Joanne wears a variety of related hats in her career and has started to take more of a holistic approach to wellness in her practice. Nutrition and dietitians are only a piece of the puzzle and coaches can offer support in other areas. Whether she's working with her colleagues or a client/patient, Joanne is working with others to achieve goals.

Why did you become a RD? 

I have always had a passion for nutrition and health and was always interested in the relationship between food, the functions of the body and disease. A fun afternoon for me is perusing the local health food stores and farmers markets!

What area of dietetics do you work in? 

I work in clinical as a per-diem dietitian. I work as a consultant dietitian with an integrative medical practice and I have a health coach/private practice business.

How would you explain what you do? 

As a clinical dietitian, I provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for patients at a local hospital. I review patient charts and assess patients' nutritional needs, develop and implement nutrition intervention and evaluate and document according to their nutrition risk. Diet education is also provided to the patients.

In the medical practice, I work one on one with patients and provide appropriate medical nutrition therapy based on their diagnosis/s. I work closely with the doctor to provide adequate and appropriate care for the patients. I personalize all care plans based on patient’s nutritional needs.

In my coaching/private practice, I also provide nutrition therapy based on their health history and diagnosis. I also work with the client to help them achieve lifestyle and health goals. I take a whole-body or “holistic”, approach to wellness. We discuss shopping, pantry and meal planning based on their needs. I am a certified LEAP therapist who specializes in food sensitivities. If a client comes to me with potential sensitivities, I offer this service.

What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks? 

I spend time gaining an understanding of the patient’s current status and health/nutrition history. I review patient medical history, labs, etc. I sit in at meetings or “rounds” to discuss patient’s progress and intervention, provide medical nutrition therapy, monitor patient’s progress, review and discuss meal plans, problem solve, document, educate, design handouts and implement nutritional programs.

What has been your career path? 

I have been working more toward the holistic path over the years. I’ve taken programs to improve my knowledge and credentials. I expect to offer more health coaching services to help people “holistically” improve their lives with the consideration of total wellness; sleep, stress, food, fitness, etc. I believe that nutrition is the foundation to wellness, but if the other pieces are neglected, the body cannot be at its optimal state of health.

What advanced education or special training do you have? 

A certified LEAP Therapist and Holistic Health Coach. I am currently enrolled in the ACE health coaching certificate too.

In an ideal world, what does the industry look like 5 years from now? 

More coaching and nutrition being offered at all medical practices. More coverage for nutrition services. It will be recognized as a necessary component of health care.

What misinformation about RDs would you like to clear up? 

We don’t work in the kitchen and are not responsible for food service issues. We are well educated and do more than put people on diets.

What would you like people to know about RDs? 

That we are the nutrition professionals and there is a very big difference between an RD and nutritionist.

What are challenges you encounter as a RD? 

Respect for our knowledge and expertise. Lower paid salaries.

What do people think that you do for a living? 

Monitor food trays at the hospital. Review patient meal plans.

What are you passionate about in dietetics? 

Food's relationship to our health.

What makes RDs unique/different from other nutrition/wellness professionals?

We are qualified by having a 4 year degree or higher and have taken a national exam which we have to maintain through continuing education.

What is your favorite meal? 

I truly “practice what I preach” and eat very healthy, but one of my favorite meals is Pad Thai with shrimp. I am also pretty easy to please and enjoy a simple salad with grilled veggies topped with grilled chicken with a balsamic vinaigrette. My favorite snack is homemade popcorn that I pop on the stove.

What tip(s) would you give to our readers?

Don’t believe everything you read on the internet or the advice a friend gave you. Seek out the professional in food and nutrition. Eat a lot of vegetables (they really are good for you) and stay hydrated with purified water. People underestimate the importance of hydration!

More about Joanne:

Website: Your Personal Nutritionist

Twitter: @JoanneGordonRD

Pinterest: Joanne Gordon, RDN, CLT

Faebook: Joanne Gordon, Your Personal Nutritionist

Thanks Joanne!