My name is Natacha AJAKA,

Current situation:

Senior Clinical dietitian with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and DHCR, with an overall of 11 years of experience in the nutrition and dietetic field.

During my 5 years in the United Arab Emirates-Dubai, I got the chance to work in many of the governmental hospitals in Dubai thus, worked with all age categories with many chronic and critical illnesses, such as oncology/hematology, renal, diabetics, gastrointestinal and inflammatory diseases, cystic fibrosis, failure to thrive, mental health and eating disorders (from neonatal to elderly) till I got selected as a pediatric nutrition specialist at Al Jalila Children’s Specialty hospital.

As an integral part of health care team, I provided individualized and scientifically – based comprehensive nutrition care to patients through diet therapy, education and preventive measures; encompassing all aspects of nutrition care process, which includes, assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation.

As acting Head of Section, managing the day to day operational functions and directing a comprehensive program for the care & treatment of inpatients as well as outpatients was one of my tasks.

Clinical Practice:

Conducted patient nutrition assessment to determine risk and obtain proper nutritional diagnosis prior to calculating nutritional requirements depending on case and condition

Developed nutrition intervention plans for patients that included: recommendation, diet therapy, education and intervention.

Provide both bedside and outpatient education

Monitor implementation of nutrition plans and set follow-ups in order to assess patient’s progress and adjust plan as necessary.

Lead clinical dietitian for oncology and Mental Health unit where I encouraged ongoing updates and improvement of nutritional implication in eating disorder protocol, worked with multidisciplinary team in order for better positive outcome when it comes to patient care, meal support initiation, implementation of collaborative approach between the patient and their support system to restore wellness to the body and mind; providing Medical Nutrition Therapy to patients and caregiver along with a detailed meal plan including time frame when needed

Trainings and Educational Formation for University students:

Establish rotations for affiliated university students signed up for nutrition/dietary training

Follow up and monitor completion

Report and inform university upon need and conclusion

Professional Practice Development:

Involved in internal training programs- demonstrating and explaining nutrition-related topics to physicians, allied professionals, and nursing staff.

Participated in symposiums, conferences and other programs initiated by other departments.

Acted as a preceptor/mentor in the supervision and teaching of dietetic interns, achieves training objectives, conducts teaching sessions for interns and students.

Developped and conduct outreach educational programs for health promotion to the general community; such as schools with appropriate communication materials like handouts, posters,etc.

Evaluated and coordinated with all food service personnel to provide optimal patient care and analyze all health data and resolve all health related issues.

Developped and maintained own professional knowledge, clinical competency and skills utilizing reflective practice.

Participated in service activities that contribute to positive patient outcomes, a positive patient experience and a healthy professional environment.

Participate in clinical research and support Al Jalila research initiatives.

Symposiums and conferences:

Participated in many national and international nutritional conferences such as:

-The Dubai International Nutrition conference – DHA

-Grand rounds of Mental health, eating disorder and nutrition – Al Jalila Children specialty hospital

-Grand rounds of cardiology – Al Jalila Children specialty hospital

-The annual research forum in public health nutrition- Zayed University

-Sharjah Exposition-Children’s Reading Festival – Sharjah

-ICU Nutritional Therapy Symposium – Dubai Hospital

-Nutrition Assessment convention -DHA- Head Quarter

I also had the chance to be selected as a lecturer/speaker:

-Pediatric oncology & nutrition

-Growth & nutrition – Endocrinology symposium

-Diabetes symposium AJCH

-Maternal nutrition in Pregnancy

-Nutrition in Endocrinology

-The implementation of the Low Microbial Diet in Bone Marrow Transplant patients

-Nutrition related complications and deficiencies in Beta Thalassemia Major Patients

-Nutritional management of Gestational Diabetes

-Childhood obesity

-Mental health and nutrition

-Cardiology and nutrition

-Staff nurse education

Many more are available with the certificates upon request.

Educational Background:

Dubai Health Authority; DHA certificate Dubai, UAE

Dubai health care city licensed Dubai, UAE

Certified: Jan 2015

-The Holy Spirit University

Masters of health Science (Nutrition and Public Health) Lebanon, Kaslik

Graduated: 2011

-Lebanese health authority

Colloquium certificate (registered dietitian) Lebanon, Beirut

Graduated: 2009

-The Holy Spirit University Lebanon, Kaslik

Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition and Dietetics)

Graduated 2008

-Lycée Franco-Libanais Lebanon, Byblos

French baccalaureate in economical sciences

Graduated: 2005

Work Experience:

POSITION, DATE AND LOCATION:

February 2014 till present: Senior Clinical Dietician Dubai UAE at Latifa Hospital (obstetrics /gynecology and pediatric hospital) and Al Jalila Children ‘s specialty hospital Dubai DHA (governmental hospitals)

Nutritional Assessment, establishment of plans with measurable goals, intervention and follow up of in and out-patients

Fulfilling special tasks for specific diseases such as: medical nutritional therapy for thalassemia major patients, metabolic patients, cystic fibrosis patients, renal diseases and paediatric oncology patients

Provide nutritional attention and intervention for patients diagnosed with mental illness and eating disorders (in collaboration with psychiatric team)

Provide nutritional attention and intervention for paediatric cardiac patients

Public health awareness campaigns on regular basis in order for population to be more educated and aware of many diseases related to nutrition

Providing multidisciplinary staff education to ensure the safe management and care of patients

Providing advanced clinical nutrition practice information/education to other members of the patient care team and/or the community

Wide knowledge on nutrition supplements (usage, dosage and utility)

September 2013- October 2014: Clinical Dietician in Muscat – Oman

Al Taif Beauty Centre :

Educate and advise a wide range of patients with dietary-related disorders on the practical ways in which they can improve their health by adopting healthier eating habits.

Calculate patients' nutritional requirements using standard equations based on assessments of blood chemistry, stress, anthropometrics, mobility and other relevant factors.

Other responsibilities include: delivering group sessions to a variety of audiences including children and patient groups, working as part of a multidisciplinary team in hospitals or in a community setting to gain patients' cooperation in following recommended dietary treatments; Teach other healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, biochemists, health professionals, social workers, care workers, community groups) about food and nutrition issues.

May 2010 –Jan 2014: Live-radio show Radio strike Lebanon, Beirut

Hosted a live radio show that tackled many nutrition related topics and public health issues.

2012-2013: Food safety agent and Quality control manager: Kaslik, Lebanon.

Kcateries

Ensure quality of staff and kitchen hygiene standards

Ensure quality and hygienic food service practices in food service area.

Check for proper storage/Preservation of all food items – cooked and raw.

Ensure that proper temperature controls are maintained in all storage areas.

Maintains records and reports and if changes are required informs concerned superiors for necessary action

Others :

2012-2012: Clinical Dietician, Seif Beauty Clinic, Jounieh, Lebanon.

2011-2012: Assistant pharmacist, Pharmalife, Jounieh, Lebanon

2009-2011: Sales executive: Kalastios international, Beirut, Lebanon

2008-2009: Sales executive: Macromed, Beirut, Lebanon

Personal nutrition clinic in Jdeydeh Bambook center

Contact this candidate