A New Chapter in Health: Announcing SCMSC’s New Diet & Nutrition Department

We’re thrilled to announce the official launch of our dedicated, full-time Diet & Nutrition department right here at SCMSC in Los Angeles. This isn’t just an expansion; it’s a natural evolution of our approach to patient care. A recent study from the American College of Surgeons found that starting a nutrition plan before surgery led to 18% fewer days in the hospital and 33% fewer complications after. That’s the kind of edge we’re talking about at SCMSC.

For years, we’ve offered part-time nutrition support through our talented registered dietitian, guiding our surgical patients through their health paths and helping with everything from weight management to boosting energy during recovery. These efforts have shown us how vital nutrition is, especially when you’re dealing with the ups and downs of surgery. But we saw an opportunity to go deeper. By building a dedicated department, we’re shifting from spot support to a true team effort. Now nutrition isn’t siloed off – it’s hand-in-hand with our surgeons and specialists, tackling your overall well-being head-on. If you’re in Los Angeles and searching for a registered dietitian near you who gets the full picture, this is where it clicks.

Meet Geoffrey Samson, MS, RD: Our New Full-Time Registered Dietitian

We’re incredibly excited to introduce Geoffrey Samson, MS, RD, who joins us as our full-time Registered Dietitian leading this new department. With a Master’s in Applied Nutrition and Dietetics and over 15 years of experience, Geoffrey has a deep understanding of how nutrition impacts complex medical conditions, energy levels, and long-term health improvements. He’s worked with everyone from athletes pushing their limits to executives managing demanding schedules, to patients recovering from surgery or dealing with chronic illness and everyone in between.

Geoffrey’s mission at SCMSC is simple: to connect our advanced medical care with precision-driven, personalized nutrition plans that genuinely fit into your life.

He believes in an approach that’s both rooted in science and focused on you as a person. He wants to help you feel confident in your health journey by blending his clinical insight with strategies tailored to your unique body and goals. You’ll find his expertise invaluable, whether you’re looking to optimize your metabolic health, improve gut health, reduce inflammation, or speed up your post-surgical recovery. He uses medical nutrition therapy, functional lab interpretation, and evidence-backed lifestyle interventions to get results.

What really sets Geoffrey apart is his collaborative spirit. He works hand-in-hand with our physicians, surgeons, and other specialists, ensuring that your integrated care truly supports you as a whole, not just a diagnosis. He understands that your health isn’t a collection of separate issues, but an intricate system that needs cohesive support. As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Geoffrey’s work is all about that prevention and building lasting wellness.

Why Integrated Nutrition Matters for You: The SCMSC Advantage

You might be wondering, “How does a full-time dietitian benefit me?” It’s a great question, and the answer is rooted in better outcomes and a smoother health journey for you. When your medical team, including your surgeon and your dietitian, are all on the same page, your care becomes incredibly powerful.

Here’s how our collaborative health team helps you get better care:

• Optimized Surgical Outcomes: If you’re facing surgery, good nutrition isn’t just a bonus—it’s essential. Our dietitians work with your surgical team to ensure you’re in the best possible nutritional shape before your procedure, which can lead to fewer complications and a faster, smoother recovery. They’ll also guide you through the crucial post-op period, helping your body heal efficiently. Research shows that patients with optimal nutritional status before surgery have a significantly lower risk of complications and shorter hospital stays.
• Faster Recovery and Healing: Proper nutrients are the building blocks your body needs to repair itself. Our nutrition experts will create a plan that fuels your recovery, helping you regain strength and energy quicker than you might on your own.
• Personalized, Whole-Person Care: We don’t just treat symptoms. We look at your entire health picture. Our dietitians consider your medical history, lab results, lifestyle, and personal preferences to create a nutrition plan that’s uniquely yours. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all diet; it’s a strategy designed for your body.
• Effective Chronic Disease Management: Many chronic conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, are directly impacted by diet. Our team works with your doctors to manage these conditions through medical nutrition therapy, often improving overall health and potentially reducing the need for more aggressive interventions.
• Long-Term Health and Prevention: Our goal isn’t just to get you well now, but to help you stay well. We equip you with the knowledge and tools to make sustainable healthy choices, empowering you to prevent future health issues and enjoy a higher quality of life. As one patient shared, “I never knew how much my diet affected my overall energy until I worked with the team here. It’s been life-changing.”

Comprehensive Nutrition Services Available to You at SCMSC

The beauty of having a dedicated Diet & Nutrition department is that these services are now available to all our patients in Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley, not just those undergoing surgery. If you’re looking to enhance recovery, manage a condition, or simply feel better day-to-day, our team is here to support you.

Our services include:

• Individualized Nutrition Counseling: One-on-one sessions tailored to your specific health goals and challenges.
• Weight Management Programs: Realistic, sustainable strategies for healthy weight loss, gain, or maintenance.
• Diabetes Management: Expert guidance to help you manage blood sugar, prevent complications, and improve overall health.
• Heart Health Nutrition: Plans designed to support cardiovascular wellness and manage cholesterol or blood pressure.
• Digestive Health Support: Addressing issues like IBS, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and other gut-related concerns.
• Pre- and Post-Surgical Nutrition Optimization: Specialized plans to prepare your body for surgery and aid in rapid recovery.
• Sports Nutrition: Fueling for performance, recovery, and overall athletic well-being.
• Food Allergies & Intolerances: Navigating dietary restrictions to ensure adequate nutrient intake and symptom relief.
• Meal Planning & Preparation Guidance: Practical tips and strategies to make healthy eating accessible and enjoyable.

Nutritional Deficiencies: Identifying and addressing common nutrient gaps to restore vitality.

Connect with Our Team Today

Your health is your most valuable asset, and we believe in investing in it comprehensively. With our new full-time Diet & Nutrition department led by Geoffrey Samson, alongside the continued expertise of Hoda Hakimjavadi, SCMSC is more committed than ever to providing you with the most integrated, effective care available in and around Los Angeles. We’re not just treating conditions, we’re partnering with you to build a foundation for lifelong wellness.

If you’re ready to experience the difference that truly integrated nutrition can make in your health journey, we invite you to connect with us. Give us a call at (818) 900-6480 to chat about your needs or schedule an appointment. Let’s get started on making your health stronger together.