On March 9, 2023, the Academy will pay homage to our dietary technicians. For the first time we will recognize the day as DTR Day! And so, in honor of this historic event, we are turning the spotlight on DTR, Karey Fenning, a Camden County native who now proudly serves across the river at the distinguished Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
Karey’s journey in the field of health and nutrition was a circuitous one. With a 14-year background in the television/entertainment industry, Karey soon realized that for all its excitement, her health could be at risk. “Following the birth of my daughter in 2008, I realized that I needed to pay more attention to my health and well-being. I wanted to lose weight and to get fit. I committed myself to researching and learning how to accomplish my health goals safely and effectively and eventually lost 80 pounds,” she disclosed. Since her 80 pounds weight loss nearly 12 years ago, she added that health and nutrition have become a major focus in her life hence her desire to help others accomplish their health and nutrition goals as well.
In addition to her post at CHOP, Karey has an especially busy schedule. Having earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Rowan University last year, Karey is currently completing supervised practice with the expectation to graduate with a Master of Science in August 2023. She is also training now to teach a carbohydrate counting class for new onset T1 and T2 diabetic patients. And that’s not all. She aspires to become an RDN down the road.
The Camden County College alum said that her journey has not been without challenges but credits her mentors for having helped her navigate tough moments related to strengthening her confidence in her abilities and skills. Being a single parent while working both a full-time and a part-time job was also challenging. But that did not deter her from achieving her goals. And so, her advice to those thinking of entering the field: “It was not easy by any means, but I was determined to follow my dream of helping others and I pushed through some long, hard days. I doubted myself and my ability to finish my program on multiple occasions. Self-doubt can really take a mental toll but just know that you are capable of anything you set your mind to and things will get easier over time.” When asked to name a DTR she would recommend for a similar spotlight she suggested her fellow CHOP team member, Paige Romano, whom she says goes above and beyond in her patient care.
A self-proclaimed movie buff, coffee connoisseur, and a total foodie, Karey said in her downtime she loves watching movies trying new coffee spots and new restaurants. She also has a running list of restaurants that she hopes to try someday.
Instagram: kareyf28
