What RDs Do: Justine Horne, MSc, RD, PhD student

JUSTINE HORNE

JUSTINE THE RD & ASSOCIATES

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As a fellow dietitian advocate, Justine was happy to share her unique experiences in the series. She works in a variety of area, as we've seen many dietitians do. As someone that has offered Nutrigenomix testing to past clients, it is interesting for me to hear about the PhD work Justine is doing and I look forward to seeing the future of that area. It's also no surprise that she's a lifelong learner, something very important in a science-based industry.

Why did you become a RD?

I’ve always been interested in nutrition and I remember learning about what dietitians do in Grade 6. I thought it was so cool that there was a job where you get to learn, and teach people about nutrition – I still think it’s really cool! My original interest in nutrition probably stemmed from my involvement in competitive sports as a child, which continued into my adult years. I now recognize a wider variety of reasons as to why nutrition is so important. 

What area of dietetics do you work in?

I have a variety of nutrition-related interests so I work in a few different areas including: private practice at Justine the RD and Associates, community nutrition at The East Elgin Family Health Team, education at Brescia University College, research at Western University and research/education at Nutrigenomix Inc. 

How would you explain what you do?

I own an online nutrition consulting business, Justine the RD and Associates, where we mainly provide personalized nutrition recommendations to clients via secure online video chat, but also do other nutrition-related tasks such as group presentations when requested. I also work at the East Elgin Family Health Team where I lead group programs for the community aimed to optimize health and well-being. At Western University I am a lecturer for a clinical nutrition course at Brescia University College and am also a PhD candidate in Health and Aging. I’ve done a lot of consulting work for a company, Nutrigenomix Inc, which provides personalized DNA-based dietary advice to consumers exclusively through healthcare professionals. 

What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks?

My work life usually consists of a variety of daily/weekly tasks including: 

• Liaising with the associate RDs I work with at Justine the RD and Associates to ensure we are providing the best nutrition plans for our clients
• Conducting my research (The Nutrigenomics, Overweight/Obesity and Weight Management Trial) which consists of several tasks including: providing education to clients about weight management, explaining the results of genetic reports, assessing body composition and dietary intake, and analyzing the study’s results
• Planning, delivering, and evaluating health and wellness programs at The East Elgin Family Health Team 
• Teaching healthcare providers and university students about the science and clinical application of nutrigenomics 
• Attending PhD-level university courses and completing course work
• Keeping up on the latest and greatest scientific advancements in nutrition!

What has been your career path?

I started my career in diabetes education at a community health centre in Kitchener. I then began working for Nutrigenomix Inc, started my private practice and started lecturing at Brescia University College. Recognizing my passion for research and education, I decided to enroll in a PhD program and ended up accepting a job at a family health team where I am currently conducting my research (“The NOW Trial”). I hope that this experience will one day lead me to obtain a tenure-tracked professor position at a prestigious university. 

What advanced education or special training do you have?

I love learning and am a self-proclaimed research geek, so naturally I’ve been in school forever. I have a Bachelor of Science degree, Certificate in Practical French, Master of Science degree, and am currently in the process of completing my PhD. I currently have 400 hours towards my Certified Diabetes Education designation and aim to have the letters “CDE” behind my name one day soon. 

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

My greatest hope for the next 5 years relates to genetic testing. I think this will become common practice for registered dietitians, where the vast majority of clinical RDs will be using this technology to provide personalized nutrition to their clients. In an ideal world, this testing will be covered by insurance companies as insurance companies will begin to realize the value of providing personalized nutrition information based on an individual’s genetics to optimize health outcomes. I also think we are going to start to see more public awareness about what RDs do! 

What is your favourite meal?

I absolutely LOVE enchiladas. I’ve been known to throw a tasty enchilada fiesta on the occasional Friday night. 

What are you passionate about in dietetics?

I am passionate about providing innovative and personalized nutrition services, and am passionate about completing research in order to advance our knowledge about how to improve health outcomes - especially those pertaining to weight management. 

More about Justine:

Website: www.justinetheRD.com

Twitter: @justinehorneRD

Email: justinetheRD@gmail.com

Clinical Trial Registration (The Nutrigenomics, Overweight/Obesity and Weight Management Trial)

Thanks Justine! 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: Caroline Roessler MS, RDN, LD

CAROLINE ROESSLER 

IN-STORE NUTRITIONIST 

MARTIN'S FOOD MARKET

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It's great to feature a retail dietitian in the series. I feel like this type of position is becoming more common as we even have a few in my home province now (and we're usually late adopters). It makes so much sense for us to be in the environment where people make decisions about food and perhaps face confusion or try to sort through the misinformation they hear on-line or pretty much anywhere. Caroline loves her job and is passionate about empowering individuals to make positive lifestyle changes that work for them. 

