CHP faculty member named as a distinguished fellow
Dr. Debbie Gillespie, an associate professor at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, has been accepted as a Distinguished Fellow of the National Academies of Practice in Nutrition and Dietetics. This prestigious honor recognizes her outstanding contributions to the field of nutrition and dietetics and her commitment to interprofessional collaboration in health care.
Gillespie, EdD, MS, RDN/LD, NBC-HWC, ACC, DipACLM, is a faculty member in UNTHSC’s Master of Science in Lifestyle Health Sciences and Coaching program, which is housed within the College of Health Professions’ Department of Personalized Health and Well-Being. As one of the first International Board of Lifestyle Medicine-certified registered dietitians in the United States, Gillespie brings more than 30 years of expertise spanning clinical dietetics, oncology and cardiovascular research, renal care, public health and health promotion.
“I am honored to be accepted as a Distinguished Fellow of the National Academies of Practice in Nutrition and Dietetics,” Gillespie said. “This recognition reflects not only my dedication to advancing health and well-being but also the value of collaboration across professions to create lasting impact. As a registered dietitian, I look forward to contributing to the NAP’s mission of promoting quality health care while working alongside esteemed colleagues to drive meaningful change for the communities we serve.”
Gillespie has earned widespread respect for her innovative approach to nutrition education and her leadership at UNTHSC. Her contributions include serving as the founding interim chair for the Department of Lifestyle Health Sciences and as program director for the graduate certificate in lifestyle health. In addition, she has been instrumental in integrating emotional intelligence, culinary medicine and lifestyle medicine into the curriculum at UNTHSC.
Dr. Misti Zablosky, chair and associate professor of the Department of Personalized Health and Well-Being, praised Gillespie’s achievement: “Dr. Gillespie’s recognition as a Distinguished Fellow of the National Academies of Practice is a well-deserved honor that highlights her unwavering commitment to excellence in nutrition and interprofessional collaboration,” Zablosky said. “Her leadership and passion for advancing health and well-being have left a lasting impact on our team and the communities we serve. We are proud to celebrate this milestone with her and are confident she will continue to make significant contributions to the NAP’s mission and beyond.”
Founded in 1981, the National Academies of Practice is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving affordable, accessible and coordinated health care for all. Membership as a Distinguished Fellow is extended to highly accomplished practitioners and scholars who have made significant contributions to their professions and to interprofessional health care. The organization emphasizes collaboration among healthcare disciplines to address the whole person and enhance care quality and prevention.
Gillespie’s extensive academic credentials reflect her dedication to advancing the field of nutrition. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Miami University, a Master of Science in Medical Dietetics from Saint Louis University, and a Doctor of Education in Health Professions Education from A.T. Still University. She is also a national board-certified health and wellness coach and holds an advanced credential from the International Coach Federation.
In addition to her professional achievements, Gillespie is passionate about traveling, exploring different cultures and spending time with family. She channels this enthusiasm into her teaching and mentoring, inspiring the next generation of health care professionals to embrace a holistic approach to health.
Her recognition as a Distinguished Fellow places Gillespie in the ranks of esteemed health care professionals committed to interprofessional collaboration and innovation. By joining the NAP, she furthers her mission to promote transformative change in health care and improve the lives of individuals and communities.
About the National Academies of Practice
The National Academies of Practice is an interprofessional organization composed of distinguished practitioners and scholars from across multiple healthcare disciplines. Its mission is to promote affordable, accessible, and coordinated quality healthcare. Members are selected based on their exemplary careers, academic achievements, and contributions to interprofessional collaboration in health care.
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