What RDs Do: Nicole Osinga, BASc, MAN, RD

NICOLE OSINGA
OSINGA NUTRITION & ACUTE CARE
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After you learn more about Nicole, you'll have to check out her Instagram account. She has practical images of her meal prep and what she eats in a day - both of which may help give you ideas. Like Nicole, I'm also very interested in behaviour change, and as she says, most dietitians include it with the evidence. She continues to grow her business and learn about being her own boss, a world many of us aren't taught about in school. 

Why did you become a RD? 

I became an RD because this career path had been stuck in my mind since Grade 7. I remember we had a ‘Career Day’ in elementary school and remember selecting the card that said ‘Dietitian’ – and it was stuck in my mind. It made sense at the time because I had busied myself making diet plans for my friends during those years (LOL). 

What area of dietetics do you work in? 

I split my time between private practice (which involves media work, workplace wellness and counseling clients one-on-one) and working part-time in an acute care facility. I’m currently working towards my Certified Diabetes Educator certification. 

How would you explain what you do? 

‘I’m a plant-based meal prep master’. I own a nutrition consulting business and also work at an acute-care facility. 

What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks? 

I typically start the week on Sunday, where I prepare my instagram photos for the week, which includes meal preps, what I eat in a day, along with new recipes. I also aim to get at least one new blog post a week out. I find it helpful to schedule my social media/blog work at the beginning of the week. 

Monday – acute care facility 

Tuesday – morning is typically catching up on emails/media work/social media. I then do some client prep and see clients in the afternoon/evening

Wednesday – I see clients all day

Thursday/Friday – acute care facility 

I also sit on the College of Dietitians council and will have about one meeting a month with them. 

What has been your career path? 

When I graduated from the Masters of Applied Nutrition at UOG program in 2013, I thought I was destined to be an inpatient, acute-care dietitian. I thought this type of role would bring the challenge I was looking for. Once I graduated, I landed a few Long Term Care (LTC) contracts and was also teaching a cooking class for those with cancer. I realized the challenge I was looking for was actually in the teaching and behaviour change aspects of my cooking class job. I started hearing the same questions in my class from my participants (around soy, the alkaline diet, anti-inflammatory diet, etc.) so I started my blog in 2014, in order to give my participants more information. I kept active on my blog, and soon after I started my social media accounts. After some time, my blog and social media gained the attention of media outlets and I started to get asked for quotes and interviews. In 2015 I was contacted by the Toronto Star and worked for them as a freelancer for about a year, writing for their app ‘The Star Touch’ and also had a number of articles in print. I decided I needed to devote more time to media/private practice work, so I now only work part-time at an acute-care facility and rent a space in a physiotherapy clinic to counsel clients. I have a packed patient caseload in my practice and may need to adjust my hours further! I still keep up with my blog and social media work, and continue to appear in local and national media. 

What advanced education or special training do you have? 

I am a certified Craving Change Facilitator and attend Motivational Interviewing workshops. Behaviour change is an area that I could always use more training in. I’ve also attending a number of food photography workshops.

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

More business-savvy, private practice dietitians. We need them! We have to get out there more as a profession, as there is so much nutrition noise out there.

What misinformation about RDs would you like to clear up? 

That we use the Canada's Food Guide (I never do) or don’t condone special diets. I largely promote a plant-based way of eating, which some of my colleagues/client may find surprising! 

What would you like people to know about RDs? 

We are the most qualified people to give nutrition advice. Period. 

What are challenges you encounter as a RD? 

Learning to run a business as a sole proprietor, while also being responsible for delivering 100% of the services. I’ve had to learn how to define my target audience, how to market to them and provide services that guide them towards the results they are looking for. Not ever imagining that I would get into business during undergrad, I didn’t learn much about marketing or business communications! 

What do people think that you do for a living? 

A chef (which makes sense if you look at my instagram feed!). 

