When a patient starts at MDACC they are provided with a list of resources that are available to them for before , during , and after treatment. A patient may request an appointment with a dietitian at any time during their in or out of hospital treatment..

Each time a patient comes to their clinic or is admitted to the hospital they are provided with a screening form to complete which asks them about their current needs, including nutrition. They are also asked if they are having any problems that may reflect nutritional risk.

Patients who are identified as “at risk” or who request to see a dietitian are referred to the dietitian to be contacted for an appointment.

The dietitian staff provides regularly scheduled classes that patients and their family are welcome to attend  including the Tuesday side-effects management (2^nd and 4^th) in ACB, the Place of Wellness (2^nd Wednesday in ACB), and the videos online are resources.  The hospital is currently incepting MyMDAnderson which allows patients to contact their dietitian by protected e-mail to ask questions or make appointments from home. This connection can be set up through the clinic. All dietitians should be activated in this system within the next several months.

We additionally have a number or resources available for patients to attain current research and nutrition information on their own. The Learning Center, located in the ACB on the second floor has books, pamphlets, videos, search engines and access to a number of specialty web sites that provide reliable information on everything from treatment to herbals and food / drug interactions.

The nutrition department can refer you to your clinic dietitian for assistance or an appointment. The number to call  is 713-563-5167.