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Spotlight on ON DPG Leadership Team: Raymond Palko, EML Administrator

  
Raymond Palko, MS, RD, CSO, CD was interviewed by member volunteer Stephanie Nelson, MS, RD, CSO, CD.
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Where do you live and work now?

Seattle, WA. I’m one of the general oncology dietitians at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and the primary for breast, melanoma, renal, endocrine and survivorship.

 

Where did you receive your nutrition degree?

Lamar University in Beaumont, TX

 

What was your first job in nutrition?

During school I worked at the Southeast Texas Food Bank as a SNAP Educator. My first RD job was a clinical per diem role at UCSF Medical Center.

 

Why did you get into oncology nutrition?

The patients are so motivated and inspiring.

 

What is your favorite thing about your current oncology nutrition career?

Seattle has a strong foodie culture, sense of food justice, and emphasis on seasonal and locally grown foods. The intersections of our local food system and nutrition for cancer prevention are a fun playground for me.

 

What skills do you consider to be essential when working with oncology patients specifically?

Empathy, compassion and flexibility.

 

What current topic in oncology nutrition is an interest to you?

Physical activity during treatment as a potential to increase treatment efficacy.

 

What interested you in joining the DPG leadership team, specifically your current position as the EML administrator?

It seemed like a good way to keep active in learning while also giving back.

 

What advice would you give new dietitians?

Keep an open mind and take the opportunities as they come, rather than waiting for your “dream job”.

 

What is your favorite food?

I always say tacos but I’m pretty sure it’s really pizza.

 

What is your "favorite" nutrition myth?

All of them. This can be such a challenging area in our work and I’ve really grown to enjoy walking patients through concepts like “sugar feeds cancer” in a rational, evidenced based manner to help ease their anxieties.

 

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I failed at veganism twice. Thanks, cheese. I now happily declare myself a “veg adjacent flexitarian”.