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

In my experience, RD’s seem to place an emphasis on the behaviour change process, in addition to the evidence-based scientific practice advice. 

What is your favourite meal? 

I’m on a tofu kick…anything with grilled tofu, grilled veggies and some kind of noodle 

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

Keep an open mind as the field of dietetics is rapidly changing! We have to be prepared to shift our practice. 

More about Nicole:

Instagram: @nicoleosinga_rd

Website: Osinga Nutrition

Email: nicoleosinga@gmail.com

Thanks Nicole! Find out more about What RDs Do.

If you're a dietitian that would like to be featured, email me for the details!

What RDs Do: Carolyn Berry BSc., RD

CAROLYN BERRY

BERRY NOURISHED

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Carolyn seems to have found her spot in the dietetics world, although we know that careers evolve and change as we do - which is why we're lucky that our profession has a variety of areas to explore. I love her daily work goal and will be trying her overnight oat recipe (as we enjoy them too!). For those who like atypical days along with variety in their tasks, dietetics seems to be the way to go. I continue to be amazed at what we do in a day or even a week. Carolyn also brings up the notion of taste, as we know that's important along with the enjoyment of food.

Why did you become a RD?

I always knew that I wanted to be in a profession where I could help people. That, combined with an interest in food, nutrition and fitness led me down this career path. I realized this during my first year of college. What I didn’t realize was how science focused a degree in Dietetics is. That part nearly scared me off, as I struggled with many of these courses, but in the end, it made me stronger, and I’m sure glad I stuck through it.

What area of dietetics do you work in?

A bit of everything:

• Berry nourished is my private practice. I counsel individuals and couples, mainly in the areas of weight loss and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). I also provide lunch and learn presentations for various businesses.
• I am a diabetes educator in an outpatient diabetes clinic with Fraser Health. I counsel patients 1:1 and teach education classes.
• I recently started a cooking class program within the Shapedown BC program. The program teaches families how to make healthy lifestyle changes, and I focus on the cooking aspect.
• I counsel executive clients at Medisys Preventive Health Clinic located in Downtown Vancouver.
• I lead nutrition tours at Save-On-Foods.
• I work with clients over the phone, as well as provide lunch and learn presentations for NDC - Nutrition at Work.
• I regularly contribute recipes and nutrition articles for Nourished Babe, a prenatal nutrition App.
• I am a contributing writer for Huffington Post BC.

How would you explain what you do?

Though my day-to-day tasks vary greatly depending on where I am working, my goal is always the same: to motivate, excite and empower all types of people to make the best decisions to improve their health. I aim to provide informative and practical nutrition advice with my food-first approach to health. I connect with people through food, and strongly believe that food should be both healthful and delicious.

What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks?

There is no such thing a ‘typical’ day or week for me. With all of the different roles I have, I spend a fair amount of time building my schedule for the next few months. For example, some days I will work only at the hospital, and other days I will work at the clinic, present a lunch and learn, and see a few private clients all in one day. I also spend a fair amount of time working from home, which usually involves writing up assessments for clients, writing articles, or phoning my tele-clients.

What has been your career path?

I have been working as an RD for almost 4 years now. I started my blog Berry Nourished (formerly Wealth of Health) 5 years ago during my internship. I knew right away that I had a passion for cooking, writing, and food photography. However, my first official job was working as an inpatient and outpatient clinical dietitian for Fraser Health. As great of an experience as this role was, I realized early on that it wasn’t right for me. I didn’t feel energized. So I made a few changes over the years and started seeking out other areas of work. As busy and hectic as my schedule is currently, I feel energized at the end of most work days, and most importantly, I have an incredible amount of job satisfaction.

What advanced education or special training do you have?

I’m currently working towards getting my CDE (Certified Diabetes Educator) designation. This involves obtaining at least 800 hours of experience working in diabetes education, and writing the Canadian Diabetes Educator’s Board (CDECB) exam. I write the exam this May.

