Selecting the correct career is a crucial decision with far-reaching implications. It is a choice that will shape your future, underscoring the importance of making an informed decision.
Over the next few weeks, The African Reporter will engage with business people, professionals and other role players, focusing on a specific career every week.
By doing this, we aim to provide valuable guidance to our younger readers navigating their career choices. This week, we give a platform to the dietitian career. Cara Duvenage is a registered dietitian and a SA-certified lactation consultant.
“I completed my community service year in the clinics in the Ekurhuleni health district in 2021. Since January 2022, I have worked in various private sector settings,” she said.
What is a dietitian?
A dietitian is a qualified and trained medical professional specialising in food and nutrition.
What do dietitians do?
Dietitians help people prevent, treat and manage disease with dietary changes.
• They assess patients’ nutritional needs and health concerns;
• They create personalised meal plans based on individual requirements;
• They help patients manage chronic conditions;
• They teach patients about nutrition and dietary requirements/ habits;
• They track patients’ progress,
• They research the effects of nutrition on health.
What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?
Dietitians are regulated professionals who complete a degree in dietetics, do practical training and register with a professional board. Nutritionists might not need formal training and are not always regulated.
Where can I study to become a dietitian, and how long does it take?
To become a registered dietitian in SA, you must complete a four-year degree in dietetics and do a one-year compulsory community service. One also needs to keep the continuous professional development points up to date with the newest research and findings in the field of nutrition.
