The staff at the Northwest Clinical Nutrition Center, Inc. (established in 1982) is actively involved in ongoing medical research on obesity, for continued improvement of our methods and results. Since our program is intended for the treatment of a serious medical condition, insurance may be available to cover part or all of the program expenses.
Robert A. Kanter; M.D. - Director
Dr. Kanter is a board-certified specialist in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology. His special interests include diabetes, obesity and hormonal disorders. He is a graduate of the Pritzker School of Medicine at the University of Chicago and received graduate training at the University of Washington as a Research Fellow in Diabetes and Endocrinology. Dr. Kanter is currently a clinical assistant professor at the University of Washington and maintains an active practice of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology.
By establishing the first multidisciplinary treatment program for obesity in the Pacific Northwest, Dr. Kanter is the established leader in this field of medical practice. He is involved in ongoing obesity research and has personally supervised the treatment of over 2000 patients.
Click here to read Dr. Kanter's article (in pdf form) , "New Help With Weight Loss for Obese Diabetics and Pre-Diabetics".
Louise Pietrafesa; MSW
Louise is a Board Certified Clinical Diplomate in Social Work. She graduated from the University of California - Berkeley in 1977. A consultant to the Northwest Clinical Nutrition Center for 16 years, Louise also maintains an active private practice in Seattle. She has a professional commitment to the behavioral treatment of obesity and compulsive behaviors. She has participated in clinical trials through Novartis Nutrition and ProGenesis Inc. to develop innovative approaches for the effective management of weight and other health issues.
Cynthia Gale; MS, RD
Cynthia has been providing dietetic counseling and planning to groups and individuals for over 15 years. She has a Masters of Science in Food Technology from the University of Georgia and an RD from Texas Women's University. Cynthia joined NCNC in 1993 specializing in weight management, diabetes and heart disease. She is a member of the ADA and is often called upon to speak at schools and businesses on various nutrition and health subjects. Cynthia's services include nutrition education, grocery store tours, cooking classes and meal planning for travel, holidays and special events.
Karen Munger; MS, RD, CD
Karen holds a Master of Science degree in Nutrition Sciences from the University of Washington. She has been a certified dietitian in the state of Washington since 2000 and has held several positions as a member of the Greater Seattle Dietetic Association. She is active in several associations including the Washington State Dietetic Association, American Dietetic Association and American Association of Diabetes Educators. Her experience includes 16 years of adult fitness & physical therapy and 8 years of work in nutrition.
Randy Brandeis; MSW
Randy is a board certified clinical social worker who received his Masters degree in 1976 from the University of Illinois Jane Addams School of Social Work. He has been a consultant with the Northwest Clinical Nutrition Center since 1985. Randy has been in private practice since 1987 where his focus has been on the cognitive and behavioral treatment of both obesity and addictive/compulsive behavior patterns. He has served in a consulting role with Novartis Nutrition and has taken part in both clinical trials and the development of curriculums for the behavioral treatment of obesity. Randy is also an adjunct instructor at Bastyr University where he teaches courses on eating disorders, the psychology of facilitating lifestyle adjustments and the psychology of sport and exercise. |