Nicole Gumpf’s daily dietitian duties go far beyond advising clients about adopting healthier eating patterns and cutting back on sweets. For her patients, what they eat can mean the difference between life and death. 

“I’m constantly learning from each patient and getting to work with the interdisciplinary teams of surgeons and nurses and case managers."

As a clinical dietitian at Heritage Valley Health System’s Beaver hospital, Nicole works with patients who often have serious illnesses and need drastically changed diets. Some are getting nutrients through a feeding tube, others from an IV. 

“What I like the most is getting to work with a lot of different types of patients,” Nicole says. “I’m constantly learning from each patient and getting to work with the interdisciplinary teams of surgeons and nurses and case managers. Everybody has their specialty.” 

At the hospital, Nicole’s specialty is working with cardiopulmonary patients who are dealing with heart attacks and congestive heart failure. She educates the patients about maintaining healthy eating after they are discharged. 

Nicole graduated from Seton Hill in 2009 with a degree in nutrition and dietetics. She earned her master’s degree in human nutrition from the University of Alabama.

Seton Hill’s young alumni are making their mark on the world through their work in science and healthcare, finance and business, industry, entertainment and service to those in need. The Spring/Winter 2017 edition of Seton Hill’s Forward magazine featured 30 of these alumni, all under the age of 30. You can find all of their stories here on Seton Hill’s site (just look for the “30 Under 30” icon).

Photo: Nicole with daughters Madelyn and Sarah.