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

Ideally, the term “dietitian” will be recognized by the public as the profession to seek out for the best and most sound nutrition advice. We have come leaps and bounds promoting our profession, however we still have a long way to go. Continuing to make media appearances on tv and the radio; writing articles for various publications, and using social media as a means to communicate our expert opinions will continue to be important.

What is your favourite meal?

Overnight oatmeal – the perfect balance of protein, fibre and fruit! This has been my breakfast almost every morning for the past 3 years, and I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of it.

More about Carolyn:

Website: www.berrynourished.com
Facebook: Berry Nourished
Twitter: @berrynourished
Pinterest: Carolyn Berry

Thanks Carolyn! Find out more about What RDsDo.

If you're a dietitian that would like to be featured, email me for the details!

What RDs Do: Michelle Katz MS, RD, LD, CDE

MICHELLE KATZ

MNT IN DIABETES
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Michelle shows us once again the diversity in the dietetics profession.  She works with groups/classes, one-on-one with individuals and takes part in clinical trials, thus requiring and possessing a variety of skills. Her optimism for the future is great and it's truly exciting to be part of a field that is changing and growing in so many different areas (yay science!). Her concern about misinformation is one I'm sure we all share as we support our patients/clients in the pursuit of health and an enjoyable life, which she reminds us takes commitment.

Why did you become a RD?

Since I was in my young teens I always had an interest in food. My mom used to cook all meals at home. We hardly ate at restaurants and I use to help her looking for healthier recipes. My dad had hyperlipidemia, hypertension and heart disease so we were always watching for his food choices. Once I graduated high school I knew I wanted to help people, I wanted to stay in the science /health/ medical area. I explored the different options that University of Costa Rica was offering at that time and Licensed in Nutrition was calling my name.

What area of dietetics do you work in?

Currently I'm working providing medical nutrition therapy (MNT), specialized in diabetes.

How would you explain what you do?

• I provide diabetes education to patients with type1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. I also help coordinating clinical trials in diabetes.
• I teach classes for diabetics once a month using the “learning maps” concept sponsored by Merck.
• I provide private nutrition consultation to families and individuals for weight loss and healthy eating in general.

What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks?

• Provide nutrition counseling to patients with diabetes.
• Counseling patients on insulin administration, monitoring blood sugars and any need for training in devices like pumps, continuous blood sugar monitoring (CGM), Vgo among others.
• Coordinate clinical trials – screening patients for studies and follow them up during the different studies we currently have.

What has been your career path?

My career path is definitely a ladder. There are so many opportunities in the world of diabetes. Always new devices, new medications, new types of insulin, artificial pancreas, etc. It is a constant change and is growing all the time.

What advanced education or special training do you have?

I have a Master’s degree in Nutrition and I am a Certified Diabetes Educator.

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

I think we can expect many opportunities coming up in the next 5 years in the industry, but we need to work hard and show the industry all the many areas we can help and make a change in the patient life and health as dietitians.

What misinformation about RDs would you like to clear up?

People often get confused with nutritionist and RDs. It’s important to clear up that dietitians are committed to evidence-based practice. This means that when we make a recommendation it is based on the best available scientific evidence. Dietitians translate the science into practical information you can use to improve your health.

What would you like people to know about RDs?

I would like people to know that RDs are university trained, regulated health professionals who use several educational tools and research to make sure their advice is based on the best available information.

What are challenges you encounter as a RD?

Main challenges I encountered are all the nutrition advice we see online or in the media. Many recommendations are not based on scientific evidence.

Lots of advertising trying to sell the “quick fix” like fast weight loss, lower cholesterol and blood sugars with supplements among others. But if it sounds too good to be true, then it likely is. Making lifestyle changes is a commitment to eating well and exercising regularly.

What do people think that you do for a living?

If you ask my 12-year-old daughter she will say I teach people how to eat better.

