The development of parenteral (intravenous) nutrition in 1968, an innovative therapy to nourish individuals during illness and starvation, provided an option to healthcare clinicians concerned with their patients’ nutritional status. This newly developed therapy gave birth to the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) in 1975, when 35 dedicated healthcare professionals met in Chicago to create an interdisciplinary association.
50 years later, ASPEN currently has members all over the world and maintains its proud legacy of promoting evidenced-based nutrition support for our patients.
Acknowledgement
The 2025 celebration would not have been possible without the significant contributions of the 50th Anniversary Task Force Members:
- Phil Ayers, BS, PharmD, BCNSP, FASHP, FASPEN
- Albert Barrocas, MD, FACS, FASPEN
- Roland N. Dickerson, PharmD, FASPEN
- Peggi Guenter, PhD, RN, FAAN, FASPEN
- Jeanette Hasse, PhD, RD, LD, CNSC, CCTD, FADA, FASPEN
- Beverly Holcombe, PharmD, BCNSP, FASHP, FASPEN
- Gordon Jensen, MD, PhD, FASPEN
- Mary Russell, MS, RDN, CD, FAND, FASPEN
- Gordon S. Sacks, PharmD, BCNSP, FCCP, FASPEN
- Ezra Steiger, MD, PhD, FASPEN
- Vince W. Vanek, MD, FACS, FASPEN
- Marion F. Winkler, PhD, RD, LDN, CNS, FASPEN
Special appreciation and thanks to Dr. Peggi Guenter for organizing the history display content and to Stephanie Lee, Director, Marketing and Communications, for developing the history display.
1960s
The original parenteral nutrition (PN), developed at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, was compounded in a 1-liter bottle.
Swedish scientists successfully developed a fat solution that could be added to parenteral nutrition. Lipid injectable emulsion (ILE) was Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved in the U.S. in the mid-1970s.
Hydrolyzed feeding formulas were introduced. These formulas were chemically broken down to improve digestion and absorption for individuals with specific diseases and conditions.
1965
Stanley Dudrick, MD, FASPEN, successfully administered parenteral nutrition to six beagle puppies, demonstrating normal growth and development compared to those fed orally.
1966-1967
The successful administration of PN with positive nitrogen balance was achieved in six consecutive malnourished adult patients with chronic, complicated GI disease.
1967
PN was successfully administered to a 24-day-old severely malnourished infant with near total atresia of the small intestine.
JoAnn Nallinger Grant, RN, is recognized as the first nutrition support nurse to work with Drs. Stanley Dudrick and Jonathan Rhoads at the University of Pennsylvania.
1968
Drs. Stanley Dudrick, Jonathan Rhoads, Douglas Wilmore, and Harry M. Vars demonstrated that intravenous hyperalimentation could be successfully performed in humans.
The first patient was treated with home parenteral nutrition.
1969
Henry Randall, MD, spearheaded the renewed interest in chemically defined foods based on the then-currently available elemental formulae.
1970s
Small bore feeding tubes were developed. These thinner tubes could be placed in the stomach or small bowel for enteral nutrition (EN).
Home PN programs started.
Anthropometric techniques to measure body composition in nutrition assessment were implemented.
1975
ASPEN was founded in Chicago during the “Symposium on Fat Emulsions in PN” sponsored by the Department of Food & Nutrition of the American Medical Association (AMA).
Organizing committee of ASPEN – Mitchell Kaminski, Jr, Chairman; Katherine Bury, Co-Chairman; Murray Seltzer, Treasurer; Margarita Nagy, Secretary; James Long, Constitution Committee; George Blackburn, Education Committee; Michael Caldwell, Education Committee.
ASPEN’s first national public statement was made during testimony before the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on National Health. The presentation, “In Hospital and Hospital Free Hyperalimentation,” was delivered by Drs. Stanley Dudrick, James Long III, and George Blackburn.
1976
Introduction of the first enteral nutrition feed tube, The Dobbhoff, from Drs. Dobbie and Hoffmeiser.
1977
The first issue of the Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (JPEN) was published by Michael Caldwell, MD, PhD, who served as editor-in-chief. [INSERT JPEN COVERS from history display]
The first ASPEN Congress took place on February 3, 1977, in Chicago.
Jonathan E. Rhoads Lecture is established to honor Dr. Rhoads’s pivotal role in nutrition therapy. As one of ASPEN’s most prestigious awards, it celebrates individuals who have made significant and sustained contributions to research in clinical nutrition, metabolism, and parenteral and enteral nutrition.
