By: Courtney Thomas—
Muncie, IN– Mandy L. Puckett, M.A., R.D., C.D., Manager of Clinical Nutrition & Weight Management at the IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Bariatric & Medical Weight Loss Center, recently achieved board certification as a Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management (designated as CSOWM), from the Commission on dietetic Registration, the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
In order to become board certified by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a qualified healthcare professional must successfully meet rigorous specialty practice requirements and pass a nationally administered examination. A Board Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management possesses comprehensive knowledge of and expertise in obesity and weight management. A CSOWM professional educates, supports, and empowers patients/clients to understand and manage their weight and risks associated with being overweight or obese through nutritional, physical, psychological, behavioral, medical and/or surgical interventions.
Medical Weight Loss team
“This certification will reassure our patients that they are receiving safe and evidence-based treatment to support their weight loss needs,” Puckett said. “As only one of two CSOWM’s in Indiana at this time, I am excited to contribute my expertise as part of our multidisciplinary team of physicians, dietitians, exercise specialists and behavioral health specialists to further enhance our surgical and medical weight loss programs.”
Puckett also oversees the IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Bariatric Surgery and Medical Weight Loss programs. The Medical Weight Loss program recently received the New Direction Outstanding Achievement Award in recognition of its exceptional performance and innovative contributions. It also received two certificates of achievements at the New Direction Obesity Conference for lowest dropout rate and highest number of weeks in active weight loss.
“Our Medical Weight Loss program has an outstanding team of individuals who are very dedicated to helping their patients achieve their weight loss goals,” said Terry Pence, vice president of operations at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. “These awards and achievements, in addition to Mandy’s board certification, exemplify the high quality and positive outcomes of our program.”
The IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Bariatric & Medical Weight Loss Center can be reached at 765.747.4410 or iuhealth.org/ball-memorial/bariatric-medical-weight-loss/ and is located at 2901 W. Jackson Street, Muncie.
About The commission on Dietetic Registration
The Commission on Dietetic Registration’s mission is to administer rigorous, valid and reliable credentialing processes to protect the public and meet the needs of CDR credentialed practitioners, employers and consumers. CDR currently awards nine separate and distinct credentials. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals and is empowering members to be the nation’s food and nutrition leaders and optimizing the nation’s health through food and nutrition.
About Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital
IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital serves as a tertiary referral center and teaching hospital for East Central Indiana and part of Indiana University Health. IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission and maintains 1.2 million square feet of facilities. More than 17,700 patients are admitted every year and more than 300,000 outpatient procedures are completed annually. Dr. Jeff Bird is President. Learn more at iuhealth.org/ball-memorial.
