October Highlights: A Month of Projects & Professional Growth
Practice Based Learning
As a freelance dietitian this month I’ve had the opportunity to work on some truly rewarding projects, collaborate with inspiring professionals, and continue pushing forward in the field of dietetic education. Here’s a quick recap of my freelance highlights for the month:
Published in Dietetics Today
We had our first publication in Dietetics Today October Edition where we shared our experiences of running PEEP 2023 with UEA dietetic students. If you want to hear more about PEEP, we do have a blog post from a 2024 PEEP student Lydia.
Co-hosted the PENG Student Webinar on Malnutrition Awareness
Every year we run a PENG webinar for students as part of our webinar and study day education series. This years PENG student webinar was on malnutrition awareness and I co-hosted it with the PENG committee student rep! It was such a rewarding experience to engage with future dietitians and share important insights on this critical topic from specialist speakers.
Submitted the First Draft of the BDA HEI Practice Education Feasibility Report
Another major milestone was completing the first draft of the BDA HEI practice education feasibility report. This project has been a key focus for a few months now, and I’m excited to have proposed models that will help shape the future of higher education dietetic programs. The work involved deep dives into the practicalities of education delivery in dietetics, and I can’t wait to see this project evolve further as we move forward.
Attended the BDA SME Leads Meeting
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do, and attending the BDA SME Leads meeting was an excellent opportunity to discuss ongoing projects with colleagues, all undertaking their own BDA projects. It was great to connect with others who share the same passion for advancing dietetic education and to brainstorm ideas whilst cross-referencing how our projects influence one another that will positively impact our profession. These kinds of collaborations are essential in ensuring we’re always moving forward and adapting to new challenges and opportunities.
Submitted Requirements for New AI Education Tool
A major step forward in my work this month was submitting the requirements for our new AI education tool. This is an exciting project designed to enhance dietetic education by integrating artificial intelligence into our learning processes. It’s a game-changer, and I’m thrilled to be involved in a project that will shape the future of dietetic training. I’m looking forward to seeing how this tool develops and how it will improve the way we educate and support dietetic learners.
Attended the BDA AGM & Elsie Widdowson Lecture Virtually
Lastly, I had the privilege of attending the BDA AGM and the Elsie Widdowson lecture virtually. Both events were incredibly insightful and inspiring. The AGM provided a great opportunity to hear about the latest updates and initiatives from the BDA, while the Elsie Widdowson lecture offered thought-provoking discussions on nutrition science. It’s always refreshing to be part of these events, which reinforce the importance of staying engaged with the broader dietetics community.
Looking Ahead
As October comes to a close, I’m reflecting on all the progress made and looking forward to the exciting projects on the horizon. November is already shaping up to be another busy month, and I can’t wait to continue collaborating with amazing colleagues and contributing to the growth and development of the dietetic field.
Stay tuned for more updates as I continue my freelance journey!