ASPEN’s first Board of Directors
- President, Stanley J Dudrick, MD, FASPEN
- President-Elect, George L Blackburn, MD, PhD, FASPEN
- Vice President, Mitch V Kaminski, Jr, MD
- Secretary, Margareta Nagy
- Treasurer, Murray Seltzer, MD, FASPEN
- Directors, Arthur Burke, PharmD, Michael D. Caldwell, MD, Dorothy Godfrey, Calvin L. Long, PhD, James M. Long III, MD, Harry Shizgal, MD
1979
Interdisciplinary cooperation: Dr. Murray Seltzer, 5th president, articulated the importance of the four
major disciplines working together, calling for the development of physician, dietitian, nurse, and pharmacist specialists in clinical nutrition.
George L Blackburn, MD, PhD, FASPEN, proposed that humanism, science, health care, and education are the pillars of ASPEN (1979 Presidential Address).
A pamphlet from the session on “Nutrition – A Medical Specialty” from ASPEN’s 1979 Clinical Congress featured Congressman Fred Richmond, 14th District of New York, Discussing nutrition and public health.
1980s
Portable PN and EN pumps were introduced, coinciding with advancements in home healthcare technologies and the increasing emphasis on improving patient mobility and independence
The use of commercially available multi-chamber bag parenteral nutrition (MCB-PN), formerly known as premixed PN, increased in the U.S. due to facilities reducing the number of products compounded and recent medication shortages of PN components.
1980
The European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) is established succeeding the International Society of Parenteral Nutrition.
1981
The Harry M. Vars Award and the Promising Investigator Awards are established to honor Dr. Vars and his pioneering developments in parenteral nutrition. The awards are presented annually to two early career investigators who submit top-scoring, original abstracts and demonstrate excellence in manuscript and oral presentation at ASPEN’s Nutrition Science & Practice Conferences.
1982
Murray H Seltzer, MD, FASPEN, ASPEN’s 5th president, articulated the importance of the four major disciplines working together, calling for the development of physician, dietitian, nurse, and pharmacist specialists in clinical nutrition.
The American Society of Nutritional Support Services (ANSS) was established to promote professional communication in the practical application of clinical nutrition through education and publications, improve patient care in the home and hospitalized patients, and encourage the professional competence of practitioners and investigators in nutrition/metabolic support.
1984
The first “Standards of Practice for Nutrition Support: Adult Hospitalized Patients” published.
The National Board for Nutrition Support Certification (NBNSC) formed to oversee the nutrition support certification program.
1985
ASPEN publishes its first Nutrition Support Core Curriculum for nurses (aka “the white book”).
The first ASPEN Research Workshop was held, “Branched-Chain Amino Acids in Stress and Injury”.
NBNSC first certification exam for nurses (CNSN).
The Stanley J. Dudrick Research Scholar Award was established to honor mid-career investigators whose work has significantly advanced the science and practice of nutrition therapies.
1986
The first edition of Nutrition in Clinical Practice (NCP).
Self-Assessment program in nutrition support launched.
The first “Clinical Guidelines” published in JPEN (“Use of PN in hospitalized adult patients”).
1987
The merger of ASPEN and The American Society of Nutritional Support Services (ASNSS) was recognized for contributions to education and clinical practice efforts in the field.
ASPEN president Albert Bothe, MD, FASPEN testified at a Congressional hearing.
Distinguished Nurse Award established – check
1988
NBNSC first certification exam for dietitians (CNSD).
Latin American Federation of Nutritional Therapy, Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (FELANPE) established.
1989
ASPEN publishes the first Nutrition Support Dietetics Core Curriculum.
1989 to present
Evolution of PN automated compounding devices.
1990 to present
Ready-to-hang closed feeding systems became widely available and are most often used in acute and long-term care settings.
Alternative intravenous lipid emulsions were introduced globally to address the limitations of soybean oil-based emulsions, such as their high omega-6 fatty acid content and pro-inflammatory effects. The FDA later approved these emulsions for use in the U.S.
ASPEN joined the Digestive Disease National Coalition (DDNC), an advocacy organization for voluntary and medical societies concerned with digestive diseases and conditions.
1991
A committee was formed to explore the feasibility of establishing a research foundation.
1992
Board Certified Nutrition Support Pharmacist exam offered by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties.