Other people might think that we “make diets” or we help people lose weight.

What are you passionate about in dietetics?

I am passionate about helping others and making a difference in people’s life, Every time patients returned to my office and their blood sugars improved, their weight is down, they feel better, their babies are born healthy - I just can’t explain the feeling of satisfaction. It’s just hard to describe the great feeling of helping others and seeing results of hard work and dedication from the patient end.

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

Like I mentioned above, we are university trained professionals that used scientific evidence in a very creative way to translate into practical recommendations to manage and improve your health. The title dietitian is protected by law.

What is your favourite meal?

Fresh salads, sweet potatoes, vegetables and dark chocolate :)

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

I just say to please, please don’t believe everything you read. Do your research.

One single study is not enough to make a claim. Were the studies done in humans or animals? What are the person’s qualifications? Dig a little deeper before you make a change. One study or theory is not enough to change our advice.

And last but not least: Eat a variety of foods including vegetables, fruits, dairy, legumes, nuts and fish, portion control, and the right balance of meals and exercise every day.

More about Michelle:

Email: Katzdfw@sbcglobal.net
Facebook: Michelle Lechtman-Katz

Thanks Michelle! Find out more about What RDsDo.

If you're a dietitian that would like to be featured, email me for the details!

What RDs Do: Gauri Junnarkar MS, RD, LD, CDE, LMT, BAMS

GAURI JUNNARKAR

AYURNUTRITION

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Many unique dietetic careers come from combined specialties. Like Sapna Punjabi-Gupta, Gauri's unique specialty involves her background in Ayurveda, but she also recently added massage therapy. With this background it is obvious that she takes a holistic approach when working with clients. She mentions two of my favourite terms, moderation and mindfulness, which fit so well with the evidence based consults dietitians offer. 

Why did you become a RD?

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Ayurveda which is a holistic health science that originated in India 5000 years ago. Spices, herbs and foods are an important aspect of Ayurveda. I love research, and was always intrigued by the amount of research done in modern nutrition. So I decided to get a Masters in Nutrition, become a Registered Licensed Dietitian (RD, LD) and combine the two modalities to offer an integrative approach to nutrition.

What area of dietetics do you work in?

I am in private practice. I have an integrative nutrition practice called ‘Ayurnutrition’ in Dallas Fort Worth where I combine Ayurveda and Nutrition. I am also a Certified Diabetes Educator. I provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for Diabetes Type 1, Type 2, Pre Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes, Weight Management, Renal and Heart Disease.

How would you explain what you do?

I am very passionate about Ayurveda and Nutrition. I got my Massage Therapy license last year and also have started offering Ayurvedic Massage and Ayurvedic Bodywork therapies. In practice I combine all three modalities and offer an integrative wellness approach to health.

What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks?

A typical day starts with getting to my office by 9 am. Next I log into the schedule to look at the appointments for the day. I take out the client files in order of appointments. Next I make arrangements to be ready for the client. If the client is coming for a combo session which includes consult and massage therapy, then I make sure I have everything ready for the consult and massage therapy session. A typical day may have 5-6 consults and combo sessions. In between sessions I finish documentation for the sessions. Lunch is usually between 12-1 pm. Depending upon the time and the next session I answer client emails and phone calls. I also take mini stretch breaks in between sessions. After my last session, I make appointment reminder calls for the next day and head home by 6-6:30 pm. So the typical days is busy, but as long as I am organized and on top of things it goes pretty smoothly.

What has been your career path?

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Ayurveda (BAMS) from the University of Mumbai. After coming to the United States I did a Masters in Nutrition from Texas Woman’s University. I did my clinical internship, passed the RD National Board exam and became a Registered/Licensed Dietitian. I worked in-patient for some time and then worked in Outpatient Diabetes Centers for a number of years. I got advanced certification as a CDE (Certified Diabetes Educator). I love to teach and have been teaching Undergraduate Nutrition at Tarrant County College as an Adjunct Professor. I also completed a 500+ hour Massage therapy course and got a Massage Therapy License.

