Coming Full Circle: Reflections on a Career as a Dietitian

Abstract

The connections between people, careers, events, and decisions provide the focus for this lecture, which traces the story of a 38-year career as a dietitian, spanning the country from east to west, through the centre, and back again. The lecture emphasizes the importance of taking inspiration from family and events, developing and maintaining lifelong friendships, and commitments. Finding opportunity in the midst of adversity is also a theme. The author's career begins with a clinical and administrative experience and moves into the community when she becomes a public health nutritionist. While the budget restrictions of the 1990s were challenging, the author recounts opportunities with key issues such as folic acid, prenatal nutrition, and heart health. A provincial food and nutrition plan was created, including a focus on food security and its connection to poverty. This is linked to the roots of the dietetic profession with the Lillian Massey School of Household Science and Art established in the 1890s. As the author recounts her journey, dietitians are reminded that working with partners and other disciplines provides the foundation for success and will be needed as we address the current issue of obesity.