IAPEN INDIA CORE GROUP : Geriatric Nutrition
About the IAPEN INDIA Geriatric Nutrition Core Group
Aim :
To promote evidence-based nutrition care, research, and policy development that enhance the health, wellbeing, and quality of life of older adults in India.Vision:
To build a nationally recognized network of professionals committed to advancing geriatric nutrition through education, innovation, and collaboration—ensuring every older adult in India receives optimal nutritional care across all settings.Mission:
- To develop and strengthen the knowledge and skills of healthcare and nutrition professionals in geriatric nutrition through training, workshops, and certification programs.
- To encourage and support research in geriatric nutrition, focusing on age-related nutritional challenges and culturally relevant dietary solutions.
- To create a platform for multidisciplinary professionals dietitians, physicians, nurses, researchers, and caregiver to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in geriatric nutrition.
Meet The Team:
Mentor
Dr. Vikas Gupta
- Assistant professor, Surgical Oncology, Department of General Surgery, MGM Medical college and hospital, Kamothe, Navi Mumbai
- MBBS, M.S. (General Surgery)
- DNB (Surgical Oncology), F.M.A.S., F.A.L.S (Oncology) Fellowship GI and HPB Oncology (TATA memorial hospital)
- European Board of Surgical Oncology (EBSQ)
- Visiting observership in Department of Surgical oncology at Nebraska Médical Center, Nebraska, United States of America > Visiting observership in Department Gastrointestinal Surgery at Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Chiba, Japan.
- MRCS part A (cleared)
Chief Program Officer
Shifali Mehraa, RD
- HOD Nutrition And Dietetics Department, MGM Hospital Vashi Since 18 Years
- Registered Dietitian 35/2022
- Chief Program officer Geriatric Nutrition Core Group IAPEN India
- IBS Certified Diet Trainer From Monash University Australia
- Renal Nutritionist. Trained In Nutrigenomics
- Trained Diabetes Educator
- RD Trainer For Students Appearing For RD Exams
- IAPEN Distinction Award State Level For Excellence In Nutritional Practice 2020
- LAPEN National Quality Award: For Excellence In Nutritional Innovation 2023
- Input: In Indian Guidelines For Head Neck Cancer
- Core Team Member of ICNC 24 Held At Sahara Star
- Headed JCI Accreditation Jan 2021 And Jan 2024
Executive Members
Dr. Priyanka Pareek
- HOD, Associate Professor, of the Department of Clinical Nutrition
- MGM School of Biomedical Sciences, MGMIHS, Kamothe, Navi Mumbai.
- Qualification - MSc, UGC NET, Qualified and a Ph.D. in Nutrition
- More than ten years of experience in Academics, Research and Clinical area.
- Research grants- 3 Extramural research grants by DBT, ICMR and DHR worth Rs. I cr.and Guided more than forty MSc students.
- Recognized PhD guide, Guiding six PhD students.
- Research interest - Public Health Nutrition, Micronutrients deficiency, Maternal and child health and Geriatric Nutrition
- Team member of DHR sponsored project titled “'Integrated Geriatric Training: Equipped to address 5 Geriatric Giants (Immobility, Instability, Incontinence, Insomnia, and Impaired Cognition”
- Publications - More than 25 research papers , and contributed in module writing for various diploma and PG Diploma and Diploma Courses.
Dr. Anjana Tripathy
- Clinical Nutritionist HOD - Nutrition & Dietetics Department Kalinga Hospital, Bhubaneswar.
- Nutritional Advisor - KRIAA Foundation (support people serve people)
- Visiting Dietician - IOCL VKPRHI PARADIP ODISHA.
- Having 20 yrs. of experience in healthcare and hospital industry.
- Certified Diabetes Educator - Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Education Academy.
- ESPEN LLL certified course : Approach to Oral and Enteral Nutrition in Adults.
- Paper publications: Research journal of Berhampur University and Shodh Samagam
- Awards & Recognitions: - First Position in Poster Presentation,
2nd Research Scholar Conclave, Berhampur University - 2023 and Women Researcher Award - INSO 2023
Felicitated by various organizations for public nutrition awareness. - Invited as a delegate and panelist for Shree Anna Abhiyan events.
