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Commission on Dietetic Registration
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CDR Elections

Holly Dittmar, MS,RDN,CSR
CDR Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR)

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Position / Skills and Attributes

POSITION Skills/Attributes associated with the position Examples of how I have demonstrated outcomes for each skill/attribute that qualify me for the position
CDR Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR)
  1. Experience and interest in credentialing and associated issues
  2. Commitment to protecting the public through setting standards
  3. Knowledgeable about accreditation/credentialing requirements
  4. Differentiates between organization and professional issues
  5. Expertise in specialist practice area
  6. Demonstrates a commitment to promoting inclusion, diversity, equity and access
 1. Served as a subject-matter expert for CDR in reviewing and editing questions for the CSR exam (2025) with plans to write test questions for the CSR exam (2026). Preceptor to dietetic interns to help them meet competencies and prepare them to become entry-level dietitians. Previously served on the local VA Professional Standards Board. Dietitian interview panel experience. Served on Dietetic Internship Selection Committees.
2. Co-Chair of the National VA Renal Nutrition Workgroup (RNW).
3. Knowledgeable of the pathway to become a RDN and obtain specialty certifications. Supported accreditation readiness by conducting peer reviews of nutrition assessments. Understanding of practice competencies to guide career advancement.
4. Participates in initiatives and quality projects that support VA strategic goals and align with Nutrition Service priorities to enhance Veteran care and increase access
5. Advanced Practice Renal Dietitian, 10 year focus on renal (4 years transplant, 3 years dialysis, 3 years CKD and stone clinic), presents national nutrition webinars
6. Facilitated Lean Belt Project on Streamlining Access to a Dietitian for Veterans with Food Insecurity.

Employment History

Employer Title
Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center Clinical Dietitian Specialist (Kidney Transplant, Living Kidney Donation)
South Texas Veterans Health Care System Clinical Dietitian Specialist (Dialysis Center Dietitian)
Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center Advanced Practice Renal Dietitian (CKD and Kidney Stone Clinic)

Leadership Experience

Leadership Position Organization Years Involved in the Organization My specific leadership contributions, achievements and outcomes
Representative of Outpatient Dietitians on the Clinical Nutrition Quality Improvement Committee VA 2020-2022 Co-Led Malnutrition Quality Measure Project, Obtained data on the identification of moderate and severe protein calorie malnutrition by dietitians in the outpatient, acute care and long-term care facility. Obtained data on the use of oral nutrition supplements during admission or upon discharge and whether refills were requested at the pharmacy by the Veterans, whether Veterans had nutrition follow-ups and what the readmission and mortality rates were. This led to additional staff training on the nutrition focused physical exam and use of dynamometers to increase identification of malnutrition and enhance care coordination to optimize health outcomes.
Facilitated a Lean Yellow Belt Project with a team VA 2021-2021 Utilized Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Training to lead a team with a focus on "Medical Administrative Service Beneficiary Travel" to evaluate requirements for additional resources needed to transition to processing travel claims through a new Beneficiary Travel Self Service System. Mapped and times processes and analyzed data resulting in approval of new transportation assistants by the Resource Management Committee. Obtained certification.
Facilitated a Lean Green Belt Project with a team VA 2023-2024 Utilized Green Belt Training to lead a team with a focus on "Streamlining Access to a Dietitian for Veterans with Food Insecurity." Incorporated process mapping, gap analysis, solutions approach, rapid experiments, creation of standard work documents, established an audit system and conducted staff training. Increased completed RDN food insecurity visits by 20.8% from baseline. Obtained certification. Presented findings at Quality Management and Improvement Summit.
Co-Lead for Patient Education Subgroup of the National VA Renal Nutrition Workgroup VA 2023-2025 Co-led a subgroup to update and/or create 25 renal nutrition patient education handouts per fiscal year for the national VA renal nutrition toolkit.
Co-Chair of the National VA Renal Nutrition Workgroup VA 2025-2026 The Renal Nutrition Workgroup strives to enhance nutritional care of Veterans with CKD through increased awareness and early involvement of nutrition, while providing support for renal dietitians. Key focus areas include the development and implementation of best practices within the field, enhancing food security, and creating and updating patient education materials. Through these efforts, we aim to improve the overall well-being and health outcomes of Veterans with kidney disease.

Personal and Campaign Statements

What do you see as opportunities for the future of the nutrition and dietetics profession?

Emerging trends such as telehealth, addressing food insecurity, and interdisciplinary care models present opportunities to expand our impact. Continuing to embrace innovation, advocate for access, and uphold credentialing standards will be vital. Additionally, a closer look at the health impact of the microbiome, a focus on accessible and sustainable nutrition, and the use of targeted nutrition and wearable health technology are gaining traction. I am committed to advancing our profession through dedicated leadership, education, and service.

Campaign Statement

With over 15 years of VA experience and national leadership in renal nutrition, I've contributed to CSR exam development, led national educational initiatives, and championed access to care. It would be an honor to serve and represent our profession with integrity and dedication, advocating for our colleagues and driving continued excellence in our field.

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