The industry is as wide open as it has ever bene. A dietitian can do so much now from nutrigenomics to social media and marketing consulting. For my area of management, I see a lot of the new generation of dietitians wanting to grow beyond the nutrition department. I think you will see more RDs in senior management and executive positions with multi-department responsibilities and executive positions other than food and nutrition.

Tereza Vágnerová RD, MSc. et MSc. (Engineer)

Last year, my colleagues and I founded the Czech Association of Dietitians and we have big plans. We were able to join EFAD (European Federation of the Associations of Dietitians) this year, which is really great. We are supporting the improvement of food in hospitals, better nutritional care, public health, education and internships for RDs and continue raising general knowledge about nutrition. It will be a long way, but I hope we will be successful.

Kathleen (Kathy) S. LaBella, RDN, CDN, CSSD, ACE-CMES/CPT

My practice is presently changing. I continue my niche on nutrition for musicians, and my other niche is lifestyle that includes a combination of activity, fitness, and outdoor living. It’s not about a diet, it’s about the entire lifestyle. I would like to take all that I have taught individuals and start packaging it to provide online programs or motivational public speaking.

Becky Kerkenbush, MS, RD-AP, CSG, CD

My first job lead me to a skilled nursing facility, which was part of a small community hospital. I not only worked in long-term care there, but also in the outpatient setting. This offered me a diverse work experience and a valuable foundation for nutrition knowledge and skills. After this, I wanted to work in clinical nutrition and I’ve been there ever since. Clinical nutrition allows me to continue my work with the geriatric population, as well as practice in the areas of nutrition support, acute illness and chronic disease.

Jonathan Valdez, MBA, RDN, CSG, CDN, CCM, ACE-CPT

What are you passionate about in dietetics?

The growing job opportunities, the various areas a RDN can work, and that the respect for our knowledge is growing (I wish it was faster).

Sabrina Bovee, RD

I don’t have any specialized management training. My main strategy for success and survival (some days such as a lay off or termination notice days are awful) has been to pick good mentors. I have one dedicated mentor that I connect with, even for 30 minutes every few months. I also surround myself with positive, individuals that support me and believe in the work that I am doing. Many of these individuals are not health care professionals. However, they have a vested interested (as do we all!) in changing the culture of aging.

interviews