I am a new renal dietitian or new to the field of renal nutrition and would like to access the latest renal, medical nutrition therapy information and related resources, where do I start?
We have some great resources under the Links and Resources section. Then in the members area there are additional resources like links to
- renal professional associations
- renal publications (free, fee-based and peer-reviewed journals)
- professional education meetings
- a renal nutrition listserv
- lending library inventory of resources and request form for on-loan publications
- numerous patient education tools and handouts
- and many other website resources geared for the clinician
For up to date, relevant topics and issues related to nutrition and nephrology, we have a quarterly peer-reviewed publication called the Renal Nutrition Forum (RNF) with excellent clinical articles geared towards practicing renal dietitians. The RNF issues are archived in the “members” area.
There are several patient education resources available for purchase from RPG. In addition, there is a list of nine camera ready handouts for intended for patients available for no fee. Some of the topics include: Estimating the Size of Meat Servings, Suggested Cures for Diarrhea, and Orange Juice Alternatives for Treating Low Blood Sugar.
What is the Renal Practice Group?
The Renal Dietitians Dietetic Practice Group (RPG) consists of Registered Dietitians and other clinicians who provide renal nutrition therapy interventions and counseling in dialysis facilities, freestanding clinics, hospitals, and private practice. The Renal Practice Group is a dietetic practice group of the American Dietetic Association.
The Renal Dietitians Dietetic Practice Group's purpose is to offer leadership, direction and education to help members provide quality renal nutrition therapy. RPG promotes continuing education programs for renal dietitians and other health care professionals, and is an information resource for those who specialize in renal nutrition. Our group includes renal dietitians working with chronic kidney disease (stages 1-5), adult and pediatric dialysis, and kidney transplant patients.
The Renal Dietitians Dietetic Practice Group is governed by an Executive Board of elected officers, an editorial staff and appointed committee chairs. There are also seven "Area Coordinators" representing members in designated regions of the country. These coordinators:
- Disseminate information about RPG programs, resources and practices to local RPG members
- Function as RPG liaisons to maintain communication between the RPG members and the Executive Committee
- Function as RPG liaisons for coordinated joint projects and efforts with the National Kidney Foundation CRN
What are the benefits of being a member?
There are many benefits to being a member of RPG:
- Receive the article-rich quarterly newsletter, Renal Nutrition Forum
- Access to the lending library.
- Access to the members only area RPG website.
- Are eligible to apply for stipends and scholarships.
- Benefit from publications, which advance technical and clinical skills enhancing professional and patient education.
Detailed descriptions of these and more are under join RPG.
How do I earn board certification as a specialist in renal nutrition?
This is done through CDR (Commission on Dietetic Registration) and they have information on requirements and how to prepare for this specialty certifcation. View CDR site information <
I am interested in joining the renal dietitians practice group. Could you let me know what I need to do (or what I need to fill out) to join?
Is there a list serve to post questions to a group of renal dietitians?
Here is a list serv through the National Kidney Foundation.
I recently joined this practice group, but wasn’t able to access the member only sections of the website today.
It can take a few weeks to be added to Renal Dietitians’ website after you pay your dues. Please contact us by sending a request to helpU@renalnutrition.org.
Are there archives for the Forum?
The electronic archives of the Forum are posted on the website beginning with the summer 2004 issue.
The Asst Editor maintains the full hard copy archives of the Forum from the inception in the 80’s. Individuals may contact the Asst Editor for a photo copy of a given article for a nominal fee to cover coping and postage. The Asst Editor is Rachael Majorowicz and she may be contacted via marjorowicz.rachael@mayo.edu.
