Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Moretti.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Laura. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I graduated from Rutgers University in 2004 with a BA in Economics. After spending several years in financial services in New York City I decided that was not the career path for me and that my true passion was in the field of dietetics. I left my career in the finance world to pursue a career as a Registered Dietitian. In pursuing this dream I knew that I wanted to specialize in eating disorder and athletes since there seemed to be a lack of resources for this population.
I completed my Master’s Degree in Clinical Nutrition and Didactic Program in Clinical Dietetics at New York University’s Steinhardt School. My dietetic internship was done at New York Presbyterian including intensive training at the Weill Cornell Medical Center inpatient eating disorder treatment program. After spending six years as the Primary Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Therapist at Appleman Nutrition and Columbus Park Collaborative in New York City,
After building a strong base an Eating Disorder and Sports performance Dietitian in New York I was given the opportunity to move to Boston take on my current role as Dietitian in the Division of Sports Medicine and the Female Athlete Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. I also founded my private practice Laura Moretti Nutrition LLC soon after relocating to Boston in 2015.
In addition to these two rolls, I am the consulting dietitian for the Boston Ballet Company. I also consult for several companies including O2x, a local human performance company, and I am an instructor at the Institute for Rowing Leadership in Newton. My true passion lies in sports performance and eating disorder nutrition so I keep myself pretty busy with this population!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I do not think any success is without some struggle. Deciding to leave a full-time position and finance to become a full-time student was a change of lifestyle that certainly required an adjustment in my day to day living. When the opportunity presented itself to move to Boston, I was extremely excited, yet also had a lot of anxiety around leaving my mentor and the practice that I had been a part of for so many years.
I questioned whether picking up and moving to a new city was the right move when I had built a strong reputation and clinical community in New York. lastly, it was very difficult to have to terminate with many of my patients that I had cared for in my time in New York. A huge part of my job is relationship building, therefore, it was very emotional to have to transition the care of my patients to new clinicians.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Laura Moretti Nutrition – what should we know?
I specialize in the treatment of athletes with eating disorders, disordered eating, and low energy availability. I also specialize in sports performance, but it is truly my expertise in treating that athlete with an eating disorders/disordered eating that makes me stand out from the crowd. As a Board Certified Sports Dietitian (CSSD) and an Eating Disorder Specialist, I have been able to address a unique niche in the athletic population.
My dual expertise in sports nutrition and the treatment of eating disorders enables me to offer tailored insight into the complex world of eating disorders in sport. Eating disorders are multifaceted and require a team approach. I work closely with interdisciplinary teams (physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists as well as coaches and trainers where appropriate) to provide the highest level of care and support to my patients.
Patients are often initially referred to me for common symptoms of inadequate fueling including stress fractures, iron deficiency, and menstrual or hormonal irregularities. I work closely with a sports endocrinologist to help correct these issues through improved nutrition. I also work with athletes on other issues such as Gastrointestinal Issues, Fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, Post-Operative Recovery/Return to Sport, Muscle/Strength Building, Youth Athletes, Food Allergies, Weight/Body Composition Optimization
I believe that all foods fit into a healthy diet! I use an evidence-based approach to sports nutrition and eating disorder treatment to help ensure my patients are fueling appropriately. I pay particular attention to customizing plans to meet an athlete’s particular needs in their sport of choice.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First and foremost, I would like to give a shout-out to my very first mentor Rebecca Appleman, RD. Rebecca provided me with close clinical supervision for years. She truly shared her incredible expertise with me to help me become the strong clinician that I am today. I can absolutely say I would not be where I am today without her support and guidance.
Second, Dr. Kathryn Ackerman. Dr. Ackerman is the head of the Female Athlete Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. She is an Endocrinologist, Sports Medicine, and Internal Medicine Physician. Dr. Ackerman is also the person that made the move to Boston a reality when she invited me to join her team at Children’s Hospital. We worked together on a daily basis to help treat our patients.
She has also mentored me in research and scientific writing. She takes the time out of her extremely busy schedule to ensure that she is helping her colleagues continue to grow and achieve their career goals. She pushes me and also helps me to be a stronger clinician. I would in fact like to shout out to my entire team, The Female Athlete Program at Boston Children’s Hospital!
Contact Info:
- Address: 55 Chapel Street Ste 030, Newton MA 02458
- Website: www.LauraMorettiRD.com
- Phone: 617.717.9413
- Email: LauraMorettiRD@gmail.com
- Instagram: @LauraMoretti.RD
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/LMorettiRD
Image Credit:
http://emilyteresaphotography.com/
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