A Healthy Career

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A HEALTHY CAREER			NURTURE A CAREER AS A DIETITIAN OR A NUTRITIONIST ADVISES MONAROSE PEREIRA...

The media spotlight on good health and the increasing awareness of various health issues has opened up vast avenues for health professionals, especially dietitians and nutritionists. DIET OR NUTRITION—THE DIFFERENCE According to Dr Kasturi Sen Ray, reader, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, SNDT Women's University, "Nutritionists learn about the science and composition of food, its effect on the body, its fate after ingestion and so on. Nutrition covers clinical nutrition, food safety, food science, community nutrition, dietetics as well as sports nutrition. On the other hand dietitians are concerned with diet, especially therapeutic diets for patients. In effect nutritionists have in depth theoretical knowledge, where as dietitians work on the application of nutritional knowledge." Asha Kurian, senior dietitian, Talwalkars Gym, who holds a MSc in food, nutrition and dietetics offers another explanation—"Dietitians are experts in food and nutrition and promote good health through proper eating. They supervise food preparation and service, develop modified diets, participate in research, and educate individuals and groups on good nutritional habits. Dietitians are of various types—clinical, community, foodservice, research, administrative, consultant etc. Nutritionists however are health specialists who specialise in food and nutritional science. Thev also advise on health related dietary issues," she says.	should pursue the relevant courses at the undergraduate and post graduate levels. Science students who take up subjects like physics, chemistry, home science and biology are at an advantage. At the undergraduate level one can opt for a BSc in nutrition and dietetics or graduate in home science, food science and technology, medicine, hotel management or catering technology Then at the post graduate level one can go on to a two year masters programme in dietetics and nutrition or a one year PG diploma in the same. Many students also do a professional internship as a part of their PG courses. After post graduation one can then opt for a PhD programme and go into research. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES "It is important for dietitians and nutritionists to establish a good rapport with patients if they want their advice to be accepted and understood," says Asha Kurian, senior dietitian, Talwalkars Gym. Good writing skills that aid in writing reports along with planning and administrative skills are also important. Patience and a genuine concern for people and their well being are necessary and more over, dietitians and nutritionists need to be fit and healthy themselves, to set a good example. REGISTRATION "Reesitration for a diet or nutrition professional is not compulsory, but it is preferred. Dietitians may obtain a certificate from the RD Board which is associated with the Indian Dietetic Association (www.idaindia.com)," informs Dr Ray "The Registration
		Board of the Indian Dietetic Association conducts an annual exam and evaluates dietitians on then-theoretical and practical knowledge of dietetics and nutrition,"adds Kurian. REMUNERATION "Professionals in the field start at Rs 4000-5000 and can make upto Rs 15000 -Rs 20000 per month," says Rajeev Goenka, BFY—a health and fitness training academy. "More over personal dietitians and nutritionists, these days charge Rs 300-1000 per clinical sitting and some also charge as per the kilograms of weight loss," he adds. OPPORTUNITIES Leading fitness guru Leena Mogre points out that there is tremendous scope for diet and nutrition professionals and personal and celebrity trainers. As per Dr Ray, nutritionists can also find work in research, development and quality control departments in the food industry. There is opportunity for them to teach, join clinical research groups, work as entrepreneurs or in product development, nutrition marketing, nutrition communication etc. Dietitians may find employment as consultants, work in hospitals or under medical practitioners on specific diseases and so on. Both groups can also work in public education programmes, with NGOs or bilateral agencies. Further, for sports nutritionists who are trained in	sports, fitness and wellness sciences, the scope is vast. Both athletes and regular persons interested in remaining fit are their clients and many a times they are employed in health, rehabilitation and sports centers as well. Opportunities exist in gyms, spas, hospitals, five star hotels, corporate offices, nursing care facilities, out patient care centers, offices of physicians etc. Experienced dietitians may move up the ladder to positions such as director or associate or assistant director of a dietetic department or may start their own venture.. Some dietitians go on to specialise in areas like renal, diabetic, cardiovascular, or pediatric dietetics. Others become sales representatives for equipment, pharmaceutical, or food manufacturers. Professionals can even go all the way to the Olympic panel, like Dr Ray has. The very fact that an Indian professional is on the Olympic panel is a sign that the field is growing and gaining recognition. INSTITUTES Government • National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad (www.icmr.nic.in) • The Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad (www.jntu.ac.in) Private • Rajeev Goenka's BFY • Leena Mogre's Specialised Fitness Gym Many home science and catering institutes also conduct courses in the field.
ELIGIBILITY For a career in dietetics and nutrition after class 12, one