Jessie Pavlinac is a magnate for elevating the practice and standards of clinicians. She not only participated in the original workgroup for the American Dietetic Association (ADA) to establish the now universally accepted CSR (Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition) certification for renal dietitians but she is also helping to develop standards (recognized by the ADA and National Kidney Foundation) of professional practice for renal dietitians.

“Now there will be clear guidelines and delineation between a generalist, specialist and advanced renal dietitians,” commented Jessie. “And that means renal dietitians have the opportunity to earn greater recognition, advance their career and increase their earning potential.”

When Jessie became a clinical nutrition manager at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) in Portland, OR, her primary goal was to make clinical nutrition an important and highly regarded component of patient care. “Dietitians must not be afraid to step outside of the box and take a primary role in patient care,” noted Jessie. “It’s been especially rewarding watching practitioners develop the skills they need to take them to the next level.”

As Preceptor for the Dietetic Internship Program at OHSU, she has mentored more than 125 interns over the past 25 years. And her passion for the profession has made a phenomenal impact on clinicians throughout the country.