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Nutrition2024-12-24T05:33:50-08:00
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TCMC Food & Nutrition

For More Information
About Tri-City Medical
Center’s Outpatient Nutritional
Counseling Program
Please Call 760.940.7726
8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Tri-City Nutrition Information

Nutrition Department

If you would like to improve your health and nourish your body, the nutrition experts at Tri-City Medical Center are here to help.

As registered dietitians at Tri-City Medical Center we provide medical nutrition and nutrition counseling in a variety of settings. We design a clinical nutrition plan for all patients within the hospital and provide one-on-one counseling and group classes in an outpatient setting. Our outpatient medical nutrition therapy program is designed for people living with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, celiac disease, etc. We also provide nutrition education to pregnant women seeking prenatal care and individuals desirous of counseling for weight management and overall healthy eating habits.

Each of our dietitians is an expert in their specialty, so whether you recently had a heart surgery or are newly diagnosed with diabetes- you’re in good hands. Receiving the correct nutritional information from a registered dietitian can help you maintain or improve your health while aiding in your fight against a variety of illnesses.

Some of the most serious health conditions – obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease – can be prevented or managed through simple lifestyle changes and healthier habits. If you would like to improve your health by eating better, the nutrition experts at Tri-City Medical Center are here to help.

Our outpatient medical nutrition therapy program is designed for people living with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or celiac disease. We also consult with pregnant women seeking prenatal care and people who would like counseling for weight management and overall healthy eating habits.

During your first visit with one of our dieti­tians, we’ll review your medical history, current eating habits and personal wellness goals. We then develop a personalized nutrition plan that’s right for you. Our goal is to help you make long-term changes in your eating habits and lifestyle, providing encouraging support and advice along the way.

Individual and group counseling sessions are available through the medical nutrition therapy program

You’ll learn how to read food labels, modify recipes, and make smarter choices when planning meals, grocery shopping, and eating out. You’ll find answers to your ques­tions about fad diets and weight-loss myths. Plus, you’ll understand the importance of physical activity, portion control, and bal­anced meals in meeting and maintaining your health-improvement goals.

Whatever your motivation — losing weight, increasing energy, preventing disease or complications from a current medical condition — the nutrition therapy program at Tri-City Medical Center provides some of the area’s most comprehensive dietetic counseling.

A physician referral is required for outpatient medical nutrition therapy at Tri-City Medical Center. Some insurance carriers may provide reimbursement for program fees, but some participants may be required to cover the cost themselves. Before scheduling a con­sultation, please check with your insurance company.

For more information about Tri-City Medical Center’s Outpatient Nutritional Counseling Program, please call: 760.940.7726

Please bring the following items to your nutrition therapy appointment:

    Physician prescription complete with order & diet recommendation
    A referral may be required by your insurance company; please check with your provider
    List of medications and nutritional supplements you take currently
    Any pertinent lab test results
    Medical insurance information
    Food diary and/or blood sugar records that you have been keeping

Our areas of expertise include:

  • Bariatric (weight-loss) surgery
  • Cancer
  • Cardiac rehabilitation
  • Celiac disease
  • Diabetes
  • Digestive disorders
  • Elevated cholesterol
  • Gestational diabetes
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Kidney disease
  • Obesity
  • Osteoporosis
  • Prenatal care
  • Sports nutrition
  • Ulcers
  • Weight management

Our areas of expertise include:

  • Medicare Part B beneficiaries with a diagnosis of diabetes or non-dialysis kidney disease are eligible for medical nutrition therapy.
  • A referral from your physician, including the appropriate diagnosis and qualifying blood work, is required for the benefit.
  • Medicare Part B reimburses three hours of nutrition therapy for the first year and two hours each year thereafter.

Our Amazing Staff

Benilda Milan-Aglugub RDN CDCES IBCLC

Benilda Milan-Aglugub RDN CDCES IBCLC

I was raised in the Bay Area and moved to San Diego in 2001. I graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics & Bachelor of Arts in Child Development. My favorite foods to eat are Filipino and Mexican . Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, walking and outdoor activities. My passion & hope is to help empower people to make healthy food choices part of their daily lifestyle.

Gabriela Cesar RDN

Gabriela Cesar RDN

I grew up in Orlando, FL and graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and a minor in Food Science. I completed my dietetic internship through AdventHealth Orlando. My favorite area of dietetics is nutrition support. When I’m not at work, I’m either playing video games or walking my dogs.

Nicole Franqui, MS, RD, CSSD

I was raised in Butler, PA and graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition Sciences with a Dietetics Focus. I completed my Masters Degree in Nutrition & Dietetics from Central Michigan University through their global campus program. After completing my dietetic internship through Meredith College and their distance program, I moved to Vista, CA and had my first job as a dietitian right here at Tri City Medical Center. After spending a few years in the Virginia Beach, VA area due to my husband’s job in the Marine Corps I am happy to be back in Southern California and working at TCMC. When I am not at work I enjoy running, lifting weights, traveling, and spending time with my two dogs Atlas and Oscar

Mary Cris Lebig, MS, RD

Mary Cris Lebig, MS, RD

I was born and raised in the Philippines and moved to San Diego in 2014. I graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition. I completed both my dietetic internship and Master’s in Dietetics through University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in partnership with the Central Arkansas Veteran Healthcare System. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking and spending time with my family.

Kimberly Contreras, RDN

Kimberly Contreras, RDN

Hi my name is Kimberly and I was born and raised in Oceanside. I’m passionate about helping my community reach their health goals in a way that’s both effective and sustainable. I graduated from CSU Long Beach and completed my dietetic internship at UC San Diego Health. I look forward to working with you and making a positive impact on your well-being.

Ashton Armstrong, MS, RDN

Ashton Armstrong, MS, RDN

I grew up in Louisiana and graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and dietetics with a minor in business administration. I completed my dietetic internship through the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center. I moved to San Diego in 2023. My favorite food is sushi. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling and playing with my dogs.

 susie

Susie Park, MS, RDN

I was raised in Texas and moved to San Diego in 2014. I graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Food and Nutrition Science and earned my Master’s degree in Dietetics from the University of Rhode Island. I completed my dietetic internship through Sodexo at UT Southwestern Clements Jr. University Hospital in Dallas, where I gained valuable experience in clinical nutrition and specialized care. My work has focused on clinical nutrition and eating disorder treatment, helping patients develop a positive relationship with food and improve their overall health. My area of interest in dietetics are nutrition support and diabetes management. My favorite foods include Korean and Japanese cuisine. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, exploring new cafés, and attending classical concerts.

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