Ashlee Linares-Gaffer, MS, RDN; Kathryn Lawson, MS, RDN; Haley Hickman, MS, RD

In an ideal world, the profession of dietetics would increase in diversity substantially, particularly on the basis of gender, race and ethnicity. We would have dietetics professionals available to serve and relate to all American residents, and to lead nutrition-focused businesses that meet the needs of consumers. The healthcare industry would acknowledge the value that dietitians play in healthcare in every state; dietitians would be eligible for reimbursement for a robust list of disease prevention and management services and dietitians would be able to write diet and nutrition-related orders in all clinical facilities.

Rafika Al Ghrawi, R.D., L.D.

I was recruited back in 2015 by Nutrition and Diet Center. In Lebanon, it is a renowned clinic for being the first nutrition clinic in the Middle East that provided dietetic consultations and healthy catering.

Adrien Paczosa, RD, LD- CEDRD-S

When I work with patients I help them build a positive relationship with food and their bodies through understanding how food functions in the body. I love explaining biochemistry in a way that makes sense.

Hélène Charlebois BSc, RD

Enough already with ‘I did not know there was a difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist’. This is so old… we need to get our provincial colleges to educate not only the public but first and foremost our fellow HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS like doctors, nurses, physios, etc… let’s look in our own backyard.

Brianna Elliott, MS, RD, LD

My main responsibilities are to help with the planning and nutrition analysis of our 9 different menus and provide nutrition education and counseling to our clients. My job also involves a lot of community nutrition outreach—a couple of my favorite aspects of this are helping run our Summer Meals Program and helping our chefs plan our monthly cooking classes.

Sonja Stetzler, MA, RDN, CPC

In my experience, most people have a narrow view of what dietitians do, and they are surprised when I talk about what I do from a communications perspective.

interviews