Clinical Research Dietitian · DietXP Expert
Gauri Pillai
MSc Dietetics & Applied Nutrition · Certified Diabetes Educator
Clinical Research Dietitian, Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, Mumbai
Clinical Philosophy & Background
Gauri Pillai is a Clinical Research Dietitian currently working in the Department of Medical Oncology at Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, Mumbai — India's premier cancer centre — where she designs and implements personalised nutritional plans for patients undergoing cancer treatment. Her philosophy centres on translating rigorous research evidence into compassionate, patient-first nutrition care that actively supports treatment efficacy and recovery.
She holds an MSc in Dietetics and Applied Nutrition (CGPA 8.7/10) from the Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA), Manipal Academy of Higher Education, and a BSc in Food Science and Nutrition (CGPA 9.69/10, 2nd University Rank) from Dr. BMN College of Home Science, SNDT Women's University, Mumbai. A Certified Diabetes Educator credentialed through Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Education Academy, the Indian College of Physicians, and the Indian Academy of Diabetes, she brings particular depth to managing metabolic and lifestyle-related conditions.
With oncology training spanning Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital (internship and current research role), Godrej Memorial Hospital, and Kasturba Medical Hospital, Manipal, as well as international volunteer nutrition experience in Japan, Gauri brings a genuinely global, multidisciplinary perspective to clinical nutrition. An active Life Member of IAPEN India and a prolific speaker on public nutrition topics, she is committed to continuous learning and evidence-driven practice.
Areas of Expertise
How Gauri Reviews Content
All nutrition content reviewed by Gauri is assessed against current clinical research, peer-reviewed oncology and dietetics literature, and established dietary guidelines before publication on DietXP.
Cross-checks all claims against current oncology nutrition research, PubMed, and established clinical practice guidelines from bodies including ASPEN and ESPEN.
Ensures nutrition advice aligns with Medical Nutrition Therapy standards for cancer, metabolic disease, and community health contexts.
Flags recommendations that may be contraindicated for oncology patients, those with metabolic conditions, or other clinically vulnerable groups.
Translates complex clinical and research findings into clear, actionable nutrition guidance readers can implement safely in everyday life.
Clinical & Professional Journey
Clinical Research Dietitian
Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, Mumbai
February 2024 — Present
Designing and implementing personalised nutritional plans for patients undergoing cancer treatment at India's foremost oncology centre. Enhances dietary interventions to support treatment efficacy and recovery, provides proactive counselling before, during, and after treatment, and collaborates with multidisciplinary medical teams to optimise patient outcomes. Research output includes observational studies on oral nutrition supplementation in gastrointestinal cancer and colorectal cancer nutrition interventions.
Clinical Dietitian (Intern)
Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai
January 2023 — July 2023
Six months of intensive academic training in a 564-bed government hospital specialising in cancer-related medical nutrition therapy. Conducted nutritional assessments and developed MNT plans for post-operative inpatients, ICU patients, and those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Managed OPD caseloads with personalised nutritional counselling and collaborated with the dietetic team on oral, enteral, and parenteral nutrition support.
Online Nutrition Consultant
FoodMedi.Co · Freelance
Ongoing
Consulting Dietitian and Nutritionist for metabolic disease and lifestyle management via online nutrition consultation platform.
Clinical Dietitian (Intern)
Godrej Memorial Hospital, Mumbai
July 2022 — August 2022
Nutritional assessments, diet planning, and patient follow-ups in a 120-bed private multispeciality hospital. Coordinated with the food service department, gaining cross-functional exposure to both clinical and food service dietitian roles.
Student Dietitian
Kasturba Medical Hospital, Manipal
During Postgraduate Study
Inpatient diet assessments and counselling for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and gastrointestinal conditions, with specialisation in pediatric nutrition. Participated in school meal programs, nutritional assessments for government school children, and community nutrition interventions for low-socioeconomic families in semi-urban areas.
