Dana McDonald, RD, LD

Dana is a registered and licensed dietitian (RD, LD) in Houston, Texas with more than 16 years of professional experience. In addition to licensure as a RD, Dana sought out certification in nutrition support –- a sophisticated and specialized practice –- and was awarded licensure as a Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC) for the certification period 2010 – 2015, while working in the NICU and CVICU of Texas Children’s Hospital, in the Texas Medical Center.

Education

Dana has a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Human Nutrition and Foods from the University of Houston in Houston, Texas (2006). Upon graduation, Dana went on to complete her dietetic internship at one of the most competitive programs in the country, the University of Houston Dietetic Internship Program in Houston, Texas (2006). While completing her undergraduate studies, Dana assisted with mineral metabolism studies at the USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center in the Texas Medical Center.

The Children’s Nutrition Research Center was established in 1978 through the cooperation of the USDA, ARS; Baylor College of Medicine; and Texas Children’s Hospital and one of six USDA human nutrition research centers designed to provide Americans with a clear understanding of the role of nutrition in maintaining a healthy, active life.

Awards

Undergraduate awards include Magna Cum Laude (3.67 GPA) and Nutrition Student of the Year awarded by the Department of Health and Human Performance at the University of Houston (2006).

Athletic Experience

Dana participated in competitive soccer throughout her childhood and was ultimately awarded a full soccer scholarship to McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Prior to beginning her collegiate career, Dana played soccer for one of the most prestigious girl’s soccer clubs in the nation, Challenge Soccer Club.

Professional

Dana’s work experience includes clinical dietitian at Ben Taub General Hospital, Texas Children’s Hospital, Felix Spiegel, MD, and The Davis Clinic. During this time, she served as an officer of multiple professional dietetic organizations, including the Houston Pediatric Nutrition Group (HPNG) and the Houston Area Dietetic Association (HADA).

Personal

Dana currently offers individual and group nutrition consultations to clients through traditional face-to-face and telehealth consultations via her private practice in Houston, Texas. Dana’s clinical interests include nutrition support, sports nutrition, weight loss, bariatric surgery, and public health.

During her free time, Dana enjoys spending time with her daughter, playing soccer, exploring the outdoors, and reading. In an effort to promote public health, Dana provides free nutrition and fitness education and inspiration to people living all over the world through her public Facebook page, Rebel Dietitian (formerly Eat Clean, Train Mean, Live Green).