Spotlight on Paige Schaefer, MS, RDN, LD: Daviess Community Hospital’s Expert Registered Dietitian

At Daviess Community Hospital (DCH), nutrition is a vital part of patient care, and Registered Dietitian Paige Schaefer, MS, RDN, LD, is leading the way in making healthy eating practical and accessible for patients and the community.

As a Clinical Registered Dietitian, Paige works with both inpatients and outpatients to provide personalized nutrition guidance, manage therapeutic diets, and help individuals understand the connection between food and overall health.

A Passion for Nutrition and Patient Care

Paige’s passion for nutrition started early, rooted in her love for food and its ability to bring people together.

“I’ve always loved cooking and the joy that food brings to people,” Paige shared. “Nutrition is fascinating because what we eat directly affects our health, energy, and well-being. Helping others make informed food choices is incredibly rewarding.”

Paige earned her Master of Science in Dietetics from Indiana State University and her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics with a minor in Food Management from Ball State University. Since joining Daviess Community Hospital in 2023, she has been dedicated to:

• Developing individualized nutrition care plans
• Helping patients manage chronic conditions through diet
• Educating patients and healthcare teams on the impact of nutrition on healing and long-term health

Making Nutrition Understandable and Accessible

One of Paige’s primary goals is to simplify nutrition for patients. She believes that small, practical changes in eating habits can lead to long-term health benefits.

Her top three healthy eating tips:

✔ Eat something in the morning. Even a small breakfast helps jumpstart your metabolism and energy levels.
✔ Learn to read food labels. Understanding what’s in your food empowers you to make healthier choices.
✔ Be consistent, not perfect. Small, sustainable changes are the key to lasting success.

Paige takes the time to educate patients on portion control, meal planning, and label reading, ensuring that nutrition guidance is realistic, personalized, and easy to follow.

More Than a Career – A Calling

For Paige, being a dietitian is more than just a profession—it’s a lifelong passion.

“I’ve seen firsthand how good nutrition can transform lives—including my own,” she said. “Food is often overlooked as a form of medicine, but it plays a crucial role in healing, energy, and overall health.”

When she’s not helping patients, Paige enjoys creating miniature clay art and earrings, a hobby that reflects her attention to detail and patience—qualities that also define her approach to nutrition. She lives in Washington, IN, with her significant other, Aaron, and their two cats, Oscar and Milo.

The Essential Role of Registered Dietitians in Healthcare

Dietitians play a crucial role in healthcare and community wellness by providing evidence-based nutrition guidance to support disease prevention, recovery, and overall well-being.

Daviess Community Hospital is proud to have Paige Schaefer on the team, helping patients make informed, practical, and sustainable nutrition choices.

For more information on nutrition services at Daviess Community Hospital, visit dchosp.org or call (812) 254-2760.