Nutrition Volunteer — Japan
Ikuo Yuzuriha Garden & The Stork Organic Café · Kawasaki, Japan
November 2023 — February 2024
Understood nutrition care, eating patterns, and the food system in a day care home for individuals with intellectual disabilities (Ikuo Yuzuriha Garden). Promoted health through food and communicated nutrition benefits across the menu at The Stork — an organic café and natural wine bar. Also conducted interactive English language sessions for Japanese individuals, broadening cross-cultural communication competency.
Academic Qualifications
MSc Dietetics and Applied Nutrition
WGSHA (Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration), Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka
BSc Food Science and Nutrition
Dr. BMN College of Home Science, SNDT Women's University, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Physical Fitness and Weight Management
Dr. BMN College of Home Science, SNDT Women's University, Mumbai, Maharashtra
HSC (12th Grade)
Dnyan Ganga Education Trust, Thane · Maharashtra HSC Board · 64.92%
IGCSE (10th Grade)
Arya Cambridge International School, Thane · University of Cambridge · 79.6%
Awards & Honours
Indian Cancer Congress 2023 — BKC, Mumbai
Awarded Best Oral Abstract Presentation at the Indian Cancer Congress 2023, recognising outstanding research communication in oncology nutrition at a national-level conference.
K. U. Naram Award — Academic Excellence
Awarded by the Indian Food Scientists & Technologists Institute (Mumbai Chapter) for securing 2nd University Rank in BSc Food Science and Nutrition, SNDT Women's University.
Best Student Award
Recognised as Best Student for the academic year 2020–2021 at Dr. BMN College of Home Science.
Best Leadership Award & Best NSS Volunteer
Dual recognition for exceptional leadership and volunteer service through the National Service Scheme (2019–2020).
Second Runner-Up — College Personality Contest
Recognised for well-rounded personality and communication skills at the college Annual Day celebration.
Clinical Research & Academic Projects
Energy & Protein Deficits in Gastrointestinal Cancer — Role of Oral Nutrition Supplementation
A three-year observational study examining oral nutrition supplementation strategies to address energy and protein deficits in GI cancer patients — presented at the Indian Cancer Congress 2023 (Best Abstract Award).
Nutrition Intervention & Follow-up Progress in Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Patients
Tracking and analysing nutritional intervention outcomes and follow-up progress across a cohort of colorectal cancer patients receiving treatment at Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai.
Gurmar-Enriched Diabetic-Friendly, Vegan & Gluten-Free Crackers — Preliminary Business Plan
Product development research leveraging the functional properties of Gurmar (Gymnema sylvestre) to formulate crackers suitable for diabetic, vegan, and gluten-intolerant consumers, including a business viability assessment.
Information Manual on Inflammatory Bowel Disease for the General Public
Designed and created a patient-facing educational resource on Inflammatory Bowel Disease, translating complex clinical information into accessible public health guidance.
Development & Nutritional Analysis of Calcium-Rich Crackers
Food product development evaluating the nutritional profile and market potential of calcium-enriched cracker variants for improved dietary calcium intake.
Reducing Dietary Iron Deficiency Anaemia via Kitchen Gardens in Urban Mumbai
Community-level intervention study exploring kitchen gardens as a sustainable, low-cost strategy for reducing the prevalence of dietary iron deficiency anaemia in urban households in Mumbai.
Seminars, Workshops & Public Engagement
Indian Cancer Congress 2023 — BKC, Mumbai
Best Oral Abstract Presentation in oncology nutrition research
Nutrition & Healthy Eating — Public Seminars
Delivered engaging talks to diverse audiences on gut health, women's health, home kitchen gardens, cancer prevention, and lifestyle modification
Continuing Professional Development — Webinars & Programmes
Ongoing participation in online courses, webinars, seminars, and professional development programs across nutrition and dietetics
Get Personalised Nutrition Guidance
Backed by Clinical Science
Book a one-on-one consultation and receive a nutrition plan tailored to your health goals, labs, and lifestyle.