Mercy is redefining how nutrition is integrated into patient care, led by Dr. Majed Gharfeh, the new medical director of Clinical Nutrition and Malnutrition Care. With over seven years as a hospitalist at Mercy Oklahoma City and leadership experience in nutrition and clinical documentation, Dr. Gharfeh brings valuable expertise in enhancing protocols for conditions like malnutrition, hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. He is collaborating with the Mercy Office of Clinical Excellence and clinical nutrition leaders to promote a more proactive, patient-focused approach, making nutrition a key pillar of recovery and wellness.
“We’re striving for true clinical nutrition integration, ensuring nutrition plays a critical role in patient care from day one,” Dr. Gharfeh explains.
His vision is clear, nutrition is more than providing meals; it’s about shaping medical decisions that lead to better patient outcomes. This approach involves strengthening the role of facility-level medical directors and providers across Mercy hospitals, ensuring that every patient receives the nutritional support they need, when they need it most.
The power of this approach is evident in real patient stories.
“We had a patient newly diagnosed with esophageal cancer who was unable to tolerate oral intake. Our dietitians identified the risk of severe malnutrition before it became a crisis, collaborated with providers, and we were able to intervene with feeding tube placement before the situation worsened,” Dr. Gharfeh recalls. It’s this kind of anticipatory care that makes the difference in real lives.
With March being National Nutrition Month, Mercy is highlighting the connection between nutrition and collaborative care. Aligned with this year’s theme, "Food Connects Us", the initiative emphasizes that nutrition goes beyond individual health. By prioritizing preventive strategies over reactive measures, the focus is on addressing malnutrition early to improve patient recovery outcomes.
“Registered dietitians are right there at the bedside, collaborating with physicians and making real-time clinical decisions that impact patient health” said Jocelyn Warren, clinical nutrition program manager. “We want to transform the way Mercy manages conditions like malnutrition, turning it from a reactive issue into a proactive priority.”
Hospitals across the country recognize the importance of nutrition but making it a meaningful part of patient care takes real commitment. At Mercy, that commitment is clear. “We’re doing more than talking about nutrition—we’re taking action,” Dr. Gharfeh says. From minimizing complications to shortening hospital stays, the nutrition teams are demonstrating that better nutrition is not just beneficial—it’s essential.
Improved nutrition is playing a vital role in reducing complications and shortening hospital stays, highlighting its essential impact on patient outcomes. For National Nutrition Month, Mercy is reinforcing its commitment to proactive, patient-centered care, making nutrition a cornerstone of recovery and wellness.