Why did you become a RD? 

I grew up in a Greek and German family where food = love! Besides my love affair with good food, I have always been fascinated with the concept of preventative health, and how the foods we eat can not only prevent many chronic diseases but enhance our quality of life.

What area of dietetics do you work in? 

I am a retail dietitian in a MARTIN’S Food Market located in Richmond, VA.

How would you explain what you do? 

I educate and empower individuals to live a balanced and healthy lifestyle. My personal approach is to promote a positive relationship with food for my clients by using the “all foods fit” mentality, and by meeting people where they are. I love that I can take my clients into the aisles to introduce them to new foods and practice reading labels during a consultation.

What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks? 

I love that my job has no “typical” day! My weeks consist mostly of one-on-one nutrition consultations, during which time I can take clients around the store and we can discover and sample products that may be better choices. I also offer monthly classes and store tours, an associate wellness program, as well as participate in community events such as school career days and talks geared towards specific audiences at local fitness clubs, offices or community centers.

What has been your career path? 

I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Ohio State University, and continued on to do a combined Master’s and dietetic internship at Kent State University during which time I did a one-week elective rotation with a dietitian at a local supermarket. After I passed my registration exam, I gained experience as an instructor at my alma mater, then as a home health care dietitian, but remained drawn to retail dietetics and eventually moved to Virginia from Ohio when I saw the opening for my current position. I love it!

What advanced education or special training do you have? 

I have a Master’s in Nutrition and Dietetics.

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

I would love to see RD’s with a more pivotal role in health care, and of course with more services covered so that the general population can benefit from our services. Specific to retail dietetics, I believe that the role is growing and a job such as mine will become more common in the future. There are so many benefits that a dietitian can bring to supermarkets, from impacting customer loyalty to increasing sales.

What would you like people to know about RDs? 

My favorite saying around the store is “RD’s are people, too!” My clients often ask if I always eat “healthy”. I tell them that I love things like pizza and ice cream just like the rest of us, but try to choose better options less often, like a homemade pizza with grilled chicken and lots of veggies, or a slow churned ice cream with dark chocolate, nuts and berries.

What is your favourite meal? 

It changes all the time, I love seasonal produce so right now some roasted butternut squash with pine nuts and rosemary, baked salmon and Greek style green beans sounds good!

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

Follow your heart! Especially for dietitians who are drawn to community nutrition, don’t feel like you have to go into clinical. If you are ambitious and passionate about what you do, you can find (or make!) the right job for you.

More about Caroline:

Email: CaRoesslerRDN@gmail.com
Linkedin: Caroline Roessler, MS, RDN, LD

Thanks Caroline! 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: Jing Liu, MS, RD

JING LIU

NUTRIENERGY WORKS

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Working in the hot topic area of mindfulness, I love that Jing focuses on health and happiness and the fact that she takes one day a week for herself (that & meditation are still on my to-do list!). We see dietitians working on interdisciplinary teams and having holistic approaches, here Jing really reminds us to be fully present and keep our mind aware when it comes to nourishment and health. 

Why did you become a RD?

I became a RD because I liked everything a RD can do to improve people’s quality of life.

What area of dietetics do you work in?

I work in the areas of clinical nutrition, community nutrition and nutrition education.

How would you explain what you do?

I help people to understand different contributions to their health issues, gain awareness of results of their choices, and be empowered for new options to achieve healthier and happier journey in life.

What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks?

• I counsel patients on an individual basis and teach group workshops in a community medical center two full days and two mornings a week.
• I conduct mindfulness meditation sessions via Skype to help adults rejuvenate their energy level about two times a week. These sessions helped my clients and I to reduce intake of caffeine and sugar. They also helped to improve quality of sleep over the years.
• I write an article on mindful nutrition care and lead a mindful wellness group once a month.
• I rest, meditate, garden and do my chores every Thursday.

What has been your career path?

I started my career path in year 2000 with clinical nutrition (skilled nursing facilities & hospital). In 2003, I replaced SNF jobs with community nutrition (community medical center). Later, I replaced hospital work with nutrition education & consultation work. In recent years, I integrated mindfulness into my clinical/community nutrition education.

What advanced education or special training do you have?

• I completed the CDR training on childhood & adolescents obesity and weight management.
• I have been practicing and teaching mindfulness for about 10 years.

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

There would be a system in place for people to seek nutritional care before they are prescribed medication for many health issues.

What misinformation about RDs would you like to clear up?

RDs services are not only for body weight problems.

What would you like people to know about RDs?

RD services can be for the wellness of a person’s whole body and wellbeing.

What are challenges you encounter as a RD?

People’s perception of RDs as judgmental, strict, and having unrealistic recommendations.

What do people think that you do for a living?

Before was just to help people lose weight, now is also teaching people of how to be calm and raise a calm child because of my mindfulness services.

