In 2019, we started highlighting certain occupations as part of our Student Education Resource. We are doing this as an effort to bring awareness to grade 11, 12 and college students so they can think ahead and do research on various career options available.
To date, we have interviewed: a Pharmacist, Radiologic Technologist, Respiratory Therapist, Optometrist, Speech Language Pathologist, Bike Shop Manager, Correctional Officer, Social Worker, 911 Operator, Police Officer, Nurse, Teacher, Educational Support Staff, Radiation Therapist, Lifeguard, Firefighter, Music Professional, Paramedic, Engineer, Medical Laboratory Professional, Actor, Non-Profit Organizations, Dental Hygienist, Flight Dispatcher, Insurance Professionals and a Marketing professional.
We discussed the reality of their day to day work and asked them for advice on succeeding in their respective fields. Check out these interviews by visiting our “Student Career Resource”.
Today we are proud to share an interview with Kelsey Kendall a Dietitian.
What is a Dietitian?
A dietitian is a regulated health professional who is passionate about the potential of food to enhance lives and improve health. We translate the science of nutrition into practical recommendations without fads or gimmicks. We collaborate with our patients, clients, communities and other health professionals to embrace food, to understand it, and to enjoy it.
How do we become a Dietitian?
It takes about 5 years to become a dietitian! First you need a degree in human nutrition and dietetics from an accredited university program, and then you complete an internship which is supervised practical training. The length of internship programs vary but are typically about a year long. After that you must write the national Canadian Dietetic Registration Exam (CDRE).
Who should see a dietitian?
Everyone can benefit from seeing a dietitian! I work with clients who are looking to manage a medical condition such as diabetes or high cholesterol, but also people who have busy lifestyles and are looking for strategies to eat healthy with limited time, how to meal plan, digestive issues such as IBS, the list goes on!
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your profession?
There is so much misinformation about nutrition in the world today. Most clients come in feeling very overwhelmed and confused by what they’ve heard or read online. It is very rewarding to be able to debunk myths, provide advice that they can easily incorporate into their life, and see that food stress diminish. You don’t just see a client once, you support them throughout their wellness journey and to see their success long-term is one of the best parts of my job!
Leave us with a fun fact about your occupation?
A fun fact about dietitians is that we are NOT the food police! Often people think that I must not eat chocolate, take-out or ice cream, but one of the reasons why I became a dietitian is because I love all food! I believe that having a good relationship with food where we can enjoy all foods as part of a balanced lifestyle is key.
How can we contact you?
You can reach me at 506-238-4793, by email at Kelsey.kendall@loblaw.ca, or on my Facebook page @DietitianKelsey
Thank you so much for including me in this series . Students can reach out to me at any time for more information or to chat if they are interested.
Kelsey Kendall, RD