Evelyn Enrione, PhD, RD

Focus

Clinical reliability and validity of the nutrition care process (NCP) related to clinical practice

Biography

As a native Floridian (Miami-Dade/Broward Counties), Dr. Enrione began her career as a dietetic technician in a Ft. Lauderdale hospital.  Realizing her passion for medical nutrition therapy she became a Registered Dietitian and then received her doctoral degree from Purdue University in human nutrition.  She earned a bachelor’s degree (Food Science & Nutrition) from the University of Florida and a master’s degree (Dietetics & Nutrition) from Florida International University (FIU).

Dr. Enrione has been involved in dietetics education and research for over 30 years. Throughout those years she was appointed to administrative positions in both accredited didactic and practicum programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. These positions included Didactic Program Director, Interim AP4 Director, and Graduate Program Director in addition to teaching in the Coordinated Program at FIU and Purdue University.  Most recently, she wrote two accreditation self-studies, one for the Didactic Program in Dietetics and the other for the Dietetic Internship. Both programs received the maximum years for accreditation, eight years each. 

Her research initiatives started in her doctoral studies with the therapeutic evaluation of parenteral nutrition in cancer growth.  To enhance her proficiency in this area, she accepted a post-doctoral and clinical fellowship in the Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati.  After a ten-year hiatus from her laboratory at FIU, Dr. Enrione was awarded a sabbatical at the Division of Research and Scientific Affairs, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, to investigate the clinical reliability and validity of the Nutrition Care Process (NCP).  She conceived and developed this research process for the Academy and is systematically evaluating the NCP through evidence-based research.  Dr. Enrione has performed successfully in both laboratory and field research.  One of her greatest achievements is the accomplishments of the graduate students she has mentored. Under her guidance, her students have published and presented their research both nationally and internationally.

Dr. Enrione served, for ten years, as the Associate Dean for the College of Health and Urban Affairs where she directed progress in both academic and facilities expansion.  During her tenure as Associate Dean, she was selected as one of eight participants nationwide to be trained as a leader in an interdisciplinary approach to practice, education, and research for health professions.

As a leader in dietetics, she has been influential in various professional organizations representing education and legislative interests related to dietetics.  She was active among the Florida legislators in promoting the awareness of the cost-effectiveness of medical nutrition therapy in health care. Dr. Enrione has held several leadership positions in the district, state, and national dietetic associations; most significant was President of the Florida Dietetic Association (currently, Florida Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) and Florida Delegate to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, House of Delegates. Additionally, she was appointed to the first national Dietetics Education Task Force in 2004 to recommend the future for dietetics education and practice.  Dr. Enrione has received numerous awards and honors, including Outstanding Dietetic Educator (American Dietetic Association) and President’s Award (Florida Dietetic Association).  For her career achievements, she was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award (Purdue University, College of Consumer and Family Sciences) and inducted into the Hall of Fame (Department of Nutrition Sciences, Purdue University).