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Gator Clinic |
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| The Gator team holds clinic every Wednesday
at Shands Pediatric Immunology Center. We are an integral
part of a larger group of health care professionals
including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social
workers, lab technicians, and insurance providers. |
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| Diet Recall and Measurements |
| Each time we see a patient, we take
a 24-hour diet recall and perform body composition
measurements (anthropometrics). The data on the diet
recall is then entered into a database using a program
called Food Processor, and it is analyzed and compared
to the recommended intake for the patient. Using Food
Processor, we can determine the amount of calories,
protein, vitamins, and minerals a patient is receiving
in his or her diet. We also use the diet recall to
construct a personal food pyramid for each patient
in order to determine which of the major food groups
he or she is lacking, and which food groups he or
she has excessively consumed. After analyzing this
data, we formulate dietary recommendations for each
patient and present them to the patient at the following
interview at clinic, along with a printed copy of
the food pyramid and diet/exercise information. We
review the educational material with the patient and
explain ways to improve his or her diet. |
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Assessments |
| We also use the data to create metabolic
assessments of our patients, which are then given
to the clinic staff. Here we provide a holistic evaluation
of the patient's health, with special regard to growth
trends, nutrition, and exercise. We also track specific
ailments commonly seen in our population, such as
insulin resistance and hypertension. |
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A Week in the Life of a Gator Team Member |
| Before a patient is seen in clinic,
their assigned Gator Buddy first prepares chart rounds
for that patient. These are then presented at a Chart
Rounds meeting before the entire team. We also meet
with the clinic staff during Clinic Conference, during
which the staff reviews each patient and receives
our assessments. The Gator team has two team meetings
a week to discuss various team matters and learn more
about HIV related topics. |
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