What advanced education or special training do you have?

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Ayurveda (BAMS) from the University of Mumbai. I have a Masters in Nutrition from Texas Woman’s University. I got advanced certification as a CDE (Certified Diabetes Educator). I also completed a 500+ hour Massage therapy course and got a Massage Therapy License.

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

I see a lot of growth for the industry. I feel with the growing interest in holistic nutrition and Nutrigenomics. I feel that these two fields will become more prominent.

What misinformation about RDs would you like to clear up?

‘A dietitian will take all my favorite foods away’. A dietitian on the contrary is an expert Nutrition and Healthcare professional who will work with and educate the client on making better food choices.

What would you like people to know about RDs?

RD’s are expert Nutrition Professionals who have undergone a lot of training to become a Registered Dietitian. So if you have any nutrition or food related questions, RD’s are the best health care professional to seek advice from.

What are you passionate about in dietetics?

I am passionate about an Integrative approach to Dietetics.

What is your favorite meal?

My favorite meal is a Lentil Quinoa Khichari (casserole) with green beans sautéed in olive oil and cumin.

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

Mindful eating and everything in moderation.

More about Gauri:

Website: AyurNutrition
Facebook:  Ayurnutrition: Balance Nourish Rejuvenate
Google Plus: Ayurnutrition
Yelp: Ayurnutrition
LinkedIn: Ayurnutrition
Pinterest: Ayurnutrition
Instagram: ayurnutrition
Twitter: @gaurijunnar

Thanks Gauri! Find out more about What RDsDo.

If you're a dietitian that would like to be featured, email me for the details!

What RDs Do: Abiade Ogunsola MS, RD, LDN

ABIADE OGUNSOLA

RESTORING HEALTH NUTRITION 

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Abiade is passionate about helping and empowering people; personality traits that I think draw many people to this profession (along with our love of cooking and food). She supports people in managing chronic medical conditions through self management. I agree with her that ideally we won't see such nutritional extremes in the future. 

Why did you become a RD?

I have a passion for helping people live a healthy life. I became a dietitian, because the field of Nutrition will help me to achieve my goals and passion.

What area of dietetics do you work in?

I own and operate a private practice. I also teach group Diabetes Self Management class.

How would you explain what you do?

I teach a diabetes self management class and I encourage participants to take charge of their diabetes. There is a sense of fulfillment when I see participants being more knowledgeable and empowered in taking charge of their diabetes. I also provide them with useful resources in the community.

What are your 'typical' daily/weekly tasks?

My typical day involves taking care of my family, gardening, reading up on nutrition journals, and teaching diabetes class in the evening.

What has been your career path?

I have worked in community nutrition with a focus on children, pregnant women, postpartum women (both breastfeeding women and non-breastfeeding women).

What advanced education or special training do you have?

I have a Masters degree in Food Science with a focus on food safety.

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

In an ideal world, there will a reduction in childhood obesity and malnutrition.

What misinformation about RDs would you like to clear up?

RDs are not food police.

What would you like people to know about RDs?

RDs are the nutrition experts qualified to help you navigate through all the nutrition misinformation out there and are qualified to provide you with sound, reliable, and science-based nutrition advice.

What do people think that you do for a living?

People think I cook and write meal plans.

What are you passionate about in dietetics?

I am passionate about people living a healthy life through real foods. I enjoying cooking, baking and trying new recipes.

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

RDs are knowledgeable in the field and do not follow the waves of fad diet.

What is your favourite meal?

My favorite meal is beans and plantain.

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

When you need nutrition information, seek help from Registered Dietitians. Don’t follow the waves of fad diet, eat healthy foods, lot of fruits and vegetables and everything in moderation.

