Get to Know: Carol Sullivan, RD, LDN
An interview with Carol Sullivan, RD, LDN, oncology nutritionist
Carol Sullivan, RD, LDN
Carol Sullivan RD, LDN, is an oncology nutritionist in the Cancer Center. In her role Carol answers questions about proper nutrition and current nutrition trends, and provides patients with diet plans tailored to meet their specific needs before, during and after treatment. She also leads a monthly presentation through the HOPES program, entitled “Fighting Cancer with Your Fork” to educate patients about nutrition and beneficial therapies.
What makes you passionate about your work?I’ve always been interested in food and nutrition. I strongly believe that eating the right foods can be medicinal, and can truly improve people’s quality of life. Proper nutrition can especially help cancer patients manage the side effects of treatment, and can play a role in preventing recurrence.
I started out as an inpatient dietitian and developed an interest in nutrition on a cellular level. I then gained experience in the practical application of nutrition through outpatient counseling. My role now combines the best of both worlds, where I can work in a clinical setting and also counsel individuals on preventing cancer recurrence and modifying their diets.
What do you find challenging about your work? One of the biggest challenges I face is nutrition misinformation. There is so much information about different diets and proper nutrition, and a large portion of it has not been proven accurate. Part of my job is to let patients know that not everything can be taken as fact, and to steer them away from information that is not supported by sufficient evidence.
Why should patients choose Mass General for their cancer care? The multidisciplinary approach sets Mass General apart from other cancer centers because it allows us to provide comprehensive treatments for all patients. Our supportive care services are wonderful because we provide special therapies and services to help patients through treatment.
What do you enjoy in your free time?I enjoy running, yoga, skiing and being outdoors in my spare time. I hope to complete my fifth Boston Marathon this spring.
