I ‘met’ Anne Elizabeth on Instagram and since we’re both RD storytellers, we decided to share more about each other (I will be chatting with her for her podcast in May). I’ve learned so much more about her career now and as a cheerleader for dietitians I applaud her efforts (this also reminded me of the interview with Brianna Fear-Keen, APD). I hope you have found or will find a mentor or inspirational dietitian to help you keep your passion alive in this ever challenging field (perhaps through this series).

Why did you become a RD?

I became a RD to be on the preventative health side of the medical world after deciding medical school was just not the right fit.

What area of dietetics do you work in?

I am currently practicing in retail dietetics, as well as enjoying being a podcast host, author and speaker in my free time.

How would you explain what you do?

I work in a retail/grocery store setting which involves working with the people of my community on all of their health and wellness needs.

What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks?

Everyday is very different which is the best part and also requires consistent planning on my end. During the day, I get to help customers navigate their wellness journey, work with corporate wellness and local businesses, provide nutrition education in local schools, presentations, various health screenings, medical nutrition therapy and nutrition education. During the evenings and days off, I am having amazing conversations with other registered dietitians and wellness professionals on my podcast. I also enjoy writing and working on other exciting projects which keep my passions as a dietitian thriving.

What has been your career path?

I started out in clinical dietetics at a Level 1 Trauma hospital directly out of my internship and worked there through a contract company for 7 years. I loved being part of a medical team but I also found clinical is a very taxing area of dietetics. It was then I realized I needed to be practicing more in the preventative side of dietetics.  I then transitioned into the retail setting for the past 11 years. During both of my full-time careers, I had the privilege to teach as an adjunct professor and contract with The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation for 5 years on a special project/programming.

What advanced education or special training do you have?

I am a Wellness Coach and a Lifestyle Coach with AADE (American Association of Diabetes Educators) and have completed the training in Adult Weight Management with the CDR (Commision on Dietetic Registration).

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

100% coverage on all insurance plans for a lifetime and endless supply of  medical nutrition therapy and nutrition education. I would also love to see our industry really embracing more integrative and functional medicine approaches to nutrition and healthcare, as well as continued advancement of our presence in all forms of media.

What are challenges you encounter as a RD?

The RD fight. There are registered dietitians out there pushing against each other and there are registered dietitians who I feel are walking a fine line with their practice and ethics. I love that our profession is expanding, growing and creating new opportunities in our field, but at the end of the day, you are still a registered dietitian and need to be supporting other dietitians and practicing accordingly.

What are you passionate about in dietetics?

I feel I am in good company with you Steph, helping other RDs share their story of passion and purpose. As a whole, I do not feel RDs give themselves enough credit for doing what they do, which is why I created my podcast Conversations with Anne Elizabeth, so I could help them do it. By telling our stories, we can only inspire and encourage current and future dietitians to stay vested in this great profession. It is also why I wrote my book, I’m a Registered Dietitian...Now What? because I needed a cheerleader many times during my career (so far) and still do. This book comes from my inner cheerleader and is written for any new or seasoned registered dietitian looking for that kind of encouragement. We are all on the same team and there is plenty of space for everyone.

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

In my life, I have learned the value of saying yes and saying no. I feel it is very important as Registered Dietitians to know your limits to be the best version of you, which is why I follow the daily mantra of #embracingthehellyeah. Time is our most precious currency, much more precious than money. Make the most of it, in all aspects of your life.

More about Anne Elizabeth:

Website:  www.anneeliabethrd.com

Instagram:  @anneelizabethrd

Twitter: @anneelizabethrd

Podcast: Conversations with Anne Elizabeth on Website, iTunes, Spotify

Book: I’m a Registered Dietitian...Now What? on Website and Amazon

Thanks Anne Elizabeth!