Suzie Finkel, MS, RD, CDN

Why did you choose to specialize in gastroenterology?

I became a dietitian with the specific goal of helping people alleviate their digestive symptoms, and have found gastroenterology to be the most dynamic, challenging, and rewarding space in patient care. It is also a field where my passion for food and poop, and talking about these things simultaneously, is welcomed and useful! The intimate relationship between food and the GI tract is well-established, and I enjoy using this knowledge to help people have a better quality of life and improved health outcomes. I’m fascinated by food’s ability to significantly alleviate many chronic GI symptoms, and am committed to increasing awareness of the importance of nutrition in gastroenterology and beyond.

What are your areas of special interest and expertise within gastroenterology?

My training includes nutrition therapy for a variety of GI disorders and conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), and carbohydrate intolerances, as well as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). I utilize my social science background, culinary, and clinical nutrition training to help people with practical and delicious ways of improving symptoms through diet. Every person’s health history and life circumstances are unique, so I collaborate with patients on personalized approaches to nutritional recommendations. I aim to reduce the fear and confusion that can surround eating when faced with GI symptoms, and importantly increase food enjoyment!

Do you have any special honors, recognition, or achievements in your medical career that you would like to share?

My nutrition advice has been featured in national publications, including CNN and Livestrong, and I’ve been a guest lecturer for the nutrition program at Columbia University and speaker for the New York City Nutrition Education Network. My research includes leading a pilot study on quality of life outcomes for families living with celiac disease, and I’ve presented at corporate wellness events on topics ranging from healthy meal prep to nutrition during times of stress. Apart from patient care, I tutor future dietitians for their national exam and develop recipes for organizations.

What do you and your family enjoy doing during your spare time?

My free time often still revolves around food! My family and I enjoy eating and cooking together, and taking long walks to new food destinations around the city. Although I’m a lifelong New Yorker, I love the warm weather and spend the cold NYC winter dreaming about the beach and working on an extensive beach glass collection.