Heather: Hello, Dietitian Bosses, this is coach Dr. Heather Paulson, and today I'm delighted to be joined by one of our Dietitian Bosses, Allison Andrade. Allison, thank you for being here. Could you tell us a bit about yourself?
Allison: Of course, Heather. Thank you for having me. I recently graduated with my master's in nutrition and completed my dietetic internship. Now, I'm working as both an inpatient and outpatient dietitian counseling veterans. It's been an incredible journey so far, and I'm grateful to have landed this role straight out of my internship.
Heather: That's truly impressive, Allison. Can you share with us what inspired you to begin exploring how to become a registered dietitian?
Allison: My journey into dietetics began in high school, where my passion for nutrition started to take shape. As an athlete involved in multiple varsity sports, I became deeply interested in how nutrition could optimize my athletic performance. Additionally, my younger sister's celiac disease diagnosis introduced me to the world of gluten-free living at a time when it was far less common. Our family's journey of navigating her dietary needs sparked my curiosity even further. Combining my love for science with these personal experiences, I decided to pursue a career in nutrition.
Heather: It's fascinating how personal experiences can shape our career paths. Your dedication to changing schools to pursue your passion speaks volumes about your commitment. How do you think your background as an athlete has influenced your approach to nutrition and your academic journey?
Allison: Being an athlete has definitely impacted my perspective on nutrition and my academic pursuits. While I wasn't a college athlete, my experience as a high school athlete instilled in me a strong work ethic and dedication to my studies. I found ways to balance my passion for athletics with my academic pursuits, even transitioning to become a spin instructor during college. Over time, my focus shifted from perfecting my nutrition solely for athletic performance to understanding its broader implications for overall health and well-being.
Heather: That transition sounds like a significant evolution in your journey. How did your perspective on nutrition change as you delved deeper into your studies?
Allison: As I progressed through college and my master's program, my passion for nutrition grew exponentially. I became increasingly fascinated by the metabolic aspects of nutrition and how food choices can profoundly impact our bodies on a biochemical level. This newfound interest led me to explore research opportunities, both during my undergraduate years and independently. I found myself drawn to understanding the intricate connections between nutrition, metabolism, and long-term health outcomes.
Heather: Your journey is truly inspiring, Allison. Not only have you embraced your personal experiences to fuel your passion for nutrition, but you've also pursued research opportunities to deepen your understanding of the field. As you progressed through your studies, were there any fears or challenges that you encountered along the way?
Allison: Absolutely. While I didn't have many fears during my undergraduate studies, I found myself facing new uncertainties as I entered my master's program and embarked on my dietetic internship. One of my main fears was feeling unprepared for the internship, especially since my master's coursework was more research-focused rather than clinically oriented.
Heather: It's understandable to feel apprehensive about such a transition. How did you overcome these fears and adapt to the demands of the internship?
Allison: Initially, I was nervous about not being ready for the clinical aspect of the internship, but once I started, I realized that the experience was incredibly rewarding. The internship provided a supportive learning environment where making mistakes was not only acceptable but encouraged as part of the learning process. I learned to embrace the opportunity to learn and grow, even if it meant stepping out of my comfort zone.
Heather: That's a valuable lesson for anyone navigating a new learning experience. Were there any specific strategies or mindset shifts that helped you overcome these fears?
Allison: One mindset shift that was particularly impactful for me was realizing that it's OK to have my own professional opinions, even if they differ from those around me. As I gained more experience during the internship, I started developing my own insights and approaches to nutrition practice. While it was initially intimidating to voice these opinions, I learned to trust in my knowledge and expertise.
Heather: It's inspiring to hear how you embraced your unique perspective and professional growth as you discovered how to become a registered dietitian. How do you think these experiences have prepared you for your future career in dietetics?
Allison: I believe that navigating these challenges during my student years has equipped me with the resilience and confidence needed to excel in my career. Learning to embrace uncertainty and view mistakes as opportunities for growth has been invaluable in shaping my approach to dietetics practice. Moving forward, I feel empowered to continue learning, evolving, and making a positive impact in the field.
Heather: That's a fantastic outlook to have. Before we wrap up, do you have any advice for aspiring dietetics students who may be facing similar fears or challenges?
Allison: Absolutely. My advice would be to embrace the journey and trust in your abilities. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, as they are an essential part of the learning process. Surround yourself with supportive mentors and colleagues who can help guide you along the way. And remember, it's okay to have your own voice and perspective in the field of dietetics. Embrace your unique strengths and continue striving for excellence in everything you do.
Heather: Can you share some tips about being a new dietitian?
Allison: As a new dietitian, I've found that staying curious and asking questions is key. The transition from internship to job is significant, and it's okay not to have all the answers right away. I'm fortunate to work in an environment where my coworkers support my learning journey by encouraging questions and providing guidance.
Heather: That sounds like a supportive atmosphere. How do you approach seeking advice from your colleagues?
Allison: I approach seeking advice from my colleagues by presenting specific patient cases or scenarios and asking for their insights. This not only helps me learn from their experiences but also demonstrates my commitment to providing the best care possible for my patients.
Heather: It's great to hear that you're actively engaging with your coworkers to enhance your skills. Can you speak more about the importance of mentorship in your field?
Allison: Mentorship has been invaluable to me as I learned how to become a registered dietitian. Having someone who has walked the path before you to provide guidance, support, and encouragement is incredibly beneficial. Whether it's a formal mentorship relationship or simply seeking advice from seasoned professionals, having mentors has helped shape my career trajectory and fostered my passion for certain areas within the field.
Heather: That's wonderful to hear. Can you share any advice for current dietetic interns who may be listening?
Allison: Absolutely. For current interns, I would emphasize the importance of self-care and not being too hard on yourself. The internship can be challenging and demanding, both academically and emotionally. Prioritize rest and allow yourself to recharge when needed. Additionally, lean on your classmates and seek out mentorship opportunities to help navigate the internship experience and prepare for your future career.
Heather: Thank you for those valuable insights. Can you share how your passions within the field have evolved since starting your journey as a dietitian?
Allison: My passions within the field have definitely evolved over time. While I initially didn't expect to be as interested in certain areas, exposure to different specialties and mentorship opportunities has sparked new interests. For example, working alongside a certified diabetes educator has piqued my interest in diabetes management, leading me to consider pursuing certification in that area in the future. My advice would be to embrace the evolution of your passions and remain open to new opportunities for growth and learning within the field.
Heather: It's evident that you're driven by a passion for helping others and making a meaningful impact in the field of nutrition. What advice would you offer to other aspiring dietitians who are considering starting their own businesses?
Allison: For aspiring dietitians considering entrepreneurship, my advice would be to embrace your passions and don't be afraid to explore new opportunities. Take advantage of your internship to gain exposure to different areas of nutrition and seek out mentorship to guide you along the way as you learn how to become a registered dietitian. Remember that starting your own business is an investment in yourself and your career, and you are worthy of that investment.
Heather: Thank you for sharing your journey and insights with us. If our listeners want to connect with you or learn more about your journey, how can they reach you?
Allison: You can connect with me on Instagram @Andrade.nutrition. I'm always open to connecting with fellow dietitians and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Heather: Thank you once again for sharing your story with us about how to become a registered dietitian. We wish you all the best in your entrepreneurial journey. And for all you aspiring dietitian entrepreneurs out there, visit us as dietitianboss.com!
Allison: Thank you for having me. It's been a pleasure.
