Starling’s Registered Dietitian Gets You On the Right Track with Healthy Eating

Starling is pleased to have our own registered dietitian, Elisa Marley, RD CD. Elisa works with patients to help with a wide range of medical conditions and lifestyle issues. In the short interview below, we asked Elisa to tell us about her role and advice she commonly shares with her patients.

Tell us about your background.

I graduated from Marywood College with a bachelor’s degree in dietetics. I gained experience locally at Mt. Sinai, Bristol, and Hartford Hospital before relocating to the Pacific Northwest. In Seattle, I spent 20 years working at Harborview Medical Center – a level one trauma center affiliated with the University of Washington. I trained dietetic interns and physicians on the importance of nutrition and disease management.

I have been part of Starling Physicians for a number of years and offer comprehensive nutrition assessments and counseling on a range of topics including, but not limited to, cancer, GI disease, healthy eating, heart disease/hypertension, home tube feedings, and weight management.  

What types of individuals can benefit from your expertise?

The most common reasons people seek my expertise are for help managing diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and thyroid dysfunction. Other reasons include managing digestive complaints (IBS, celiac disease, diarrhea, constipation), practical lifestyle advice, improving performance in sports, or concerns surrounding a healthy pregnancy.

I work closely with patients undergoing cancer treatment to ensure that they receive adequate nutrition. I also help them manage treatment side effects that can impact eating such as nausea and mouth sores. Another group of patients that I help are those who are fed through feeding tubes or IVs and require guidance.

Is there any common advice that you share?

The most common advice I give to patients, no matter why they are coming to see me, is to take the time to embrace the idea that what you eat matters. A move towards less processed foods, limiting sugary beverages, incorporating more fruits and vegetables, and moving your body consistently is necessary. Prioritizing your eating is prioritizing your health.

I also consistently remind people that setting realistic goals that can be sustained over time is important. Healthy eating is a long-term commitment and not a short-term fix.

Does insurance cover your services?

Nutritional counseling has become much more commonplace in insurance coverage, and often it is a benefit that patients do not even know exists. 

How do I get started?

To begin the process, a referral from a provider is usually needed; insurance coverage is then checked prior to an appointment being scheduled. Patients can also contact me directly, if desired.

An initial consultation is 60 minutes and follow-up visits are generally 30 minutes. Phone consultation is always an option.

Anything else to share?

I love to cook and bake and enjoy sharing recipes that are nutritious and easy to make. I share recipes on Starling’s website each month. Visit www.starlingphysicians.com/recipes.

How can people reach you?

I can be reached at (860) 246-6647, x 2072, or via email at emarley@starlingphysicians.com.