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.

Dr. Jacob Mey, PhD, RD

In my ideal future, GOOD nutrition information being shared by health professionals on social media will finally outweigh the BAD nutrition information pushed by celebrities, supplement companies, or self-proclaimed (non-credentialed) ‘internet gurus.’

Libby Rothschild, MS, RD, CLC, CPT

I don’t worry about what people think. I focus on making an impact. If I were to feel concerned about what people think about my profession, then my mindset wouldn’t stay positive and focused. Instead of caring how people perceive my chosen title, I am busy creating content and solving the problems of my target audience. Once a dietitian confidently defines his or her business, at that point I ask you: Does it matter what other people think you do for a living? What matters is your end goal and I recommend to start by defining that. As Colon Powel said in his Ted Talk, “Have a vision and be demanding.” He didn’t say, “Have a vision and question what other people think about you while you’re on your journey.”

Kirsten Screen, MPH, RD, LD

I am part coach, part cheerleader, part counselor, part accountability committee, part myth buster…I try very much to meet each client where he or she needs me. What I mean is, for some clients I provide a step-by-step plan on what they should tackle – because that is what those clients need. For others I’m more of a sounding board. It just depends on what is needed!

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).

Brianna Fear-Keen, APD

Wow, there are so many things that come to mind but I think the one thing I’d really like to see in years to come is ensuring that there are opportunities for everyone who wants to be a dietitian to utilise their skills so they can be the dietitian they want to be. That new grads don’t have to keep their job that got them through university but that they can get out there and start using their skills, that dietitians stuck in jobs they don’t enjoy have the freedom to pursue a different avenue within our profession. I want every person who wants to be a dietitian to be able to do exactly what makes their heart sing so they can have the most rewarding career of their life.

interviews