Embracing a Unique Path: My Alternative Dietetic Journey

In celebration of BDA Dietitian's Week 2024, I want to share my story of becoming a dietitian. If you’re intrigued by alternative paths in the world of dietetics, buckle up and join me in this reflective blog post!

The Unconventional Start

I shared how I began my career in an unconventional way on social media, starting as the Fit for Living Dietitian at Surrey Sports Park. But not many people know the full story of how I landed that job, & it wasn't through a job advert!

During a Nutrition Society event, I was captivated by one of the speakers Jonathan who was sharing his health journey after being diagnosed with cancer several times. After his talk, driven by a mix of inspiration and boldness, I walked up to him and blurted out a somewhat strange request: "Do you have any jobs?" He responded with a curious "What do you do?" After explaining that I was a newly qualified dietitian and sending him my CV, we arranged to meet for lunch. We discussed my recent work, and within weeks, I found myself working full-time as their Fit for Living Dietitian.

Building Foundations and Gaining Experience

In my role at Surrey Sports Park, I managed ten weight management programmes for Surrey & Waverley CCG, a self-funded programme, and a dietetic clinic. This hands-on experience was invaluable, but I knew I wanted to gain experience working with more experienced dietitians to grow my knowledge and skills.

I was hired by the dietetic department at Frimley Park Hospital where I co-developed a weight management programme to address the increasing number of referrals for weight reduction advice. Alongside running the programme, I worked as a rotational dietitian across various wards including elderly care, oncology, respiratory, AMU, gastro & surgical.  My diverse clinical experience, led to my role as a Specialist HPB Dietitian at the Royal Surrey. Within this role I gained experience with complex surgical patients requiring artificial nutrition. I also began supervising dietetic students on their placements and teaching the odd lecture on the BSc Dietetics programme at the University of Surrey.

Transitioning to Education

Teaching quickly became a passion. My involvement in the BSc programme, and undertaking the NIHR ICAP programme, opened doors, allowing me step into my first teaching role at the University of Surrey. I absolutely loved working with students, teaching them, building their communication skills & supporting their journey on the way to become a registered dietitian. 

In this role I kept up my clinical experience, working in a high secure mental health hospital and co-developing and facilitating another weight management programme for families funded Surrey CCG. 

My experience at Surrey was pivotal, paving the way for my next big step: establishing a new programme and serving as the Course Director for the MSc Dietetics programme at the University of East Anglia. 

The Freelance Frontier

Now, after nine years in dietetics, I have decided to embrace the freelance side of dietetics. This phase of my career is about leveraging my diverse experience to revolutionise dietetic education.  At present, I am working on various projects with universities, the BDA, and the Priory, as well as offering non-clinical practice education opportunities to help shape others alternative routes in dietetics! It’s an exciting time, filled with potential and promise.

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on my journey, I’m grateful for the unconventional choices and the supportive mentors, colleagues and friends who have guided me. Looking back, I now realise that I was an educator from the beginning and facilitating managing weight programmes gave me the confidence, skills & experience to help shape future dietitians in their educational journey, has been a building block towards my current endeavours.

As I continue to explore new projects and innovative approaches, I remain committed to advancing the field of dietetics. My journey is a testament to the endless possibilities within this profession, and I hope it inspires others to consider alternative routes in their careers.

FAQs

1. What inspired you to pursue dietetics?

My parents have ran a restaurant since I was young so I always grew up with an interest in food & nutrition! I explored the possibility of working in the food industry but I wanted to work with people so I started to explore possibilities within healthcare. When visiting a University open day for food science, I walked over to the stand for medicine and one of the lecturers asked me what I felt passionate about. I replied 'food & helping people' and they introduced me to the role of the dietitian. 

2. How did you manage to transition from clinical roles to educational roles?

My clinical experience provided a strong foundation for working in education. I became very confident in communicating, having difficult conversations and was supported to engage in further education. In addition to this, engaging in the supervision of students in a clinical role and lecturing both provided me with an insight to working in education. 

3. What projects are you currently working on as a freelance dietitian?

I’m doing some lecturing, marking and a project across a few universities, & the BDA.. I also have various projects up my sleeve aimed at revolutionising dietetic education.

Wrapping Up

My alternative route in dietetics has been anything but ordinary, but looking back every role shaped who I am today and I wouldn't have it any other way. For those considering a career in education, or looking to pivot within it, know that unconventional paths can lead to incredible opportunities.