Employing (Home) Organisation: KCMC UNIVERSITY
Project title: Developing skills in clinical nutrition and the use of universal screening tools for malnutrition assessment in cancer patients in Tanzania
Dr Mary Vincent Mosha is a Senior Lecturer and Nutritionist at the School of Public Health, KCMC University. She received her PhD in Public Health Nutrition from KCMC University in 2022 and holds an MSc in Nutrition for Global Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Her early research focused on obesity among school children and later expanded to evaluating the impact of diet on inflammatory and metabolic responses. Currently, her research focuses on malnutrition among adults with cancer and the application of universal screening tools.
Summary of Project Destination
Cancer is a significant public health issue, increasing rapidly and causing considerable global mortality. Malnutrition in cancer patients is associated with adverse outcomes, extended hospital stays, and increased mortality and morbidity.
Proper nutrition management in cancer care is essential due to metabolic changes occurring during illness and post-treatment. In this fellowship, I will explore the feasibility of using the MUST and PG SGA-SF screening tools to identify malnutrition risk among adults with cancer admitted to KCMC hospital.
This initial work will contribute to effective malnutrition screening at KCMC hospital and provide data for tailored nutritional interventions. Additionally, it will support the success of larger-scale trials.
Summary of Fellowship Plan
I will be placed at Radboud University Medical Center in Nijmegen, working with Drs. de Mast and Manon van den Berg. I aim to improve my ability to work independently, receive valuable mentorship, and advance my academic career. My home institution is committed to providing all necessary resources, sufficient protected time, and support to implement the lessons learned after placement. This mentorship will assist in my transition toward becoming an independent and recognized Oncology Nutritionist and a clinical nutrition researcher.
Quote
“Since malnutrition is associated with negative clinical outcomes, long hospital stays and mortality, timely nutritional screening is promising for appropriate nutrition interventions.”
Dr. Mary Vincent Mosha expects to start her fellowship in July 2025