Job: Nutrition coordinator, Georgia chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
What I do: “Provide pediatricians throughout the state with information on infant/child nutrition best practices and utilizing nutrition programs and services within Georgia.”
How I got into this: “I come from a family lineage of cardiovascular disease, and in an effort to take care of my family, I have always been interested in health, specifically nutrition and how it can impact your life. I have always been fascinated with food and what happens after you eat it. So I became a dietitian.
“Early in my career, I had an opportunity to work in public health and worked for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Education Program for Woman, Infants and Children (WIC). While working in WIC, I had a wonderful opportunity to work closely with families and took special interest in the infant/child population. From that point forward, I focused on pediatric nutrition.”
Best part of the job: “As nutrition coordinator of the Georgia chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, it has given me the opportunity to work with providers that are truly passionate about the health and well–being of infants and children. Our pediatricians are so dedicated and passionate about their patients that it’s such a pleasure just to be able to work with them.”
Most challenging part: “I cover all of the state. I wish that I could clone myself to be able to be in more than one place at a time. Part of my job is going to pediatric practices, which could mean one day being in Cordele, [and] next being in Dalton.”
What people don’t know about my job: “My position is unique. Most dietitians work in a clinical practice, hospital, public health or food-service setting. In my job, I do not provide patient care; I provide resources to pediatricians that provide patient care.
“I coordinate all aspects of nutrition for our pediatrician members, including coordinating the chapter’s Committee on Nutrition and Obesity Task Force. I provide information — from the optimal feeding method of breastfeeding to food allergies.”
What keeps me going: “I do feel each day — by providing nutrition recommendations and best practices — that this information can assist pediatricians in providing optimal care and make a positive impact in their patients’ lives.”
Preparation needed: Registered dietitians must complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree at a regionally accredited university or college in the United States, and course work accredited or approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association. They also are required to complete a CADE-accredited supervised practice program at a health care facility, community agency or food-service corporation or combined with undergraduate or graduate studies. Registered dietitians must pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration and need to complete continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.
Salary: According to the American Dietetic Association’s 2009 Dietetics Compensation and Benefits survey, half the registered dietitians in the United States who have been working in the field for five years or less earn from $51,100 to $62,200 per year. Salaries and fees vary by region of the country, employment settings and scope of responsibility. Salaries increase with years of experience, and registered dietitians who are in management or own a business can earn $85,000 and higher.
- Compiled by John Brieske
Contact us
Got a health care job that you love? Please send e-mail to jbrieske@ajc.com.
