Introductions

Co-Chair: Leah Gramlich, MD, FRCPC - University of Alberta 

Bio:  Leah Gramlich MD, FRCPC  is a Gastroenterologist and Physician Nutrition Specialist. She graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at University of Alberta in 1987 and currently holds a position as Professor of Medicine at the University of Alberta. In addition to her clinical roles in Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Dr. Gramlich is the Provincial Medical Advisor for Nutrition Services in Alberta Health Services. Her key research areas include nutrition support including enteral and parenteral nutrition, home nutrition support, malnutrition, and enhanced recovery. She has an interest in implementation science and uses this approach to advance nutrition care locally, nationally, and internationally.Dr. Gramlich is founding president of the Canadian Nutrition Society and a past member of the ASPEN Board of directors. She is a founding member and current co-chair of the Canadian Malnutrition Task force. She has published more than 100 articles as author or co-author, has had multiple students and received multiple grants for her research.

Co-Chair: Vanessa Lewis, RD, MHA - , BC Home Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition Programs

Bio:  Vanessa Lewis is the Program Coordinator for the British Columbia Home Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition (BC HPEN) Programs, based out of St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. Vanessa has worked in the BC HPEN program since 2018, and has developed a keen interest in understanding the complexities of home nutrition support and is dedicated to improving care provided to this unique patient population. She is currently involved in two research projects within the BC Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) program; one looking at micronutrient status in patients receiving HPN and the other at the effects of 4% tetrasodium-EDTA on central line complications. Prior to working in the program, she worked as a clinical dietitian at St. Paul’s Hospital in a variety of clinical areas including gastrointestinal diseases, surgery and nutrition support. Vanessa completed her Master of Health Administration through the University of British Columbia in 2019.