First Distinguished Nutrition Support Pharmacist Service Award.
1993
After raising $1.1 million for grant funding, ASPEN | ASPEN Rhoads Research Foundation was launched.
A comprehensive set of nutrition support clinical guidelines for PN and EN was published.
1994
The ASPEN Board of Directors eliminated the requirement that the president must have an MD, PhD, or an equivalent degree.
1995
ASPEN publishes a Core Curriculum for pharmacists.
Published first PN component shortages recommendations.
NBNSC offers the first exam for physicians (CNSP).
The Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Society of Asia (PENSA) was established.
1996
NBNSC administered the first Certified Nutrition Support Physician (CNSP) exam.
1998
The first “Safe Practices for Parenteral Nutrition” was published.
“Itinerary for Tomorrow” – The board’s leadership structure was expanded, and all active members from various disciplines were eligible for officer positions.
Virginia Herrmann MD, FASPEN, first woman president.
1999
Peggy Borum, PhD, first non-physician president.
2001
Robert F. Kushner, MD, FAPSEN, revised the ASPEN pillars to include the “Interdisciplinary Team” in his 2001 presidential address.
Philip J Schneider, MS, FASPEN, first pharmacist president.
ASPEN publishes its first interdisciplinary Nutrition support Core Curriculum for adult and pediatric patients.
Physician Nutrition Specialist exam is offered through the American [National] Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists.
2002
First Distinguished Nutrition Support Dietitian, Advanced Clinical Practice Award.
2002 – 2004
ASPEN Clinical Congress is known as “Nutrition Week” with a collaboration between ASPEN, the American College of Nutrition, the American Society for Clinical Nutrition, and the North American Association for the Study of Obesity.
2005
ASPEN independently launched Clinical Nutrition Week, which continued until 2017.
2006-2007
Marion F. Winkler, PhD, RD, LDN, CNSC, FASPEN, first dietitian president.
2007
The Stanley Serlick Award is established to recognize Stanley E. Serlick, BSc, a pharmacist with significant contributions to parenteral nutrition and developing safe practices. The award celebrates pharmacists who improve safety standards in parenteral nutrition through research, committee work, and professional education.
ASPEN published its first interdisciplinary Nutrition Support Core Curriculum for adult patients.
2008
In his presidential address, Vincent W. Vanek, MD, FACS, FASPEN elaborated on the interdisciplinary team and updated the foundational pillars – advocacy, science, clinical practice, and education.
2008 – 2009
The Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC) exam is launched as a single exam for all disciplines practicing nutrition support.
2009
CNSC exam expands to pharmacists and physician assistants/associates. The CNSC exam is available internationally.
The Barney Sellers Public Policy and Advocacy Award honors an ASPEN member who notably advances ASPEN’s advocacy goals. It is named in recognition of Barney Sellers, a former executive director of ASPEN who significantly impacted public policy during his 15 years in the role.
The Lyn Howard Nutrition Support Consumer Advocacy Award is established to recognize a patient or caregiver who advocates for nutrition support. It is named in honor of Lyn Howard, MB, FRCP, an ASPEN member and co-founder of the Oley Foundation.
Enteral Nutrition Practice Recommendations published in NCP – 1st comprehensive set of EN recommendations.
Critical Care and Nutrition Guidelines published jointly with the Society for Critical Care Medicine (SCCM).
2010
ASPEN developed its first official Ethics Position paper.
International Consensus Guideline Committee published a proposal for the diagnosis of starvation and disease-related malnutrition.
ASPEN published its first Pediatric Nutrition Support Core Curriculum.
NCP Special Report, “The State of Nutrition Support Teams and Updated on Current Models for Providing Nutrition Support Therapy to Patients,” showed a steady level of nutrition support teams over time.
2011
ASPEN led multiorganizational Parenteral Nutrition Safety Summit.
Call for safer EN connectors.
2011-2015
ASPEN ran Sustain, a home PN registry to gather data on this population and advocate for home parenteral nutrition (HPN) care.
2012
ASPEN Fellows established (FASPEN).
ASPEN partnered with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and published “Characteristics Recommendation for the Identification and Documentation of Adult Malnutrition”.
ASPEN launches Malnutrition Awareness Week.
2012 – Present
New Opportunities for Verification of Enteral Tube Location (NOVEL) projects leads international efforts to verify tube placement in infants and children.