Jayashree Paranjape
- B.Sc.(Home Science)University of Mumbai | P.G. Dip in Nutrition and Dietetics | Certified Diabetes
- Worked at B.Y.L. Nair Hospital Mumbai and Topiwala National Medical College for past 35 years
- RD Trainer
- Former visiting Faculty at School of Nursing - Nair Hospital
- certification on the use of low FODMAP Diet in Irritable Bowel Syndrome from Monash University
- Contributor in developing Indian Nutrition Guidelines in Head & Neck Cancer.
- Former-member - Mid-day meal program committee Govt. of Maharashtra
- Project in-Charge for IDA Mumbai’s BEAT DIABETES program in collaboration with the MCGM later on developed as Nutrition Clinics at all Municipal dispensaries
Poonam Tiwari
- Senior Dietician at Dr RMLIMS, Lucknow
- Awarded Degree "Doctored of Philosophy".
- Qualified NET December, 2004 and Registered dietician (IDA) 2015.
- Member of Nutrition Science Professional Council in Ministry of Health and Family Welfare National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions, Government of India
- Member of advisory core committee for health of elderly in NHM UP.
- Awarded "Distinguished Leadership in Medical Nutrition and Dietetics" in ISMN, 2024.
- Felicitated "Prestigious Alumna Award" for Recognition of Contribution to the Society in Isabella Thoburn College, Lucknow
- Received Director's Medal of Appreciation
- Total Publication: International-13, National-3.
Paheli Bhatt
- MBBS, MD (Medicine, KEM Mumbai)DM Hepatology (ILBS, New Delhi)Chief Dietician - HCG Aastha Cancer Centre - Ahmedabad.
- Education
PhD ongoing (Gujarat University)
M.Sc. Food Science & Nutrition (Gujarat University) - Certifications : Diabetes Educator, Onco - Nutritionist
- Life Member : Indian Dietetic Association (IDA Guj LM 1319 IAPEN (LM - 2023 - 523)
- ExperiencE: Chief Dietician HCG Cancer Centre - (June 2017 – present)
- Maven (Abbott) Nutrition Advisor - (Feb 2014- May-2017)
- Dietician HCG Multispecialty hospital (June 2012 - December 2013)
Dr. Vinaya Vaishampayan
- Vice Principal and Head of the Department of Food Science & Nutrition
- Dr. B.M.N. College of Home Science.
- Qualification- MSc, NET, and a Ph.D. with a project focused on the Nutritional status assessment of Geriatrics
- Research grants- 2 UGC research grants and a RUSA research grant received last year. Guided eleven MSc students.
- Research interest- Geriatric Nutrition and Longevity
- Publications- 4 research papers, and contributed chapters to three books
- Community based projects- “SHASHKT”( (Anaemia prevention among adolescents) and UDAY
- growth monitoring of SAM and Mam children
- Awards- the Avishkar state level Research award for two consecutive years-2020 and 2021. Best NSI poster award- 2022. Best Teacher Award by Lions Club of Sion 2023
- Additionally also the National Education Policy Nodal Officer of her institution and has played a key role in curriculum design and CSR initiatives
Gayatri Gurjar
Passionate Clinical & Sports Nutritionist dedicated to transforming lives through food, science, and behavior change. With experience across hospitals, wellness platforms, and athletic performance programs, I design practical, evidence-based nutrition plans that help individuals achieve lasting health and vitality.
To empower individuals to make mindful food choices, reshape habits, and build healthier communities through the power of nutrition.
Education :
M.Sc. – Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics
PG Diploma – Sports Science & Fitness Nutrition
B.Sc. – Food Science & Nutrition
Experience
Junior Dietitian | Watch Your Health Pvt. Ltd. (Oct 2022 – May 2023)
Sports Nutritionist | Nirvan Sports Science (Khelo India Athletes) (Feb 2020 – Present)
Ankita Sonawane
- A dedicated and compassionate Clinical Nutritionist with one year of hands-on experience at MGM Hospital, Vashi, providing individualized medical nutrition therapy to patients across diverse clinical departments
- Qualified NET 2014 and JRF
- Skilled at conducting nutritional education sessions in International and Government board schools