Ethan K. Balk PhD, RDN, CDN, ACSM-EP, Clinical Associate Professor of Clinical Nutrition and the Director of the Master's Programs in Clinical Nutrition, received his BS in Exercise Science and MS in Education at Florida State University. He earned his PhD in Kinesiology and RDN from The Ohio State University.
Dr. Balk is a clinical dietitian that specializes in pre-and post-surgery bariatric medical nutrition therapy, medical weight loss counseling, and nutrition care for GLP medications; having worked regularly with the Yale Center for Weight Management at Yale New Haven Hospital. His nutrition expertise has been featured in Fortune magazine, The Times of London, Self.com, and more.
Dr. Balk’s scholarly work and dissemination activities are grounded in a critical examination of the structural and cultural foundations of weight stigma, with an emphasis on challenging the pervasive cultural narratives that equate thinness with worth and to advocate for body justice and dignity at every size. His research prioritizes intersectional analysis, attending to the ways body size intersects with race, gender, and public health and, therefore, shapes the lived experience and access to care. This analysis seeks to foster development of evidence-informed strategies to dismantle fatphobia, weight bias, and anti-fat discrimination across societal systems to improve the overall delivery of healthcare and to increase the comfort and dignity patients experience in care settings.
In addition to his research and service, Dr. Balk has been recognized for outstanding work in The Department of Nutrition and Food Studies with a Certificate of Excellence, highlighting his leadership in creating equitable and engaging learning environments.