More about Abiade:

Website: Restoring Health Nutrition
Email: info@restoringhealthnutrition.com
Phone: 302-632-5260
Facebook: Restoring Health Nutrition
Twitter: @abiadeadekunle

Thanks Abiade! Find out more about What RDsDo.

If you're a dietitian that would like to be featured, email me for the details!

What RDs Do: Mandy Willig, PhD, RD

MANDY WILLIG
SCIENTIST, CLINICAL OUTPATIENT DIETITIAN

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Mandy was interested in the interview series to share her unique experiences and also to contribute to a valuable resource for future dietitians. She is an Assistant Professor and travels around the world for her research and work. She spends about 20% of her time at clinics for patients with HIV and diabetes, and 80% conducting research on health disparities and chronic disease risk. Even other dietitians don't really know what Mandy does, which is one of the main reasons I started this series!

Why did you become a RD?

Vocational education programs led me to dietetics. I always enjoyed cooking and learning about nutrition through 4-H and Family Consumer Science (FCS) classes. I also visited a dietitian when I was a child, so when my FCS teacher introduced me to the idea of dietetics as a career I realized it was the perfect chance to impact other’s lives in the same way that dietitian did for me.

What area of dietetics do you work in?

I am a scientist at an academic medical center. I also provide outpatient counselling to patients a few days each month.

How would you explain what you do? 

I develop and conduct research studies to determine the best ways to help people follow nutrition and exercise plans. I am especially interested in which approaches will work best for people living with chronic infections, such as HIV. My research right now is focused mainly in the United States and Zambia. In my clinical time, I work with patients from urban and rural areas who have high cholesterol, diabetes, and poor immune function.

What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks? 

Every day is different in science! About eight hours weekly are spent with patients. I work on completing research studies and interpreting results from those studies. I also develop manuscripts for journals, and presentations for colleagues and community members to share results from our research and learn how we can adapt clinical care based on the findings. I have to regularly read research articles in my field to stay up-to-date on the science. I serve as a dietetic intern (DI) preceptor in the DI research rotation, and guest lecture on nutrition and health for undergraduate/graduate students. I have also participated in community outreach through education programs and cooking classes. And, of course, in research I spend quite a bit of time writing research grants to move our science to the next level.

What has been your career path?

Following the dietetic internship, I became a corporate dietitian with a long-term care and rehab company, where I worked with the geriatric population providing long-term nursing home care and short-term rehabilitation services. I always thought that I had NO interest in research (seriously – none), but while completing my Master’s degree I fell in love with the area. I also became frustrated with how many younger adults were becoming disabled through diabetes and heart disease, and saw research as a path to address that. I now work as an Assistant Professor.

What advanced education or special training do you have?

I have a PhD in Nutrition Sciences. I also received additional training in business and biostatistics - business and coding skills open up many opportunities to RDs!

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

I would love to see everyone in the United States have access to a dietitian before medical issues become an emergency. We consistently see the best results in our patients who are working with dietitians, and that expertise should not be withheld until people are at their sickest.

What misinformation about RDs would you like to clear up?

I still hear the old phrase that dietitians are the “food police”, even though in 2016 food bloggers and “nutritionists” with limited/no credentials are more likely to judge and police what you are eating. RDs have invested many years (and dollars) into academic and internship training because they are passionate about helping you be healthy while actually enjoying your life.

What do people think that you do for a living? 

Honestly, even other dietitians don’t always know exactly what I do as a research dietitian. I would love for more RDs to consider research as a career path. We have valuable expertise to offer, and many research institutions will now advertise “RD preferred” for faculty positions because they see the positive benefit to their programs when RDs are educators and researchers.

What are you passionate about in dietetics?

I am VERY invested in teaching other health care/business professionals about how valuable RDs are. If you want results, you can consult anyone. If you want GOOD results, consult the dietitian.

What is your favourite meal? 

