Title: Nutritionist Advanced Level (Retired)
Company: Department of Veterans Affairs
Location: Fairfield, Alabama, United States
Viola Woods, RDN, LDN, CDE, retired nutritionist advanced level at the Department of Veterans Affairs, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Healthcare Professionals for dedication, achievements, and leadership in health care.
With nearly four and a half decades of experience, Ms. Woods has established a distinguished career in health care, specializing in nutrition, dietetics, leadership, education, motivation, behavior changes, and counseling. She excelled as an advanced-level nutritionist with the Department of Veterans Affairs from 2021 until her retirement in 2024. In this role, she assessed patient nutrition needs, developed tailored care plans in collaboration with medical teams, and educated blind veterans about nutrition while working at the blind rehabilitation center. Additionally, she supported patients in a hypertension clinic, demonstrating her commitment to improving patient outcomes through personalized care. Her career includes nutritionist with the Department of Veterans Affairs from 1986 to 2021, clinic dietitian at the University of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham from 1981 to 1986, and nutritionist with the WIC program at the Alabama Department of Public Health for two years. Beyond her professional roles, she has volunteered extensively in her local community, contributed as a speaker at numerous health fairs across churches, and developed a comprehensive booklet designed to support chemotherapy patients by addressing their unique nutritional needs.
Ms. Woods laid a strong educational foundation with a Bachelor of Science in nutrition and institution management from the University of Alabama in 1981. Additionally, she holds certifications as a registered dietitian nutritionist, licensed dietitian nutritionist, and certified diabetes educator. Reflecting on her path, she credits her upbringing on a small-town farm for shaping her perspective on food and nutrition. Growing up, her family relied on homegrown produce, with no access to grocery stores or fast food, instilling in her a deep appreciation for food’s origins. Initially pursuing nursing as one of the first 1,000 Black nursing students, she discovered her passion for nutrition after two years in the program. Guided by a mentor, she shifted her focus and found her calling in nutrition, particularly as a diabetes nutrition and education specialist. This role allowed her to empower individuals to manage their diabetes effectively, a position she considers one of her most meaningful professional accomplishments.
Ms. Woods attributes her success to her ability to connect with individuals and inspire them to prioritize their health. As she continues to support her community, she remains dedicated to cultivating a healthier environment, addressing the high prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity while strengthening the local economy. In the coming years, she is committed to supporting the establishment of The General Grocery Store, a Black-owned business in downtown Fairfield. This initiative aims to enhance access to fresh, locally sourced produce, fostering healthier eating habits and improving the well-being of the community. She plans to connect with senior centers, gyms, and churches to promote the store and its mission, offering presentations on the benefits of fresh produce. Additionally, she will engage with neighborhood meetings to encourage local support and share success stories from similar initiatives in Birmingham.
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