2013
FDA/ASPEN Public Workshop: “Clinical Trial Design for Intravenous Fat Emulsion Products”.
2014
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and ASPEN publish “Malnutrition Pediatric Characteristics”.
ASPEN creates a Public Policy Agenda, updated and board-approved annually.
2016
ASPEN joined Defeat Malnutrition Today, a coalition of organizations concerned with malnutrition.
2017
Stanley Dudrick, MD, FASPEN receives the first ASPEN Lifetime Achievement Award.
2018
ASPEN introduces the ASPEN Nutrition Science and Practice Conference (previously Clinical Nutrition Week).
The George Blackburn Research Mentorship Award is established to recognize ASPEN’s second president, George L. Blackburn, MD, PhD, FASPEN. The award celebrates individuals who have significantly influenced the careers of emerging scientists and clinicians through mentorship.
The first paper on Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) Criteria for the Diagnosis of Malnutrition published.
2019
Nilesh M. Mehta, MD, FASPEN in his presidential address, revised “patient care” in the foundational pillars to focus on patient outcomes and population health.
Published “Demonstrating the Value of the Nutrition Support Team to the C-Suite in a Value-Based Environment: Rise or Demise of Nutrition Support Teams?”.
ASPEN Champion Award established. Albert Barrocas, MD, FACS, FASPEN receives the first ASPEN Champion Award.
The Peggi Guenter Excellence in Clinical Practice Award is established to recognize healthcare professionals who have significantly impacted patient care through innovation, leadership, and a commitment to advancing best practices. The award honors Peggi Guenter, PhD, RN, FASPEN a leader in clinical nutrition and quality improvement.
2021
The CNSC exam opens to doctors of dental surgery/doctors of dental medicine.
2020
Kathleen M. Gura, PharmD, BCNSP, FASHP, FASPEN, FPPA, FMSHP receives the second ASPEN Champion Award.
The Value Project details how nutrition support could reduce Medicare costs.
Recognition of the limitations of albumin as an indicator of nutritional status.
2021
Peggi Guenter, PhD, RN, FAAN, FASPEN given ASPEN Lifetime Achievement Award (2nd recipient).
“Importance of Public-Private Partnerships for Nutrition Support Research: An ASPEN Position Paper” was published [insert research integrity diagram].
ASPEN publishes “Ethical Aspects of Artificially Administered Nutrition and Hydration: An ASPEN Position Paper” in NCP.
2022
The Bruce R. Bistrian Nutrition Mentorship Award is established to honor Bruce R. Bistrian, MD, PhD, MPH, for his pivotal role in advancing clinical nutrition research and mentorship. It celebrates a clinician or scientist working in complex clinical nutrition who has made a significant contribution to the field and mentored interprofessional colleagues.
Ezra Steiger, MD, FACS, FASPEN, AGAF receives ASPEN Lifetime Achievement Award (3rd recipient).
Robert Martindale, MD, FASPEN, receives the ASPEN Champion Award (3rd recipient).
International Working Group against Malnutrition and Human Rights for Nutritional Care formed.
Recommendations and resources for Infant Formula shortage.
2023
The Patricia Anthony Future Leaders Award is established to honor long-time member and former staff Pat Anthony, MS, RD, FASPEN, for her unwavering dedication and commitment to ASPEN, the field of nutrition support, and future generations of trainees. The award recognizes students, trainees, and new practitioners who have demonstrated leadership and dedication to excellence in nutrition support.
NCP publishes, “Nutrition Support Teams: Institution, Evolution, and Innovation,” identifying alternative pathways to reach nutrition support goals by hospital multidisciplinary committees/teams
12th Malnutrition Awareness Week reaches more than 802 Million.
Kelly Tappenden, PhD, RD, FASPEN receives ASPEN Champion Award (4th recipient).
New PN guidelines for preterm infants published in JPEN.
2024
Charles Van Way III receives ASPEN Lifetime Achievement Award (4th recipient).
Jay M. Mirtallo, MS, RPh, BCNSP, FASHP, FASPEN receives ASPEN Champion Award (5th recipient).
2025
Gil Hardy, PhD, FRSC, FASPEN receives ASPEN Champion Award (6th recipient).
2027-2028
Sharon Irving, PhD, RN, CRNP, FCCM, FAAN, FASPEN, first nurse president.
The following references are provided to support the items noted above.
https://nutritioncare.org/references-for-aspen-history-display/