My mom’s pot roast with carrots and potatoes always brings back my happiest childhood memories. My mom taught me how to cook, and watching her now share those skills with my child gives me hope that the pot roast recipe will survive for many more generations!

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

Never stop learning! You need to develop the skills to read and interpret research literature and counteract the rampant misinformation about food and nutrition. Plus, we all need to learn how to partner with science journalists and food journalists to get the right information out there.

More about Mandy:

Twitter: @MandyWilligRD
Linkedin: Amanda Willig, PhD, RD

Thanks Mandy! Find out more about What RDsDo.

If you're a dietitian that would like to be featured, email me for the details!

What RDs Do: Suzanne Weldon, RD, LD, CDE

SUZANNE WELDON

ENDOCRINOLOGY & OUTPATIENT 

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It would seem that Suzanne was always meant to work in diabetes. Like others (myself included), she decided to pursue dietetics based on an introduction to nutrition course.

Why did you become a RD?

My passion for nutrition & diabetes education goes way back. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age three. I had a fantastic diabetes care team and was first introduced to an RD there. My family & I learned early on that proper nutrition was vital for my health. I originally started off as a genetics major in college, with the anticipation of doing diabetes research. I quickly decided I’d rather work with people over … well… rats. I took my first nutrition 101 course & fell in love with the field with the understanding I could also do diabetes education.

What area of dietetics do you work in?

Endocrinology & general outpatient nutrition.

How would you explain what you do?

I teach the importance of nutrition & meal planning based on a client’s individual needs. I additionally teach diabetes self-management training to those with pre-diabetes & diabetes.

What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks?

I commute three days a week to “the big city” & work in an outpatient endocrinology clinic providing nutrition education for related endocrine disorders & also provide diabetes education. I enjoy the variety of the diabetes education because I also train patients on pumps, continuous glucose monitor, insulin therapy, & blood glucose meters. Additionally, I work once a week in my own “small town” private practice providing the same type of education. I’m also the diabetes resource person for our small town diabetes education support group with meetings held monthly. The rest of my time is spent with my husband & two girls.

What has been your career path?

I went to Texas A&M University for my bachelors of science in nutritional science. I then worked at WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) as a nutritionist/supervisor for a few months & then headed on to my dietetic internship at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas. From there I’ve worked in a few different diabetes centers & endocrinology clinics. Now I’m doing private practice, the endocrinology clinic, & am a PRN certified pump trainer for Omnipod.

What advanced education or special training do you have?

• CDE- Certified Diabetes Educator
• CPT – Certified Pump Trainer 

In an ideal world, what does the industry look like 5 years from now?
More nutrition services covered by insurance especially for preventative medicine purposes.

What would you like people to know about RDs?

We (RDs) are here to help, not harm. Too often do my clients feel as if I’m judging them. And then I tell them I just ate a cookie too. Or I mention that I understand what it’s like to be a human pin cushion having diabetes as well.

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

We have very rigorous training in nutrition & dietetics with a university degree & 1000+hour dietetic internship. Some of us have additional credentials, masters or even PhD’s. We are knowledgeable in weeding out fact from fiction regarding nutrition. We are THE nutrition experts.

More about Suzanne:

Facebook: Weldon Nutrition & Diabetes Centre

Thanks Suzanne! Find out more about What RDsDo.

If you're a dietitian that would like to be featured, email me for the details!

What RDs Do: Joanne Greco, RD, CDE

JOANNE GRECO-FIORE

DIABETES EDUCATOR

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Today we are featuring Ontario-based Joanne Greco-Fiore. She was excited about the career options available to dietitians and has worked in a variety of settings before arriving at her current role. I could definitely sit down and enjoy a meal and dessert with Joanne!

Why did you become a RD?

I was very interested in nutrition and knew I wanted to help people in some capacity, so it was a great fit for me. I was also fascinated by all the different areas RDs could work in. I knew I would never be bored!

What area of dietetics do you work in?

Diabetes Education

How would you explain what you do?

