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Dietitian
Dietitians apply the science of human nutrition to influence
the eating behaviour of individuals, groups and communities,
and select food to attain, maintain and promote health and
to prevent and treat illness and disease. Dietitians plan
diets for patients and educate people about eating healthy
foods. Some dietitians supervise food preparation and service.
Dietitians use their skills and knowledge to modify diets
to treat medical conditions, and to advise the general public
about eating for health. Thus this occupation requires completion
of a Bachelor Degree or higher qualification undertaken at
universities. Not only that, dietitians must be registered
in the practicing state as many states may have regulatory
laws for dietitians and nutrition practitioners.
There are 4 main types of dietitions
1- Management dietitians are in charge of meal planning
on a large scale. They generally work in large hospitals,
schools, prisons, and cafeterias. Management dietitians hire
and train new workers. They also supervise workers who plan,
prepare, and serve meals.
2- Clinical dietitians who work in hospitals and nursing
homes. They are in charge of providing foods that provide
the correct nutrients for patients. Dietitians talk to doctors
and healthcare workers about patients. Based on patients'
health and nutritional information, dietitians develop diets.
3- Community dietitians work with the public as well as
with patients. These dietitians teach classes about diet
and nutrition. They plan, organize, and prepare materials
for the classes.
4- Consultant dietitians often run their own business. Like
clinical dietitians, they analyze clients' health and offer
diet advice. However, consultant dietitians tend to work
with people who are not patients. Instead their clients may
be healthy or slightly ill and have an interest in changing
their diet. Consultant dietitians may work with businesses
such as restaurants or cafeterias for short periods as advisors.
A dietitian may perform the following tasks:
- counsel and educate individuals and groups on
appropriate diets, menu planning and preparation of food to
treat an illness or disease and/or to enhance and maintain
optimum health
- manage nutrition and related food services in
institutions and the community
- plan, evaluate and conduct nutrition
intervention/education programs for vulnerable groups to
promote appropriate dietary practice in the community
- plan appropriate diets and menus to meet the needs of
individuals whose medical condition can be treated or
controlled by diet therapy
- advise the food industry on product development and
marketing strategies, and provide food and nutrition
information to staff and the public
- develop resource materials for health professionals, the
community, schools and the food industry
- participate in preventative health programs in
industrial health centres, including monitoring canteens and
providing nutrition education and counselling
- conduct and evaluate dietary studies and other food and
nutrition-related research
- develop and administer food and nutrition policies for
government, industry, health institutions and other
organisations
- act as consultants to provide food service assessments,
nutrition education, training and counselling, and research
support to hospitals, nursing homes and other institutions
- consult with medical practitioners and other health
professionals to manage the dietary and nutrition needs of
clients/patients
- participate in the education and training of students,
and medical and other health professionals.
Dietitians have a high level of contact with the public.
Required Skills - Dietitian
- enjoy food and food preparation
- interested in public health and wellbeing
- good communication skills
- able to work as part of a team
- aptitude for science
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