So what would you like to do when you’re a RD? This was a question the interns in my class asked themselves this week in our self-select rotation. Just like the title says this was the week where we got to pick an area that we wanted to try or spend more time in. Since it’s almost the end of our internship we’ve had a variety of rotations that we could look back on to see what we’ve liked to learn more about. There were some who chose to spend more time in specialized areas such as pediatrics or even working with a grant funded program to work with seniors in getting them moving and eating right.
After hearing where everyone decided to go I started to realize how vast your profession has become. It seems like I am always hearing about a new area of work that you wouldn’t automatically think a RD would be in. Now a days health is at the forefront of everyone’s minds and people have come to realize that prevention is key. Too often we see patients who don’t have just one problem but have a multitude of them. As a dietitian we are in a unique position as the nutrition expert to help people combat this issue through healthy eating. And to do this RDs have used their individual talents to find new and exciting avenues that extend beyond the hospital setting. A great video was made that compiles a sample of dietitians, nutrition entrepreneurs, who have done exactly that. I suggest you also join the Nutrition Entrepreneurs DPG because it provides you with invaluable skills on how to be a successful dietitian that you don’t learn in the classroom.
As you finish your undergrad education think about what talents you have that make you special and then find ways that you could use them as a RD. I have always loved standardizing forms, streamlining processes, and finding ways to improve efficiency. This odd kind of talent does have its place for an dietitian. Ever heard of informatics? Or what if you’re like me and addicted to your iPhone but you have experience with technical kinds of things. Why not combine your techie skills and love for food and nutrition to build an iPhone app? So think outside the box and don’t limit yourself to one area because there is a world out there for dietetics that is only limited by your imagination.
Thanks for reminding everyone RD's aren't stuck in a single job. Some schools are very 'clinical' set, and others 'community'...but we often forget there are MANY things that combine aspects we love from other areas. Heard of Cynthia Sass RD? She writes for a magazine. Ellie Krieger RD? Food Network/Cooking Channel superstar. Thanks again Amanda!
ReplyDelete