AMCC Nutrition and Dietetics Students Recognized at the 1st Medical Nutrition Summit (SYNERGY) for their Research Contributions
The 1st Medical Nutrition Summit (SYNERGY), themed “Strengthening Competencies Yearning towards Advancing Nutrition Support Practice in Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition, driven by Registered Nutritionist-Dietitians who are Globally Recognized as Nutrition Specialists,” served as a significant platform for advancing knowledge and collaboration in the field of clinical nutrition.
The summit highlighted the importance of strengthening competencies in nutrition support practices, particularly in enteral and parenteral nutrition. It gathered healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, and nutrition experts to exchange evidence-based approaches, emerging research, and best practices in clinical nutrition. Through engaging presentations and scholarly discussions, the event underscored the role of interdisciplinary collaboration and continuous professional development in improving the quality of medical nutrition therapy and patient outcomes.
Students from Adventist Medical Center College demonstrated academic excellence and research capability during the summit. Benchie Ericka Sevilla, a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (BSND) 4 student, received the “Abstract of Distinction Award” for her research paper entitled “Coconut Cotyledon Extract Attenuates Alcohol-Induced Gastrointestinal and Systemic Inflammation and Atrophy in Mice.” Her research highlights the potential therapeutic role of coconut-derived compounds in mitigating alcohol-induced physiological damage. The study was conducted under the guidance of the Nutrition and Dietetics department chairperson Leilah R. Demol, RND, MSc, EdD, with Genevieve C. Tonog, RND, PhD serving as the corresponding author.
Another noteworthy research contribution came from Gwyneth Casiong (BSND 4), whose study entitled “Effects of Nutrient-Dense, High-Calorie Beverage Consumption on the Height and Weight of Selected Adolescents” was accepted for e-poster presentation at the summit. The research explored the potential impact of nutrient-dense beverages on adolescent growth indicators and was conducted under the supervision of her adviser Welbert R. Ronquillo, RND, MSc.
The participation and recognition of these students highlight the institution’s commitment to research, innovation, and excellence in nutrition and dietetics education. Their achievements reflect the growing contribution of emerging nutrition professionals in advancing evidence-based nutrition support practices that ultimately promote better health outcomes for diverse populations.