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Gemma Stewart, a specialist dietitian at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB), has been recognised nationally for her outstanding contributions to clinical nutrition, receiving two prestigious awards from Complete Nutrition magazine.

Gemma was named both Clinical Nutrition Professional of the Year and Writer of the Year, following nominations by her colleague Dan Griffith and the magazine’s editorial team.

The awards, voted for by readers across the UK, celebrate professionals who have made significant impacts in the field of nutrition.

University Hospitals Birmingham is marking AHP Day on 14 October to celebrate the incredible impact of our allied health professionals such as dietitians.

Gemma said: “It feels really special.To be nominated was a privilege, but to win, especially knowing it was my peers and colleagues who voted, is incredibly meaningful.”

Gemma co-leads the burns dietetic service at QEHB. alongside Kayleigh Green, and her award-winning work includes a two-part article series for Complete Nutrition that explored key aspects of nutritional care for burns patients, from enteral feeding to micronutrient requirements.

Her leadership extends beyond the hospital. In 2023, Gemma founded the National Burns Dietitians Network, a peer support and professional development group for dietitians working in what can often be isolated roles. “Burns dietitians are sometimes the only specialists in their department or region,” she explained. “The network gives us a space to share good practice and support each other.”

Looking ahead, Gemma is convening a working group to develop national nutritional guidelines for burns patients, addressing the current variability in practice across UK burns services. She also plans to apply for a clinical academic fellowship to pursue research into vitamin D supplementation in burns patients.

Gemma’s journey into dietetics was not a conventional one. Originally trained as a solicitor, she retrained after realising her passion lay in health and nutrition. “I’ve never looked back,” she said. “I’m fortunate to be part of an exceptional multidisciplinary team here at the Burns Centre.”

Her colleagues at QEHB have been enthusiastic in their support.

Gemma said: “Everyone’s been really positive. I’m especially grateful to Dan for nominating me and to the whole team for backing me throughout the voting process.”

Dan Griffith, intestinal failure dietitian at QEHB, said: I nominated Gemma for Clinical Nutrition Professional of the Year because she exemplifies excellence in burns dietetics. She’s gone above and beyond to improve patient care and advance the profession nationally.

“Gemma founded the National Burns Dietitians Network, which has become a vital space for collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the UK. Her leadership has driven more patient-centred research and she’s recently been accepted onto an NIHR research training pathway to further this work.

“She’s also a passionate educator, leading our Dietetics Preceptorship Programme, mentoring junior colleagues, and regularly teaching medical students. Her expertise is widely respected, and she’s a go-to resource within our department.

Gemma played a key role in updating the burns chapter in the BDA Manual of Dietetics, ensuring evidence-based practice is accessible to all. She’s a tireless advocate for the profession and continues to find innovative ways to raise the profile of burns dietetics. Her commitment to both patient care and professional development makes her a true role model.”

Clare Hassan, QEHB’s Director of Allied Health Professionals, said: “Gemma’s achievements highlight the vital role of dietitians in specialist care and the power of professional collaboration. As she continues to shape national practice and pursue research, her work is set to benefit burns patients across the country.”