What are you passionate about in dietetics?

Dietetics helps people to work on the foundation of their health. It enables people to be connected with themselves, their environment and everything they experience. Ultimately, live the most of their lives. That is joy to me.

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

RDs have the intense and comprehensive training to make connections of one’s health concerns to the whole body, experiences with the environment and food industries, and provide step by step guidance to improve one’s health through a process. Most nutrition/wellness professionals tend to have limited education and training, may offer solutions for results that do not last and often could not help people in gaining long term self-care skills.

What is your favourite meal?

Every meal is my favorite. I try to take my time and enjoy every bite I take in nourishing myself, as many people call it mindful eating.

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

• Choose what you put into your mouth with your stomach and your mind.
• Notice how you are being affected by what is outside of your mind and body as you make your choices.
• Give yourself a chance and go talk to one or more RDs for your own information.

Anything else you’d like to add that you feel would be valuable:

A note to remember: Good nutrition is a major part of a healthy lifestyle and healthy lifestyle is the foundation for a healthy and happy life. Enjoy!

More about Jing:

Owner: NutriEnergy Works
Website: nutriNRGworks
Phone: (510) 336 – 6039
E-mail: jing@nutriNRGworks.com
Facebook: NutriEnergy Works
Twitter: @NutriEnergyWork
LinkedIn: Jing Liu
MeetUp group: Mindfulness Wellness

Thanks Jing! 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: Ghazal Haghnegahdar, BSc, RD

GHAZAL HAGHNEGAHDAR

CLINICAL, HEARTY DIETITIAN & CONSULTANT

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Ghazal came across the interview series and was happy to share more about what dietitians (RDs) do. I'm also excited to share her responses since two of her positions are brand new! She's another breakfast loving RD (we should have a club or something!) that's passionate about educating others. I love that she says we're not judging what you're eating, but you also shouldn't judge us - another moderation dietitian too!

Why did you become a RD?

Food and nutrition is part of everyone’s daily life. One of my previous jobs was teaching kindergarten and elementary school children about food and where food comes from. During this experience, I learned the importance of educating others about food and its origin. I wanted to enhance my own knowledge to be able to educate the public about food and help them achieve healthier lifestyles and that’s why I pursued this profession.

What area of dietetics do you work in?

I work as a clinical dietitian and have covered a variety of different clinical settings and populations from children to seniors. I also work in a private practice setting helping clients mainly with diabetes management, heart healthy eating, achieving healthy weight and overall healthy eating.

How would you explain what you do?

In the hospital, I assess patients and consult with other health professionals to improve patients’ recovery. I also spend time educating patients if needed.

Through Hearty Dietitian, I provide nutritional counseling sessions for individual clients as well as corporations and spend time writing blogs.

I am also a consultant for a start-up company where I provide feedback from a nutrition perspective.

What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks?

My daily tasks include looking over patients’ medical history and illnesses. I spend time speaking with the appropriate health professionals regarding the patients and then use my nutritional knowledge and provide suggestions based on the clients’ or patients’ best benefits. I make sure patients are on the correct diet and are receiving the appropriate nutrition based on their estimated needs. If need be, I provide education to patients that are being discharged to carry on a certain diet at home. I also find the time to read new articles and keep myself educated on any new research.

As a private practice dietitian and consultant, I keep myself up-to date through social media. I spend time finding new information that I can share with the public through different platforms. As a consultant, I am consistently researching for information that would benefit my clients and start-ups. 

What has been your career path?

After internship, I started working in a variety of clinical settings in the hospital and have continued working there. I enjoy the environment and the continued learning experience.

I have always been interested in reaching out to the public and increasing their knowledge in nutrition. So I started Hearty Dietitian a few months ago to share information through blogging and other social media platforms with the public. I also started seeing clients and assisting them in reaching their lifestyle goals.

A few months ago, I started working with a local start-up company where I provide different nutrition feedback based on the information they are looking for to help with their business.

What advanced education or special training do you have?

I obtained my Bachelors of Science in Food, Nutrition and Health first. Then I continued and obtained my Bachelors of Science in Dietetics. I have worked mainly with adults so far, but recently I started being trained in pediatrics and will be expanding my knowledge in pediatrics.

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

I believe people and society have become more aware of their health and want to move towards a healthier lifestyle. Individuals are becoming more aware of their food and health. Dietitians are becoming better known by the public and the demand for dietitians to provide appropriate information is growing.

What misinformation about RDs would you like to clear up?

Dietitians LOVE food! We are not here to judge what you eat. When you meet a dietitian, do not worry about what you are eating and most importantly do not judge us on what we are eating. We enjoy all types of food, even our desserts, as long as everything is in moderation :)

What do people think that you do for a living?

