DATE: 14 August 2017
BY: Madeline White
At the UNC Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders (CEED), our mission is to provide hope and healing for those with all eating disorders through science and evidence-based treatment. To accomplish this mission, we have a large staff of clinicians, researchers, and many who do both clinical work and research. This is the second of the “Meet the Team” series that we’ll be conducting throughout 2017 to introduce you to a few of the hardworking staff and faculty who help achieve CEED’s mission.
You may notice a new friendly face at The Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders, Dr. Tonya Foreman. Dr. Foreman recently moved to North Carolina from Indiana and is now providing psychiatric and medical oversight in our inpatient eating disorders unit. We asked Dr. Foreman a few questions:
- How would you describe your role?
My role is to provide psychiatric and medical oversight of CEED’s inpatient eating disorder unit. I am a member of a multidisciplinary team that includes resident physicians, nurses, dietitians, psychologists, chaplains, social workers, occupational therapists, and recreational therapists. We work together to help patients with eating disorders begin their recovery journeys.
- If you could give your patients one piece of advice, what would it be?
The advice I give each patient is this: “matter.” To me, “matter” is a verb. I encourage patients to figure out what they are passionate about and use their lives to make a difference. Eating disorders try to rob individuals of a sense of purpose. Through treatment, patients can be empowered to claim some space in this world and be outwardly focused.
- What do you like most about UNC?
It is difficult to decide what I like most about UNC. From the moment I drive onto campus, I feel excited by the crepe myrtle trees, the buildings, and the busy people walking around. I love working inside a big hospital, surrounded by people with expertise in all facets of medicine. It is also inspiring to see families and patients who are relying on UNC to help them during times of crisis.
- What are your favorite things to do outside of working?
When I’m not at work, I enjoy exploring North Carolina. I just moved here from Indiana, so I’m enchanted by the hills and forests. My three dogs are my babies, so we look for new places to walk each weekend. I also like doing projects around the house. Last week, I made a window treatment using kitchen whisks. I also decorated a room with vintage license plates from states in which I’ve lived.
Exchanges 