missed. The Medical Nutrition Practice Group (MNPG) helped sponsor a Dietitians in Gluten Intolerance Disease (DIGID) event. The event was designed to introduce dietitians to a group of RDs who specialize, and are experts in, celiac disease and gluten intolerance, thus our “talent.” To make that point, we enlisted the aid of ImprovBoston, an improvisational comedy troupe, to “judge” our talent as well as the hidden talent of some of our audience members. We also asked our guest speaker, world leading researcher in celiac disease, Alessio Fasano, MD, from the Center for Celiac Research at the University of Maryland with the task of presenting us with a light-hearted look at celiac disease and a gluten-free diet.

This celebration was made possible by the generous sponsorship of General Mills who has recently developed and made available several gluten free products. AnhTram Pham MPH, RD and Michelle Tucker MS, RD of General Mills worked endless hours with us to help coordinate all the details to put together the event. Some of their efforts included sending recipes and providing everyone with a “goodie” bag that included a copy of Easy Gluten-Free Expert Nutrition Advice with More than 100 Recipes.

Big thanks to the brilliant ideas and great attitudes of the hard working committee members who worked behind the scenes. The planning committee members included Cynthia Kupper RD,CD, Nancy Patin Falini MA,RD,LDN, Suzanne Simpson RD, Anne Lee MSEd, RD,LD, Tricia Thompson MS,RD, Mary K. Sharrett MS,RD,LD,CNSD, Shelley Case RD, Melinda Dennis MS,RD,LDN and Dee Sandquist MS,RD,LD. In addition to planning the event, these committee members were our “talented” celiac experts who led the discussion on three important questions regarding celiac disease and gluten-free diets. Joining our committee members as guest experts and discussion leaders were Ronnie Alicea MBA,RD, Lara Field MS,RD,CSP,LDN, Laurie Higgins MS,RD,LDN,CDE, Margaret Masiello RD, Shawna McNally MPH, RD and Nixie Raymond MS, RD.

Last but most certainly not least, a very special thank to Mary K. Sharrett MS,RD,LD,CNSD , our Chair, for always being there when I would call to ask questions or need guidance. She handled an overwhelming amount of paper work and contracts, helped with budget issues, and contributed to every aspect of the night’s events. I would not have made it through the event without her support and guidance.

I am left with the big question: “How do we top this next year?” I am not sure now, but I am hoping everyone will join us in San Diego to find out!

Pam Cureton, RD, LDN
DIGID Chair