About Dietitians
Find a DoctorRegistered Dietitians are experts in the field of food and nutrition. They generally have completed a Bachelor's degree in an accredited science or nutrition program and then either seek a Master's Degree or internship allowing them to gain hands-on experience. They are governed by regulatory bodies and must complete a registration examination to be able to start practice in their respective state/province.
Registered Dietitians may practice in many different settings such as providing care to patients through private clinics, working directly with other healthcare providers, or through research and advising public policy. Through collaboration with patients and other healthcare providers, Registered Dietitians advise on food and nutrition to promote a healthy lifestyle, help to treat chronic diseases, and disease prevention. Some examples of topics that a Registered Dietician may help you with include diabetes, high cholesterol levels, malnutrition, cancer, food allergies and restrictions, digestive concerns, pregnancy and breastfeeding, infant and child nutrition, and many more.
Some patients may be wondering, is there a difference between Registered Dietitians and Nutritionists? The main difference here is that Registered Dietitians are protected titles, meaning they are regulated. They have a degree in food and nutrition from accredited programs and undergo comprehensive training. Nutritionists on the other hand are not regulated, they often have completed privately owned training programs that may vary in length and depth.
Registered Dietitians may work as part of a team of other health care professionals like Family Doctors, Nurses, Physiotherapists, Gynecologists and Obstetricians, Oncologists, and more. Registered Dietitians may also work independently in a clinic or private practice to provide nutrition counseling for patients.
Resources: Dietitians of Canada, Commission on Dietetic Registration
