Judy has created a business around helping build families. It’s interesting to see how all the parts of her career seem to come together and are connected or related. She knows the challenge of exploring new territory as a dietitian and as such, she gives back as a mentor and preceptor. It seems that she has definitely found her true calling.

Why did you become a RD?

As an undergraduate I was interested in a health professional career. I found out there was a field where I could combine my love of food, counseling and caring for others I applied to a Coordinated Program and have never regretted that decision.

What area of dietetics do you work in?

I own a private practice Mind Body Nutrition, PLLC where I specialize in reproductive nutrition and disordered eating. I also work at the University of Washington as a clinic dietitian in women’s health and I am an adjunct faculty member. I teach Nutrition counseling and maternal nutrition to our GCPD (Graduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics) students. I am honored to also precept and mentor them.

How would you explain what you do?

I help build families by optimizing nutrition for patients desiring to conceive. I developed a unique six week Food for Fertility series and have helped hundreds of couples build families. I work closely with reproductive endocrinologists, Ob Gyns, therapists and alternative providers to provide optimal patient centered care. I provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT) from preconception to post conception and provide family education classes. Patients trust me because they have known me since the beginning!

I use a patient centered approach with an intuitive eating philosophy. Patients find it so refreshing not to be told what to do!

What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks?

I spend time on phone calls and emails with potential patients and referring providers, see an average of at least 25 patients a week, teach graduate level nutrition courses two quarters, present fertility nutrition lectures locally and nationally, read current articles, post to social media and I am collaborating on a fertility nutrition book with a reproductive endocrinologist. I also average 1-2 media interviews a week (I love when someone else does the writing!).

What has been your career path?

I completed a Coordinated Program as an undergraduate and worked in 3 clinical positions in Chicago and Virginia. I found I was much more interested in counseling and behavior change.

I went back to the University of Il at Urbana-Champaign to earn an MS in Community Health Education. While earning my degree I was fortunate to teach and see patients at their progressive student health center. It was there I first began my training in eating disorders in a college health setting.

I have worked in clinical inpatient and outpatient settings; education and counseling has always been my passion.

What advanced education or special training do you have?

I have my MS degree and I am also a Certified Health Education Specialist.

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

I hope to see dietitians educated in understanding more about reproductive health, eating disorders, Health at Every size (HAES) and weight neutral MNT. People will be scheduling regular check ins (live or virtual) with their dietitian.

What misinformation about RDs would you like to clear up?

Move away from ineffective dieting and overly restrictive messages.

What are challenges you encounter as a RD?

I find some folks are really vulnerable to poor guidance from the internet. It takes time to build rapport and trust.

What do people think that you do for a living?

Help people to eat healthy food!

What are you passionate about in dietetics?

Fertility and disordered eating

The connection dietitians have made with emotional health.

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

We are trained in the science of nutrition. Our internships and continuing education keep us current and we don’t apply a one size fits all philosophy.

What is your favourite meal?

Pacific NW fresh salmon, grilled veggies and homemade pasta with pesto.

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

Pursue the area you want to be involved in and become the expert! When I started in fertility 15 years ago I had no mentors. I got involved in the fertility societies the doctors went to. I am still the only dietitian in our local fertility society, and I have been the president (on the board for 5 years) and nationally I chaired the Nutrition Sub interest group of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. This allowed me to network with the international leaders in nutrition and fertility research and practice.

More about Judy: 

Email: judy@mind-body-nutrition.com

Twitter: @JSimonRD (#fertilenutrition)

Facebook: Mind Body Nutrition, PLLC

LinkedIn: Judy Simon

Thanks Judy!