For years, there has been no national standard to help patients and clinicians distinguish dietitians with true expertise in gastrointestinal nutrition – until now. The Celiac Disease Foundation is pleased to share the launch of the Board Certified Specialist in Digestive Health (CSDH) credential, now offered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). For the first time, patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers have a verified national standard for identifying dietitians with advanced expertise in gastrointestinal (GI) nutrition, including celiac disease.
The CSDH credential recognizes registered dietitians who have completed substantial training and practice experience in digestive health. To qualify, dietitians must demonstrate at least 2,000 hours of experience in GI nutrition and successfully pass CDR’s specialty examination. This new credential helps distinguish dietitians who have pursued additional education and focused practice in the management of complex GI disorders.
Several members of the Foundation’s Dietitian Advisory Council, including Meghan Donnelly McKeon, MS, RD, CSDH are among the first in the nation to earn this credential, reflecting their commitment to excellence in evidence-based practice in GI nutrition.
“We are pleased to see a board specialist credential that allows patients, families, and healthcare providers to identify dietitians with demonstrated expertise in digestive health. This provides a valuable resource for connecting individuals with qualified professionals who can support their care.” – Marilyn Geller, Chief Executive Officer, Celiac Disease Foundation
The introduction of the CSDH credential offers patients, families, and medical providers a clearer way to find experienced dietitians who can support individuals celiac disease and other GI conditions. This credential represents an important step forward in recognizing the critical role of dietitians in gastroenterology settings and for people living with celiac disease and other digestive diseases.