Co-Chairperson
Luke White
HIV Specialist Dietitian, The Food Chain - London
Luke has worked in HIV Care since 2019 and been active with our specialist group committee during this time. Luke has co-authored the HIV section of the Manual of Dietetic Practice's 7th edition.
"I feel lucky to work for an organisation that is a source of affection and community for so many in the sector. That sense of community is also felt within our Specialist Group, which enables shared development for our field and as individual practitioners. I'm passionate about accessible nutrition for marginalised communities, and can normally be found at my running club or playing tag rugby in my spare time".
Email: [email protected]
Alice Pugliese
Specialist Dietitian for HIV and Infectious Diseases at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals
Alice is a dietitian with over 15 years’ experience working in HIV and infectious diseases who is passionate about promoting the role of dietitians in HIV care.
She has been a member of the HIV care specialist group committee since 2019 and was a co-author of the updated competency framework for HIV dietitians. Alice has a developing interest in weight management in HIV care and has had the opportunity to present on this topic at a national level. She is enthused by working with people from a diverse array of backgrounds and particularly enjoys learning about (and eating!) food from around the world.
Email: [email protected]
Secretary
Mary Tait
St Georges Hospital
Treasurer & Sponsorship officer
Lucy Nichols
Foodchain dietitian
I have worked at The Food Chain for 5 years as an HIV Specialist Dietitian. This charity's aim is to help those living with HIV in London, get well and stay well through accessing good nutrition.
I am passionate about promoting good nutrition to PLWHIV to support them to live well and cope with any associated health problems.
My roles include assessing service users and helping them make dietary and lifestyle changes to improve their health. I also give talks on HIV and nutrition, and enjoy leading cooking and nutrition classes.
In my free time you might find me dog walking or at my local Park Run.
Email: [email protected]
Events Organisers
Claire Rodway
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Samantha Brady
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Professional Development Officers
Rashmi Shrivastava
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
Nina Caplan-Wilkes
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust - Senior Dietitian in HIV since 2017
During my time working in HIV I have developed a good rapport with patients which has encouraged engagement with the dietetic service. I have worked to develop guidelines for completing risk assessments for HIV patients which coincide with BHIVA guidelines. I have participated in research during Covid-19 which investigated the benefits and downfalls of telephone clinics for HIV patients.
Current member of the BDAs EDI committee.
Particular interests in sustainability in dietetic practice and incorporating this into hospital catering systems to work towards ‘Net Zero’, gardening and growing your own food.
Education and Research Officer
Al Duncan
(PhD RD FHEA) is a Consultant Dietitian at Guy’s & St. Thomas’ Hospital, and Lecturer in Nutritional Sciences at King’s College, London.
Al has worked in HIV Care for over 27 years, and is clinical lead for HIV Nutrition and for non-surgical weight management services provided by Guy’s and St. Thomas’. His current research focusses on helping people live well with HIV, and meeting the needs of special populations living with obesity, including older people, those from the Black African and Black Caribbean communities, and those living with additional challenges such as type 1 diabetes, and learning disabilities
Email: [email protected]
Regular Member
Maria Halley
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Maria currently works at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and has been a HIV specialist dietitian since 2019. Having qualified in 2014, she has over 10 years of dietetic experience across the NHS and private sectors. She has a strong interest in both gut related disorders and obesity / metabolic disorders, and is passionate about enabling people to become happier and healthier versions of themselves using a holistic, yet evidenced based approach.
Damon Nicholls
Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
Damon is a HIV Care Specialist Dietitian and has been practicing for 20 years as a Dietitian. Damon is currently developing a new service to provide Nutritonal Care to the 5000+ cohort of HIV postive outpatients at the Mortimer Market Centre, part of CNWL NHS Trust. Damon also has a keen interest in and is a Champion of Sustainability in Dietetics and encouarging awareness and understanding of neurodiversity within the profession. Damon thrives on collaborative working and learning about diets and cultures from all over the globe.
Digital Resource Officer
Tracy Russell
NHS Lothian
Tracy is a Specialist Dietitian working at the Regional Infectious Diseases Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh. She has specialised in HIV care for almost 30 years. She has a particular interest in substance abuse and HIV, and Diabetes Remission.
Tracy Lives in the Scottish Borders and enjoys a slow paced country life when out of work!
Email: [email protected]
Social Media Coordinator & Student Engagement Officer
Heidi Yin Kwan
Student Member
Alongside my studies as a final-year student dietitian at London Metropolitan University, I am a student committee member of the BDA HIV Care specialist group. I am committed to supporting the nutritional needs of individuals living with HIV and addressing health inequalities within this community. Through research and community engagement, I aim to promote evidence-based dietary strategies that enhance quality of life and long-term health outcomes for people living with HIV.
Resource Officer
Vacant