July Whirlwind: A Month in the Life of a Freelance Dietitian
July has been nothing short of a whirlwind, packed with incredible professional engagements and exciting milestones! For those considering a career in freelance dietetics or student dietitians seeking placement opportunities, here's a peek into what a busy month as a freelance dietitian looks like.
University Engagements: Shaping Future Dietitians 🎓
One of the most fulfilling parts of my work is continuing to engage with the next generation of dietitians through being a visiting tutor and hosting placements. This month, I had the pleasure of collaborating with two fantastic universities:
University of Winchester: As a visiting lecturer, I dived into marking assignments and conducting placement visits. This role keeps me connected to the academic community and allows me to continue to be involved in the future of dietetics.
University of East Anglia: As an associate tutor I returned to UEA (virtually) to provide the placement preparation teaching series & to mark their assignments! This month I have also been working with new members of the UEA teaching team.
UEA Placements: Hosting placements for UEA dietetics students was another highlight. These hands-on experiences are crucial for students to understand the practical aspects of our profession. Watching their growth and enthusiasm is incredibly rewarding. You can read student RD Agatha's practice education experience here.
Celebrating Success: UEA Graduation
UEA Course Directors for the Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy & Dietetic programmes (2022 - 2024)
Attending the UEA Health graduation ceremony was a heart warming experience. Celebrating the achievements of students I've mentored reminded me of the importance of education and mentorship in our field. It's these moments that underscore the impact we can have as educators.
Professional Growth: BDA CAT Roadshow
Continuing professional development is essential in our ever-evolving field. I visited the University of Surrey for the British Dietetic Association (BDA) Common Assessment Tool (CAT) roadshow to help inform the BDA HEI practice education work I am undertaking.
Team GB Menu Analysis 🥇
A particularly exciting project this month was analyzing menus for Team GB and proving recommendations to the head chef on increasing protein content of meals.
Organizing the upcoming PENG Study Day
In addition to teaching and consultancy, I am continuing to organise the 2024 study day for the Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Group (PENG). These events are vital for sharing knowledge and best practices within our community. The interactive sessions and engaging discussions highlighted the importance of continuous learning and collaboration. This will be the 15th event I have organised, and the 3rd large study day! This year it is extra special as its PENG's 40th birthday! Click here for tickets to the event!
Personal Highlight
In addition to all these fantastic work experiences, I had the privilege of attending a best friends hen do, a wedding, and enjoying a relaxing weekend away in the Chilterns. Balancing professional responsibilities with personal joys is essential, and these moments were a wonderful reminder of the importance of taking time to see friends & family and take time to recharge.
July's Key Learning Points:
Your network is your super power: When I ventured into the world of freelance dietetics, I quickly discovered that my network was my greatest asset. In fact, since becoming a freelancer, 100% of my work has come directly from my network. Every project and opportunity has found me, rather than me having to seek them out.
I am grateful for a diversified skillset: Having engaged in various roles like clinical dietetics, teaching, consultancy, and event organisation means I have a wide range of skills which has enabled me to maximise my output this month.
Prioritize Professional Development: Regularly attend workshops and conferences to refine your skills and stay informed about advancements in the field. These also help you to maintain your network with academia, the clinical and the corporate world.
Reflecting and Looking Ahead ✨
Reflecting on July, I'm filled with gratitude for the diverse experiences and opportunities that have come my way. For those considering freelance dietetics or seeking placement opportunities, remember that the journey is as rewarding as it is challenging. This month I have worked too much - my plan now is to fully embrace every opportunity, stay curious, and continue to grow both professionally and personally.
Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for joining me on this exciting journey!
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about freelance dietetics or placement opportunities!
#FreelanceDietitian #Dietetics #Education #TeamGB #BDA #PENG #ProfessionalGrowth
