Navigating the world of nutrition can often feel like a complex journey, filled with information that sometimes seems contradictory or difficult to apply to our busy lives. At OptumMD, we understand that personalized guidance is key to transforming health. That’s why, as highlighted in the introduction to a recent discussion with our expert team member, “One of the many fantastic features of becoming a patient at OptumMD is having the opportunity to meet with our Registered Dietitian, Emily Razza.” Emily plays a pivotal role in making your experience with us truly exceptional, helping to demystify nutrition and empower you to achieve your wellness goals.
Emily Razza, a Registered Dietitian here at OptumMD, works within our framework that personalizes not only nutrition but also medicine, all grounded in a functional medicine approach. But what does that mean for you as a patient?
More Than Just Meal Plans: The Role of a Dietitian
You might be wondering, “What exactly does a dietitian do?” Emily describes her primary role as helping to “translate the science of nutrition into your everyday life.” It’s about taking complex nutritional information and making it practical, understandable, and, most importantly, personalized to you. “By personalizing your goals, helping you meet your wellness needs, that’s my job,” she explains.
Imagine this common scenario: you receive your lab results and discover you have high cholesterol or high blood sugar. You might be thinking, “Oh my gosh, I’m doing everything right. I’m eating so well. I don’t understand what’s going on.” According to Emily, this situation could arise from a number of factors.
A Holistic, Team-Based Approach to Your Health
This is where the collaborative, holistic approach at OptumMD truly shines. Emily works closely with Dr. Prashad and Dr. Espinosa, ensuring that every patient is viewed as an individual. Together, they consider the whole picture. For instance, in addressing high cholesterol, the question becomes, “All right, how can we lower this?”
Emily clarifies her unique position within this team: “Maybe you need a medication, that’s them [the doctors]. But maybe you need some personalized guidance around your lifestyle or the things that you’re eating. And that’s where I come in.” She elaborates, “I help to bridge the gap between the information that they give you, and then how do you actually do that? How do I lower my cholesterol?”
This collaborative effort means that if lifestyle and dietary changes are part of your path forward, Emily provides the detailed, practical strategies to implement those changes effectively. She helps you understand the “how-to” behind the medical advice.
Navigating Your Unique Path to Wellness
The journey to optimal health isn’t always straightforward. Emily acknowledges that sometimes, despite best efforts with diet, there might be a genetic component to consider. “Maybe you’re doing everything right and you have a genetic background of high cholesterol and you just need medication,” she notes. The crucial part is that “We can figure that out.”
This highlights the strength of the OptumMD team: a comprehensive evaluation that considers all contributing factors, allowing for a truly tailored plan. “So we all really work together here at OptumMD to help you achieve your best wellness goals,” Emily affirms.
The OptumMD Exceptional Experience
Having a Registered Dietitian like Emily Razza as an integral part of your care team is a cornerstone of the exceptional experience at OptumMD. It means you receive:
- Personalized Strategies: Not generic advice, but nutritional plans and lifestyle guidance specifically designed for your body, your goals, and your life.
- Practical Translation: Clear, actionable steps to implement the science of nutrition effectively.
- Collaborative Care: The peace of mind knowing your dietitian is working in synergy with your doctors to provide comprehensive support.
- Empowerment: The knowledge and tools you need to take control of your health and make lasting changes.
If you’re looking for a healthcare experience that goes beyond the surface to offer personalized, actionable guidance for your nutritional well-being, the team at OptumMD, including dedicated professionals like Emily Razza, is here to support you. We are committed to helping you achieve your very best wellness goals.