When my practice started growing, I decided to leave the hospital and focus on my practice. At the same time, I took on the role of Director of a Dietetic Internship Program for the largest contract management company in North America. As my private practice grew and I opened a second office, I decided I needed to spend all my time on my business and I left the dietetic internship position. I continue to mentor nutrition students today by offering them opportunities to work in my office and volunteer on many projects that are ongoing.

Chrissy Carroll, MPH, RD, USAT Level I Triathlon Coach

My business originated in 2011, as a combination of corporate wellness, 1-1 counseling, and blogging. It took a while to really niche down and figure out what I liked. For several years I was running both the corporate wellness company as well as my blog, until I finally closed the corporate wellness company to focus specifically on blogging and nutrition communications. Now, that’s what I devote 100% of my energy to.

Brooke Alpert, MS., RD., CDN

Is multi-tasker an appropriate answer here? I wear a lot of hats. On a given work day I can see clients in my private practice, submit work to a brand I consult for and write for or manage Daily Habit. My airplane answer is that I’m a dietitian with a private practice.

Ashlee Linares-Gaffer, MS, RDN; Kathryn Lawson, MS, RDN; Haley Hickman, MS, RD

In an ideal world, the profession of dietetics would increase in diversity substantially, particularly on the basis of gender, race and ethnicity. We would have dietetics professionals available to serve and relate to all American residents, and to lead nutrition-focused businesses that meet the needs of consumers. The healthcare industry would acknowledge the value that dietitians play in healthcare in every state; dietitians would be eligible for reimbursement for a robust list of disease prevention and management services and dietitians would be able to write diet and nutrition-related orders in all clinical facilities.

Emma Denton, MS, RDN

Considering that my interest in nutrition came from my experience as a competitive runner, it is no surprise that my passion is performance or sports nutrition. You can also guess, based on my career path, that I am passionate about food security.

Rafika Al Ghrawi, R.D., L.D.

I was recruited back in 2015 by Nutrition and Diet Center. In Lebanon, it is a renowned clinic for being the first nutrition clinic in the Middle East that provided dietetic consultations and healthy catering.

interviews