Competency Is More than a Credential

Abstract

We have begun our second month as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. One of the many reasons for adopting this name is to signify that we—individually and collectively, as an organization and a profession—stand at the forefront of the global profession of dietetics. Our name signals the ever-increasing impact we will—and must—make on the nutritional health of people throughout the world in the coming years and decades. To remain at the forefront, and to ensure the public's nutritional health is protected and improved, requires us to stay competitive in the marketplace, to keep current on professional developments, and to challenge ourselves to grow in workplace skills and in new opportunities. While access to information and resources has never been easier, it is possible for us to fall behind. When we don't keep up with changes in research and professional knowledge, our obsolete practices can leave others disappointed or denied effective treatments. We must make professional development and continuing education a priority—beyond what is required to maintain our credentials. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers opportunities to do just that. Indeed, new programs and initiatives are being developed every day for us to consider. The gold standard for continuing education and professional development is the annual Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo, or FNCE. According to an October 2011 report by the Academy's Professional Development Team to our Board of Directors, nearly all attendees (99%) say they attend for the “educational topics” and the “ability to earn CPE credits for their professional portfolios.” More than 20 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) credit are available during FNCE. New programming has been extremely popular, such as point-counterpoint debates on issues like nutritive vs non-nutritive sweeteners, and whether antibiotics from consuming animal products could cause resistance in humans. Above all, FNCE offers outstanding opportunities for networking with colleagues, vendors, and our excellent speakers. The Center for Professional Development (CPD) continually offers programs to advance our knowledge and provide continuing education opportunities. Increasingly, programming is available right at home or in the office, allowing members to learn at our own convenient pace. Recent online modules explore topics such as cultural competence and vegetarian approaches for diabetes. In January, the Center released the first online training program in leadership—the first program to be offered outside the Academy's popular Leadership Institute. “Developing Your Role as a Leader” is an online certificate of training program that focuses on enhancing leadership skills for all members. Check it out on the CPD Web site at www.eatright.org/cpd. We all can grow in our leadership abilities! Countless education opportunities are available. Click on “Accredited Providers” on the Commission on Dietetic Registration's Web site, www.cdrnet.org, where dozens of programs approved for registered dietitians (RDs) and dietetic technicians, registered (DTRs), are listed. Lifelong education is one crucial component of professional development. Many opportunities are tailored for member needs within the Academy. A wonderful way to put your talents to work is to volunteer for Academy committees, task forces, or boards. Your willingness to serve is evident on the Board of Directors, House of Delegates, Commission on Dietetic Registration, Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education), affiliate and district boards, and practice and member interest groups. Every time you volunteer, you make new friends and gain leadership skills. Professional development also occurs when you review a professional tool or resource for publication, or participate on an expert panel for position papers or evidence analysis workgroups. You can even prepare background information for legislators, regulators, the media, or other health practitioners; serve as a volunteer media spokesperson for your affiliate or for the Academy; or serve as a preceptor for students or as a mentor to a new RD or DTR. No matter what the role, you can make a difference! When looking for professional development opportunities, ask yourself: “Is this program worth my time? Does it stretch beyond my comfort zone? Will it help me compete in the marketplace, becoming more valuable to my employer, clients, or patients?” If it isn't a stretch, keep looking. Learn and apply new knowledge—that's where the real potential for advancement awaits you.