Suzanne Henson, a dietitian and clinical assistant professor in the CCHS Department of Family, Internal, and Rural Medicine, was accepted into the Birmingham Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International, a prestigious organization of women leaders in the culinary and hospitality industries.
LDEI members represent the most influential voices in those industries, from chefs to restaurateurs to authors to executives. Membership recognizes women who have made significant contributions to their fields and provides opportunities for members to connect, share expertise and give back to their communities through service and education.
Henson was invited to apply by members of the Birmingham chapter and completed an application and interview process before being accepted into the organization.
“In my culinary world, inclusion in this organization represents more than 30 years of educating patients and the community through cooking demonstrations, cooking classes, grocery store tours and direct patient care,” Henson said.
In addition to her academic role, Henson also cares for patients at University Medical Center, which is operated by the College. She provides nutrition education and guidance to patients and helps promote healthy lifestyle choices. Throughout her career, she has focused on helping individuals and communities improve their health through nutrition education and practical cooking instruction.
Henson earned her master’s degree in human nutrition and a bachelor’s degree in journalism, both from The University of Alabama. Before joining CCHS, she worked as a clinical health coach with Atherotech Diagnostics Lab in Birmingham. Before that, Henson served as assistant director of Health Education and Promotion for UA’s Student Health Center and Pharmacy, which is also operated by the College, and was director of The University of Alabama at Birmingham EatRight Weight Management Services.