What RDs Do: Andy De Santis RD, MPH

ANDY DE SANTIS

“ANDY THE RD”

for something nutrishus

I know of Andy because he's active online and I like to see male representation in our profession, so he stands out amongst the females. He has a great blog and loves bananas! He's still building his practice but is passionate about what he does, so I'm sure he has a great career ahead of him. I love his comment below regarding challenges we encounter as I've had similar thoughts of 'annual check-ups'.

Why did you become a RD?

I was the cliché unhealthy teenager who was able to use healthy eating to get my life back on track. By the age of around 18/19 I knew that I wanted a career where I was able to help others in the same way that I was able to help my self and dietetics was pretty much the only thing on my mind.

What area of dietetics do you work in?

I have a master’s degree in public health and I used to work in public health (Canadian Diabetes Association) but moved into freelance/private-practice work. Currently I operate a general private practice three days a week and I am also a writer on the side for a web platform. I write articles on healthy living but also completely non-food related topics (home-renovation related). It helps support my private practice as it grows, which takes time. I am also a nutrition-blogger and I spread the message of health through my very active blog, which I hope you all will subscribe to!

How would you explain what you do?

Simply put, people come to see me with a goal in mind and I do everything I can to help them reach that goal. Because I work in private practice, those who come to see me are highly motivated to change and really a pleasure to work with.

What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks?

I am either seeing clients, writing articles for myself for my freelance work, or putting in social media time (YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and soon to be Facebook). I am also starting to break in to workplace wellness, presenting to the staff of large companies across the city.

What has been your career path?

Like I said earlier, I’ve completed my master’s degree in public health and went to work in public health before moving on to this current career of private practice and freelancing.

What advanced education or special training do you have?

I have a master’s degree in public health nutrition.

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

I would like the dietetic profession to be much more well respected. It means something to be a dietitian and it is not easy to become one, so I do not want anyone out there thinking there are other people who can do our job as good as we can. I would like to see more and more insurance coverage for dietitians, so that finances are less of a barrier for people to come and see us and of course I want the public to know we exist and know what we can do for them.

What misinformation about RDs would you like to clear up?

Any sort of notion that we are glorified personal trainers or that our main area of expertise is providing “diet plans”. Would also like to stop hearing the word “nutritionist”.

What would you like people to know about RDs?

I would like them to know that with only a modest amount of time together and a modest expense, we can help revolutionize the way they see and think about their food and heath.

What are challenges you encounter as a RD?

I would love dietitian’s to be seen more as dentists. Just like you go to clean your teeth, you come to us to clean your diet. That would also mean that most people would have as comprehensive insurance coverage for us as they would for a dentist, that would help a ton!

What are you passionate about in dietetics?

Helping people live longer and healthier lives is a very big motivation for me. There are so many people out there working hard and doing amazing things for themselves and their families, it pains me to see they don’t take that extra bit of time to eat smart and take care of themselves.

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

I actually wrote an article on this topic for my blog and I believe the one thing that really sets us apart is our ability to connect and build rapport with people. The nature of our practice means we get to spend more time with our clients than other health care practitioners (generally speaking) and I think that is conducive to building strong and meaningful interactions.

What is your favourite meal?

That is a tough one. Probably breakfast, I eat bananas and either avocados or sunflower seeds for breakfast every day. I am not a vegan, but I am proud to enjoy a vegan meal once a day.

More about Andy:

Facebook: Andy De Santis - Registered Dietitian
Instagram: @AndyTheRD
Twitter: @AndyThaRD
Youtube: Dudes Talk Nutrition
Blog: Andytherd.com/blog
Website: Andytherd.com

Thanks Andy! 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: Lyndsay Hall, RD, CLC

LYNDSAY HALL

WIC, PUBLIC HEALTH

for something nutrishus

Working for a federal program, Lyndsay has a mix of hands-on counseling and management duties. Since obtaining her degree she has been moving up the ranks at the WIC Program and continues to pursue educational opportunities in her field. I too enjoy working with children/teens as we strive to support the development of lifelong healthy habits. 

Why did you become an RD?

I became an RD because I love food. I love the way it can create a sense of togetherness and happiness as well as the importance of it in every aspect of human life.

What area of dietetics do you work in?

Public Health

How would you explain what you do?

I help families grow stronger and healthier together. I supervise and practice as an RD and
lactation consultant in the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program that focuses on educating low to middle income families on small changes they can make to help their children or themselves thrive. The WIC program is a supplemental food program that provides nutritious foods such as whole grains, milk, eggs, cheese, yogurt, and fresh fruits and vegetables to qualifying participants. We act as an expert resource in the community for both nutrition and lactation support.

What are your 'typical' daily/weekly tasks?

I work in clinic 2-3 days/wk providing high risk nutrition counseling to clients on various topics related to maternal, infant or child nutrition. In-between appointments and the remainder of the week, I manage staff scheduling, budget, ongoing QA/QI (quality assurance/quality improvement) projects, assign staff monthly duties (and monitor), practice as liaison between our clinic and the state WIC office, manage compliance investigations, outreach, and offer staff guidance as needed.

What has been your career path?

I graduated from Central Michigan University in 2011 with my BSc in Dietetics and was hired in as an hourly Community Nutrition Specialist at Public Health Muskegon County WIC in October of 2011. I was accepted to the part time WIC/Michigan State University Dietetic Internship where Public Health Muskegon County sponsored me to complete it while still able to work part time.

I completed the internship in Nov of 2013 and sat for my registration exam in Dec 2013. After passing, I was hired in full time as a Community Nutrition Specialist at the same employer. Nov 2014 I was promoted to WIC Quality Coordinator and most recently promoted in June 2016 as WIC Supervisor. I've been a practicing dietitian since Nov 2014 since the Community Nutrition Specialist title did not allow me to perform nutrition counseling at that time.

What advanced education or special training do you have?

I am a Certified Lactation Counselor and will be taking the registration examination to become certified in pediatric nutrition (CSP) in November 2016. I will also begin graduate school pursuing a Masters degree in Health Administration beginning August 2016.

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

Dietitians will be licensed as the nutrition expert in all 50 states. Their input will be highly valued as a part of every multidisciplinary team in any health setting. More dietitians will be employed by larger companies to help promote workplace wellness.

What misinformation about RDs would you like to clear up?

RDs do not believe that any specific diet is superior, it is very individualized based on situation. We are humans, too! We will not eat super healthy 100% of the time. We love food and want to help others enjoy it too. We are the nutrition experts - not 'nutritionists', not self proclaimed 'nutritionists', not doctor Oz.

What are you passionate about in dietetics?

Infant and child nutrition. Infants and children depend on the proper nutrition to grow and heal. It is crucial for their development and good habits start young.

What do people think you do for a living?

Make meal plans, eat healthy 100% of the time.

What makes RDs different from other nutrition/wellness professionals?

We know the science behind everything nutrition related. We know biochemistry, organic chemistry and are realistic when applying the knowledge. We won't make you partake in a restrictive diets and do not believe in short term fixes. WE LOVE WHAT WE DO!

What is your favorite meal?

Anything Mexican.

Thanks Lyndsay! Find out more about What RDsDo.

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