Enhancing Clinical Skills: Accurate Measurement of Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC)

Andie Lee Gonzalez, PhD, MPH, RDN, FAND

Senior Medical Science Liaison
Medical Affairs & Research
Abbott Nutrition
Palmview, TX, USA

Andie Lee Gonzalez is a Senior Medical Science Liaison with the Pediatric MSL Team. Dr Gonzalez earned a bachelor's degree in Dietetics and Nutrition, a Master in Public Health (MPH) and clinical dietetic training at Michigan State University (MSU) in East Lansing, Michigan. Her undergraduate and graduate work focused on nutrition and the health of migrant farmworker children. She completed her PhD in Organizational Leadership from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas.

Her previous roles included inpatient and outpatient counseling for adults and pediatric patients. She was an adjunct Community Nutrition Professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and South Texas College, and served as an AmeriCorps Health Corps member. Dr Gonzalez also serves in various community nutrition-focused local and national organizations. A few roles include President-Elect of the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Public Advocacy Liaison for Latinos and Hispanics in Dietetics and Nutrition, and chair of Grants and Awards for the Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group.

Lauren Spain, PhD, RDN, LD, CDCES, FAND

Medical Science Liaison
Global Medical Affairs & Research
Abbott Nutrition
Austin, TX, USA   

Dr Lauren Spain is a dedicated nutrition professional with extensive experience in leadership, research, and wellness. She currently serves as a Medical Science Liaison in Medical Affairs & Research at Abbott’s Nutrition Division. Her expertise spans pediatric nutrition, wellness programming, and public health initiatives.   

Dr Spain earned her PhD in Nutrition and Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Georgia. She completed her dietetic internship at Emory University Hospital and worked as a Clinical Dietitian prior to obtaining her PhD. Her research focused on protein sources and their effects on pediatric bone health and cognitive function. She previously served as Associated Department Head for Undergraduate Programs at Texas A&M University where she oversaw curriculum and taught both undergraduate and graduate courses.   

Dr Spain is active within the nutrition community and has held multiple leadership roles including serving as delegate to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) for the Nutrition Educators for Health Professionals Dietetics Practice Group and President of the Georgia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She recently began her tenure as Director-at-Large for the AND in June 2025. 

Dr Spain is an accomplished speaker and clinician, committed to driving innovative care in nutrition, health, and wellness.

Amy Sharn, MS, RDN, LD

Senior Scientist, Real-World Evidence
Global Research & Development
Abbott Nutrition
Columbus, OH, USA

Amy Sharn, MS, RDN, LD, is a Senior Scientist and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with Abbott’s Global Health Economics, Outcomes Research, Real-World Evidence, and Implementation Science team. As part of the larger Global Medical Affairs and Research team, she supports the global nutrition business with design and dissemination of real-world evidence and quality improvement projects for nutrition products, which measure the impact of nutrition interventions on process and patient outcomes in addition to healthcare costs. 

Amy has over a decade of experience in outcomes research, and prior to joining Abbott, she worked in various settings including healthcare and clinical research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, communications, academic research at The Ohio State University, and hospitality that have helped shape her view of approaching nutrition problems through a variety of lenses. She is passionate about communicating nutrition science in new and innovative ways and making science accessible and easily understood.