UPHS – Marquette Heroes | Ellen Cadenas, MPH, RD

What is your role at UPHS – Marquette?

I am an inpatient Registered Dietitian at UP Health System – Marquette.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?

I was a competitive gymnast growing up and active in other sports, too, so health and nutrition were always important to me. While I was in school for dietetics my focus was in public health, but I was inspired to work in acute care during my dietetic internship. 

What's a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?

I see patients in the hospital for a variety of reasons, but my main role as an inpatient dietitian is to prevent malnutrition. I work with our patients to ensure they are getting appropriate nutrition for their current conditions. That might mean adding supplements or snacks, changing diets, ordering tube feeds or starting total parenteral nutrition (TPN)—a method of providing complete nutrition intravenously, bypassing the digestive system. I also help patients understand their nutrition needs to make improvements at home. 

As dietitians, we have to stay up to date on research and best practices and look at the big picture when making nutrition recommendations for our patients. I think nutrition tends to be over simplified as healthy/unhealthy or good/bad foods. In reality, research is always evolving, and there are many factors involved in determining what the “best foods” are for someone. 

How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?

I started working here about a year and a half ago. I’ve been in the same position, except for covering another clinic a few times.

What are some of the big changes you've experienced in this position?

Switching over to the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system was a big change. It’s been a process figuring out the best workflow and how to utilize the new system efficiently. 

What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite gem?

I enjoy doing anything outside! I started paddleboarding last summer, and I’m excited to get back into it this year.  

There are so many local gems to choose from! I love having the Marquette Fit Strip close to home for a quick stroll in the trees. Dead River Coffee Roasters is my favorite place for a nice coffee.  

What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Marquette?

I appreciate all my coworkers! Everyone was so welcoming and made me feel at home when I was new here.