Deanna Zook, RDN, LD

Practice philosophy: To connect with my patients and provide direction to improve their nutritional status during and after treatment and for ongoing prevention.

What are you passionate about and why? To know my patient’s story and educate them on how they can do a better job of taking care of their nutrition. My parents taught me the importance of relationships and helping people when they are in need.

If you weren't a health care provider, what would you be? A ballet dancer. I love to dance to all kinds of music but most of all - polkas, waltz, and two-step

Why did you become a provider? When did you know this was the career for you? My first job experience was working at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston TX. I enjoyed the opportunity to make a difference in my patient’s lives.

What is something you have learned from your patients? They suggest new food ideas to tackle the nutritional issues they are going through.

What is one of the challenges of this career you enjoy? And why? Nutrition regarding oncology treatment is constantly evolving. It challenges me to continuously be an active learner on all the new research. It keeps me from becoming stagnant in my profession.

What is your personal health goal? To try to have a healthy work/life balance.

What is the best thing you've done for your health or the best health advice you've received? To take care of myself first before taking care of everyone else so I may be around to enjoy my family and friends.

What are you most proud of? That I continue to push myself to learn new things in both my professional and personal life.

What are a few of your personal achievements? An college degree in Nutrition and becoming certified as an Clinical Nutrition Support Clinician through the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.