About Dieticians

As modern medicine makes advances and we learn more about how our bodies function, we see the important role that the food we eat plays on our health. Those in the medical profession that have specialized in studying how food affects our health are dieticians. While the human population strives to stay healthy and active, the role of dieticians is becoming increasingly important and their knowledge is highly sought. The label dietician has many sub-categories and preconceptions that should be clarified.

The Facts

The career field for dieticians is growing rapidly. Patients are becoming more involved with their own health care decisions and are taking note of the impact of food and nutrition on their health. This is leading to a greater demand in the job market for registered dieticians. The licensing requirement for dieticians depends on where it is practiced, but the required fields of study are generally the same. A dietician needs to have a degree that focuses on nutrition, dietetics, anatomy and physiology and food service systems. While some licensing boards require a Bachelor's degree, others only require a number of hours of study in these fields.

Function

The role of a dietician is one of a health care professional that focuses on the diet and nutritional needs of individual patients. One looks at the medical and family history of a patient, his current physical condition and then assesses what foods and nutrients are needed in the diet to optimize or return him to good health. Dieticians that work in more of a public arena are also focused on maintaining health through nutrition, but tend to do it with groups rather than individuals.

Type

There are many different types of dieticians in the work force. Pediatric dieticians specialize in the nutritional needs of patients under 18 years of age.
Research dieticians work mainly in labs, studying the effects of food on our bodies and relaying the results of their research.
Clinical dieticians work alongside doctors and health care professionals as part of a health care team. They study the patient's medical and nutritional history and make recommendations on dietary changes that will affect the patient's problem areas and gear them toward optimal health.
Community dieticians are based in public or government programs such as public schools, camps, resorts and community wellness programs through social services departments. They mainly address the needs of a larger group but may also deal with individuals with special needs. Foodservice dieticians also work with groups rather than individuals. They are employed in schools, prisons, and various cafeteria settings. While community and food service dieticians work with larger groups, their intention is still to help those they serve maintain optimal health through proper nutrition.
Consultant dieticians are those that are in private practice. A consultant may work with individuals on a one-on-one basis or may offer his services to a facility, such as a nursing home.

Significance

The work of dieticians is significant in our overall health and well being. The one thing that people do daily that affects their health is eat. Our bodies react to what goes in to them within hours. Dieticians are speaking out more about how food affects our bodies. As the population in general is looking for a cures to ailments from heart disease to cancer, dieticians are being sought out for their knowledge and expertise on how food affects our health. Their role in modern health care is becoming increasingly essential.

Expert Insight

With the increasing desire for alternatives to modern drugs, the need for dieticians is increasing. People who have been diagnosed with issues such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure or heart disease are seeking dietetic and nutritional advice more than ever before, as they want to steer clear of damaging prescription drugs as much as possible. Insurance companies are now seeing the impact that obesity is having on the need for health care, and many are opting to include nutritional and dietary treatments in their coverage. The future job market for dieticians is looking good, as mankind seeks to maintain optimal health and vitality.

Misconceptions

It is a grave misconception that clinical dieticians care more about the organizations they work for than they do about the individual needs of the patients. It is their love for seeing the weak become strong and the sick become healthy that calls them to the dietary/nutrition field. Working in a hospital setting does not make them care more about HMOs and medical protocol than the well being of those they serve.

Resources

• Current dietary/nutrition news and a link to find a dietician near you.