This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN, one of our valued Orgain Healthcare Advisory Panelists. Colleen has been an active Orgain Healthcare Ambassador and currently sits on our Healthcare Advisory Panel where she uses her 10+ years of experience bridging the worlds of medicine and nutrition to provide consulting support, insights and expertise to the Orgain Healthcare team.  She also uses her unique credential pairing to empower clinicians to talk to their patients or clients about nutrition through her podcast, Exam Room Nutrition.  Currently, Colleen is working as a pediatric care provider at Pediatric Associates of South Florida.

Orgain X Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN – Interview

1.      Please tell us a little bit about yourself personally and professionally so that our readers will be able to “get to know you.”

I’m Colleen Sloan, a Registered Dietitian and Physician Assistant with a passion for making nutrition education more accessible—for both patients and providers. I’ve been a dietitian since 2011, working across clinical settings, private practice, and specialty pediatric clinics. In 2017, I became a PA and have been practicing in outpatient pediatrics ever since.

Over the years, I kept seeing the same issue: clinicians weren’t confident talking about nutrition, even though it’s at the core of so many health concerns. That’s what led me to launch Exam Room Nutrition, a podcast designed to bridge the nutrition education gap for medical providers. It’s a place where we spotlight Registered Dietitians as the nutrition experts and give doctors, PAs, and NPs the tools they need to have better, more effective conversations with patients.

Beyond the podcast, I’m also launching a CME- and CPEU-approved course on obesity medicine and nutrition counseling, focused on real-world strategies that providers can use.

Outside of work, I homeschool my almost 15-year-old daughter (we’ve been at it for six years!), and our home is full of animal love—with two dogs, a cat, and four backyard chickens. I’m also a big fan of morning workouts and a really good cup of coffee to start the day.

2.     Being dually credentialed as a Physician Assistant and Registered Dietitian, what unique perspective do you bring to healthcare?

Being both a Physician Assistant and a Registered Dietitian gives me a unique lens in healthcare—especially in pediatrics, where nutrition is a key part of nearly every visit. From infant feeding and introducing solids to managing selective eating and supporting adolescent health, nutrition conversations come up constantly. Having a strong foundation in both clinical medicine and nutrition counseling allows me to approach these topics with both depth and compassion.

Pre-adolescence is such a sensitive time—kids are going through major body changes, and the way we talk about weight and health really matters. I’m able to guide these conversations in a way that builds trust and avoids harm, which is something I’m incredibly passionate about.

And of course, any clinician knows: nutrition questions always come up in the final minutes of a visit! My dual training helps me quickly determine whether I can offer a practical answer on the spot—or if a referral to a dietitian is the best next step. It’s a huge asset in making sure families get the right support, at the right time.

3.      Do you have any success stories using Orgain in your pediatric practice?

Absolutely! One success story that stands out is a teen boy I’ve been working with who’s navigating obesity and some tricky eating habits. He was regularly skipping breakfast and grabbing something like a pastry once he got to school—so we talked about making mornings easier and more nourishing. I suggested trying an Orgain shake before school, and it’s been really helpful. He actually likes it, it fits into his routine, and he told me he feels so much better throughout the day. What’s even better is that it’s sparked a ripple effect—he’s now choosing a piece of fruit at lunch and paying more attention to how food makes him feel.

I also use Orgain products for my selective eaters. When kids are still learning to like new foods, having a high-quality, nutrient-dense option to fill the gaps gives both the kids and their parents peace of mind. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress, and Orgain helps make that possible.

4.      As a pediatric provider, what are some nutrition related myths you commonly have to address for patients in infancy through young adulthood?

There are quite a few nutrition myths I find myself addressing regularly—from infancy through adolescence. Here are some of the most common:

“Picky eating is just a phase—don’t worry about it.”
While many kids go through picky phases, it’s not always something to ignore. I help parents understand that selective eating can impact growth and nutrient intake. The good news is, there are evidence-based strategies to help kids expand their food variety—without turning every mealtime into a battle.

“Plant-based milks are just as nutritious as cow’s milk.”
This comes up often with toddlers and teens. While plant-based milks can be a great option for families with allergies or dietary preferences, they’re usually lower in protein and may lack key nutrients unless they’re fortified. I work with families to make choices that align with their values and still support optimal growth and development.

“Zero sugar drinks are a healthy alternative.”
More and more kids and teens are reaching for drinks with artificial sweeteners, assuming they’re better than sugary options. But we don’t have enough long-term research on the effects of these sweeteners in youth. Plus, they can sometimes maintain a preference for sweet flavors or disrupt natural hunger cues. I usually steer families toward water, milk, or nutrient-dense options that support hydration and health.

“Weight is the best measure of health.”
Especially during the preteen and teen years, I focus on shifting the conversation away from the number on the scale. Instead, we talk about how the patient feels in their body, their energy levels, strength, and daily habits. Health is about so much more than BMI.

“Athletes shouldn’t eat sugar.”
Teen athletes are often told to cut out sugar completely, but the reality is that carbohydrates—including quick-digesting sugars—can be a key part of fueling performance and recovery. I help families understand when and how to use nutrition to support their child’s sport in a sustainable way.

“Fruit has too much sugar.”
This is another common myth I hear, often fueled by social media. While fruit does contain natural sugars, it also offers fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients. I reassure families that whole fruit is not something to fear—in fact, it’s one of the most beneficial foods to include in a child’s or teen’s diet.