I help people living with Pre-Diabetes, Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes to self-manage.

What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks?

I teach 1 Gestational Diabetes class every other week and see several patients a day on an individual basis. I am also a part of my hospital’s Person and Family Centered Care Committee.

What has been your career path?

I have worked in many part-time and contract positions as well a full-time positions in the past.

I initially worked in a hospital in inpatient and outpatient Cardiology, followed by a family health team and then home dialysis in a hospital. I then moved on to a community hospital working in both inpatient complex continuing care and rehab, as well as general outpatient, and the outpatient chronic kidney disease program. I worked in cardiac rehab, hemodialysis and diabetes at the next hospital, followed by a Diabetes Education Program at a community health centre. I had a brief “stint” in the private sector working as a vitamin sales rep before I ended up at my current hospital. I initially worked at my current employer as both an inpatient dietitian in medicine, palliative and stroke, and as an outpatient dietitian in the home dialysis program; then I worked in the Centre for Complex Diabetes Care program and now I work in the Diabetes Education Clinic.

What advanced education or special training do you have?

I am a Certified Diabetes Educator and am working on becoming a Certified (Insulin) Pump Trainer

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

All RD services will be covered by OHIP! (health insurance)

What misinformation about RDs would you like to clear up?

As listed on this site, what is the difference between registered dietitians and nutritionists

What would you like people to know about RDs?

We are not the food police! I am not walking around in my off hours counting your calories while you eat in front of me, and frankly I don’t care what your choices are!

What do people think that you do for a living?

Serve food, or write individual meal plans all day.

What is your favourite meal?

Pasta al forno, followed by tiramisu.

More about Joanne:

LinkedIn: Joanne Greco-Fiore

Thanks Joanne! Find out more about What RDs Do.

If you're a dietitian that would like to be featured, email me for the details!

What RDs Do: Olivia Siswanto, RD, MSc, CDE

OLIVIA SISWANTO

DIABETES EDUCATOR

for something nutrishus

Today we are featuring Ontario based, Olivia Siswanto. She is excited and passionate about the profession, her work and research in diabetes, and the endless opportunities ahead. Olivia has advanced training and education in her role and is a certified Craving Change facilitator like me.

Why did you become a RD?

I learned about diabetes during a biochemistry lecture in university and I was fascinated by the story of the discovery of insulin. The Canadian researchers who discovered insulin decided not to patent their discovery so that people living with diabetes can be “cured”! Then I realized that food plays a huge role in the management of diabetes. After learning about the dietetic profession and the role of dietitians in preventing and managing diabetes, I was convinced that this is the career I want to pursue.

What area of dietetics do you work in?

I work at a diabetes education centre.

How would you explain what you do?

Same answer as below

What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks?

I do different things every day – this is why I love my job. I provide group education classes for gestational diabetes, emotional eating, and weight management. I also see patients one-on-one, together with a nurse, or with one of our endocrinologists. I am also involved in practice-based research. We will be presenting our research findings at the World Diabetes Congress this December – I’m super excited for this!

What has been your career path?

This is my very first job as a dietitian and I am excited to see where this journey will take me.

What advanced education or special training do you have?

I have a master’s degree in nutrition (MScFN) from Western University in London, ON, and I am a licensed Craving Change facilitator and a Certified Diabetes Educator.

In an ideal world, what does the industry look like 5 years from now?
I would like to see:
- More technology incorporated into our practice
- Most if not all Canadians have access to dietitians’ services
- A revamped food guide!

What are you passionate about in dietetics?

There are so many things you can do in this field, from working directly with patients in a clinical setting to starting your own business; the opportunity is endless! Sometimes we just have to be bold enough to carve our own pathways.

More about Olivia:

Twitter: @dietitianolivia
Instagram: @dietitianolivia

Thanks Olivia! Find out more about What RDsDo.

If you're a dietitian that would like to be featured, email me for the details!