People think that my job is to help people lose weight. The patients and clients I see have different needs and those wishing to lose weight might be a fraction of those patients/clients.

What is your favourite meal?

Breakfast/Brunch! I love my eggs benedict.

More about Ghazal:

Twitter: @Ghazal_H
Website: www.heartydietitian.com
Email: ghazal@heartydietitian.com
Linkedlin: Ghazal Haghnegahdar RD

Thanks Ghazal! 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: Kim Hoban, RD, CPT

KIM HOBAN

CORPORATE DIETITIAN, BLOGGER

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I also 'know' Kim from instagram, which I have to admit is a pretty cool way to get to see what other RDs around the globe are up to, passionate about, etc. Many of us get hooked on nutrition because of a love of food and/or active living, and sport is still a large part of her life. I totally relate with her passion about working in health and wellness, as well as mindful eating. I hope Kim and I can sit down to breakfast (also my favourite) one day soon!

Why did you become a RD? 

I was always interested in food and learning about how eating fuels our daily lives and activities. In high school, I rowed on the crew team and started to realize that what I ate (and when) impacted my performance. It was at this time that I also saw how competitive sports could also lead to disordered eating and I became interested in the struggles, stigma and psychology surrounding food.

What area of dietetics do you work in? 

As a corporate dietitian for CulinArt Group, a dining services company, I touch on many areas of dietetics, including food service, corporate wellness and nutrition education. I also blog at KHNutrition.com where I share information on nutrition topics and trends, recipes, fitness and more.

How would you explain what you do? 

I help provide health and wellness strategies and solutions to our corporate, higher education, private school and healthcare clients.

What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks? 

Each day varies, but my responsibilities range from developing cycle menus to leading wellness training for corporate chefs to providing nutritional analysis on corporate recipes. I write and help design our wellness newsletters, health fair information and promotional materials. I’m also tasked with managing social media for the Wellness Department at CulinArt and occasionally participate in recipe development and testing.

What has been your career path? 

I graduated with a B.S. in Dietetics but did not match with a dietetic internship (DI) program immediately, so I began working as an administrative assistant at a private nutrition counseling practice. Looking back, it was the best thing that could have happened for my career and I gained so much experience and exposure to the field of nutrition in that position. I eventually applied again and was accepted to the DI program at North Shore LIJ Health System in Long Island, NY, which had a clinical nutrition emphasis. After completing the internship program, I began working as a clinical dietitian in a long-term care facility. I sat for and passed the RD exam three months later. Realizing that clinical nutrition was not my passion, I began blogging and becoming active in social media in my free time. At the same time, I came across my current position as an RD who focuses more on health and wellness as opposed to disease and treatment.

What advanced education or special training do you have? 

My passion for sports nutrition and fitness continues to grow, so I recently became a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. My goal is to become Board Certified as a Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD - *Canadians can do this too!) within the next few years.

What misinformation about RDs would you like to clear up? 

I would love to clear up the whole misconception about dietitians being the “food police”. I wish people knew that we don’t judge anyone for what or how they eat. People often fear that I’m constantly criticizing their food choices, when more often than not, I’m focused on enjoying my own food instead!

What would you like people to know about RDs? 

We are humans. We are not perfect and we often struggle with our own food choices. We don’t all cook perfectly healthy meals every night and we can enjoy pizza and ice cream too!

What are challenges you encounter as a RD? 

Probably one of the biggest challenges is competing with the misinformation and sensationalism that exists in the media surrounding food and nutrition. People are so easily persuaded by big food marketing or the advice of some doctor on television and it can be difficult to sift through that misguided or incorrect information.

What do people think that you do for a living? 

Make “meal plans”. Truth be told, that’s what I thought I would be doing when I became an RD also, but now I have a more holistic approach to nutrition and encourage mindful eating rather than offering one-size-fits-all meal plans.

What are you passionate about in dietetics? 

Reconnecting people with real foods. Many of us have lost touch with where our food comes from and what it should taste like. Most diets and weight loss plans take the fun out of food and people find themselves eating “food-like products” rather than enjoying whole, real foods.

What is your favourite meal? 

I’ll take this literally and say breakfast. I especially love pancakes, yogurt, oatmeal and veggie omelettes. I could eat breakfast foods any meal of the day!

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

Learn about your food and try new things! Find out where your food comes from, what nutrients it provides and how to properly prepare it. I’m constantly learning about new foods and recipes, which keeps things fun! Would you believe that just this year I learned how asparagus grows?

More about Kim:

Website: www.khnutrition.com
Twitter: @KimHobanRD
Instagram: @KimHobanRD
Pinterest: KHoban
Facebook: KH Nutrition
LinkedIn: Kimberly Hoban, RD
Google+: Kimberly Hoban, RD

Thanks Kim! Find out more about What RDsDo.

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