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E-Newsletter • January 2025 |
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Editor's E-Note
Does Your Career Path Need a Makeover?
It’s the top of a new year, which for some may invite thoughts of taking their career in a new direction. As many of us already know, the field of dietetics presents a cornucopia of opportunity, often spurred by individual initiative and imagination. While many so-called traditional jobs in dietetics are on track to see an above-average rate of growth over the next decade,1 many opportunities can be increasingly found in nontraditional settings as well. A need for qualified nutrition experts exists almost everywhere we look. Dietitians are no longer found only in conventional settings such as the clinic or academic arenas; they’re applying their expertise to a wider range of leadership roles, consulting in software and product development, supporting evidence-based marketing, and finding novel ways to deliver nutrition education and care to more specialized groups and individuals.
In this month’s E-News Exclusive, Today’s Dietitian (TD) shares personal stories and perspectives from dietitians who reflect on what excites and surprises them about this opportunity-rich profession. We explore what it means to apply ingenuity and creativity to envisioning that next career step while celebrating being a part of the impactful community of dietetics.
After reading the article, visit TD’s website at www.TodaysDietitian.com to read the digital edition of our January issue. There you can find featured articles, “Supplements for Athletes,” “Unpacking Non-Dietitian Nutrition Credentials,” “Food Waste Solutions in the Next Farm Bill,” and “The Risks of Undereating for Weight Loss.” You can also learn more about how to get started with a nutrition nonprofit and join us as we debunk some common misconceptions about the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. |
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Planning Your Next Career Move
Celebrating an Eclectic and Opportunity-Rich Profession
By Heather Davis, MS, RDN, LDN
One of the best parts about pursuing a career in dietetics is discovering just how diverse the job opportunities really are. And they’re often what we make them.
Dina Aronson, MS, RDN, says, “One thing that has surprised me about being a dietitian is the sheer breadth of career opportunities available in the field. Initially, I imagined a more traditional path, but early on I began to overcome what I had perceived as limits to a dietitian role. I’ve discovered that as a nutrition expert, we can shape our career in countless ways—retail, industry, entrepreneurship, tech and innovation, and more. And our own journey is within our control. For example, I never anticipated working in the food-as-medicine space, but following my interests, networking with people inside and outside of the field of dietetics, and saying yes to new opportunities have led me to a fulfilling and unexpected career path. Dietetics is a dynamic field where your passion can truly guide your direction.”
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“It surprised me that there were so few nutrition communications career opportunities when I was a young dietitian. Now, that has totally changed. Dietitians are also creating their own jobs. Working in the media has become an expansive area of specialty for dietitians, and I’m thrilled to see it,” says Janet Helm, MS, RDN.
Alexandria Hardy, RDN, LDN, agrees with Aronson and Helm, saying, “I didn’t know how many opportunities existed for nontraditional jobs. During my internship, we were primarily exposed to the clinical and food service career tracks, and I remember feeling nervous that even though I loved learning about nutrition and teaching, I would never find my niche. Fast forward 15 years, and I’ve had the privilege to work in clinical research, private practice, worksite wellness, outpatient, and the nonprofit world in addition to building my freelance writing portfolio.”
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Deaths From CVD Increased Among Younger US Adults in Rural Areas
CVD deaths increased by about 21% for adults aged 25 to 64 living in rural areas between 2010 and 2022; however, the rate declined by 9% for adults aged 65 or older living in urban areas, according to a study presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2024, and simultaneously published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Using data from the CDC’s WONDER database, researchers analyzed national death data for more than 11 million adults from 2010 to 2022. The study investigated the cardiovascular death rates for people living in rural vs urban (large metropolitan) areas of the United States. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, large metropolitan areas are defined as those with a population of more than 1 million people; small/medium metro areas as those with 250,000 to 999,999 people; and rural areas as those that are near cities with less than 50,000 people or not near any major metropolitan area.
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High-Fiber Diet May Prevent Blood Cancer in People at High Risk
A study suggests a high-fiber, plant-based diet may help slow or prevent the progression of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a precursor to multiple myeloma. Overweight MGUS patients following this diet for 12 weeks saw potential cancer risk reduction through dietary changes, reports U.S. News.
USDA Announces Federal Order for National Milk Testing
The USDA's new "National Milk Testing Strategy" mandates raw milk testing nationwide to combat the spread of bird flu (HPAI H5N1) in dairy cattle, reports CBS News. This initiative aims to ensure animal safety, protect farmworkers, and prevent potential human-to-human virus transmission, addressing risks associated with unpasteurized milk consumption. |
CPE Monthly
Learn about the impact of probiotic intake and supplementation during the pre- and postnatal period in this month’s issue of Today’s Dietitian. Read the CPE Monthly article, take the 10-question online test at CE.TodaysDietitian.com/CPEmonthly, and earn two CPEUs!
2025 Spring Symposium
Registration rates for the Today’s Dietitian Spring Symposium in San Antonio will be increasing soon, so take advantage of savings while you still can. This premier event for registered dietitians and other nutrition professionals features presentations by leading subject matter experts offering valuable CEUs, in addition to abundant opportunities to connect and network with fellow RDs and program sponsors — all in a fun and enjoyable environment!
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Diabetes Management Made Easy
Make diabetes management a little easier for kids with BlueLoop. It’s a diabetes management app designed to track glucose levels, insulin, and medications. It’s useful for families and health care providers and enables easy data sharing, fostering collaboration and ensuring consistent care for individuals managing diabetes. The app can be downloaded on Android and iOS.
Rise to Peak Performance
Rise Nutrition Coaching is an app designed to support RDs and their clients. It offers meal tracking, goal setting, and real-time feedback. Perfect for customizing nutrition plans, monitoring progress, and helping users achieve lasting health and performance results. A demo can be requested on their website. |
In the February Issue
• L-Carnitine and CVD
• An Update on Nonnutritive Sweeteners
• Transforming Hospital Food Culture |
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COVER STORY
Supplements for Athletes
Understand the latest science on trending supplements marketed to athletes, including what claims the research does—or doesn’t—support. Review updates in best practices to follow when considering recommendations.
FEATURE
Unpacking Non-Dietitian Nutrition Credentials
Nutrition credentials run the gamut, and the public may not readily see the distinctions between them. RDs should be able to define their scope of practice as well as explain the differences.
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