Update on me – and what I am doing now. (part one)
I know most of you reading this already know this, but I am a career changer from the world of writing and communications, UX, and a little bit of broadcasting, to health care. As I have mentioned previously, I am a certified integrative health coach, but am also pursuing my Master’s of Public Health in Nutrition, with the Registered Dietitian credential at the University of North Carolina. I live in California, so my courses, and public health required hours are remote. After I graduate, I will complete my in-person clinical and food service hours at a hospital before sitting for the RD exam. Phew!
I have learned so much since I started the program in January 2021. I had been taking science pre-requisites for a couple of years prior to this, but finally took the plunge and applied to programs. UNC was my top choice, as I am interested in public health nutrition along with a clinical background.
Why did I choose to go the traditional route and pursue my RD credential? And why public health? Well, that’s the subject of an upcoming blog post! For now, I will say, it’s because of a few reasons. One, to work in a capacity that can impact either patient nutritional health in a medical setting or to work on the community-level , one needs the RD credential. It’s just the way it is. Also, I am drawn to that which is backed by evidence. I’m not sure if I will work in clinical dietetics, but if I do choose, for example, to work with patients suffering from celiac disease or another condition, I would be able to legally provide medical nutrition therapy tailored to manage those disease states. That’s very important to me.
Secondly, the reason I chose a Master of Public Health, rather than a Master of Science, is because I would also be trained to work with non-profits, communities, and government agencies on nutrition programs for the people who need them the most. To many people, “public health” means “the pandemic,” and this provokes a strong reaction in them. It either repels them, or makes them feel protected. The reality is obviously much more nuanced, and about balance. Also, I did not learn anything about the pandemic or infectious diseases in my courses, as my focus is nutrition. It’s been so eye-opening, humbling, and fascinating to learn about the world of public health and how it applies to nutrition. In addition, I did take my core public health courses, but the topics were mainly the health effects of climate change, maternal and infant health, health equity, and health disparities.
Why did it take so long? Well, there were a few contributing factors, one which was just me taking time off from this endeavor to work in my previous field. In addition, to get into a clinical program in an allied health profession, one must either have a B.S. in the sciences or previous clinical experience. I had neither, as an English major, a communications professional, and a health coach. So, I had to take many prerequisites in the sciences, such as physiology, chemistry, organic chemistry, microbiology, anatomy, genetics, and a few more. This took quite some time, as I did it at a community college. Let me tell you – that was an experience! Taking those undergrad courses at my advanced age, on campus, was humbling and I definitely felt my age! Everyone was so kind, however, and I really felt like the “class mom” in my community college pre-reqs.. 😀 Thankfully, my graduate program was online, and included professionals of all ages in the classes (from 25-70!).
I hope to combine my career and experience in corporate communications with nutrition, dietetics, and public health in my future endeavors. On here and in my career, I hope to integrate “science and spirituality,” “holistic” and traditional health- I find myself straddling both worlds. During these polarized times, I hope to continue to walk the middle ground, especially when it comes to health care and nutrition. It can be a lonely road sometimes. In the past two years, it’s been more and more difficult to not be caught up in the tides of extreme polarization. I have found that road to be easier: choosing a team, picking a “side.” But I’ve never been the type to follow the crowd. So we will see how this goes!
By the way, this blog will remain a shame and judgment-free zone. All views are welcome here. No matter what you believe. I also welcome, and never shy away from a polite, reasoned debate. Cheers!
I’ll speak more about what I have learned, how I have (or have not) changed my mind on some things since this blog and podcast started, and more, in a future post.
