Our profession, our impact, our people: Marking Dietitians Week through personal reflection and celebration

My back story:

Following surgery for inflammatory bowel disease at the age of 18, I was referred to a dietitian for oral nutrition support at my local hospital. I hadn’t heard of dietitians or dietetics before this experience but receiving support, information and products from my dietitian inspired me to investigate further, particularly as the intervention had a beneficial impact on my recovery and well-being. Once I’d learned more about how to become a dietitian and the type of work it would involve beyond the nutrition support I had received, I knew that’s what I wanted to do… and so I did!

Editor of NHD Magazine

Producing each issue of NHD Magazine involves a hive of activity, which starts months before press day. Co-ordinating the content for the magazine is a challenge in terms of the areas we want to cover for each issue, its quality, credibility and readability.

It makes me proud to see our magazine making its way to readers via post or online, knowing that it’s providing high quality, up-to-date information on a range of relevant topics and supporting CPD within the nutrition and dietetics community.

NHD Magazine offers opportunities to our writers and new contributors to develop or enhance their communication skills and portfolio of work. I always enjoy facilitating this as it strengthens the voice of our profession.

Head of Governance and Quality – Nualtra Ltd

Being an RD within a medical nutrition company presents challenges and rewards when creating products, services and resources that support dietitians in their clinical work and to meet the needs of patients. Navigating the balance of customer needs, regulatory and legislative requirements, clinical expectations and costs are just some of the areas to consider when developing and producing medical nutrition products, services and resources. In my role as Head of Governance and Quality, leading on such matters within a medical nutrition company presents challenges to ensure legal and regulatory compliance across the business whilst facilitating efficiency and improvement where possible.

Launching a new, much-needed and well-received product, service or resource is immensely rewarding; it may have taken years to become a reality. But what really reminds me why working in industry matters is the feedback from clinicians, patients and carers. Hearing that a product, service or resource has made a positive impact and has met their needs always resonates and reminds me that I’m working for something worthwhile. Even less positive feedback has a similar effect, as this encourages me to want to do better for those who need it.

Chair – BDA Industry Specialist Group

Serving on a BDA specialist group committee is a rewarding way to support peers and contribute to projects that help shape our profession. The challenge is balancing ambitious plans for resources, events and communications alongside the busy work and home lives of volunteers. Within the BDA Industry Specialist Group committee, it never ceases to amaze me that we move forward and reach our goals despite these demands. It’s a real testament to the passion and motivation of our team, who keep showing up because they care. Being part of this dynamic reminds me of the tenacity and drive within our profession, which inspires me to keep going and aim high.

This year I’ll be celebrating 20 years of being an RD. I’m not sure where that time has gone but looking back, I’ve been incredibly lucky to have had an interesting and varied career with many amazing people along the way who’ve supported and inspired me:

·         The wonderful team with whom I produce this great publication, NHD Magazine, every month.

·         My co-workers at Nualtra Ltd who consistently develop and produce excellent prescribable medical nutrition products and resources.

·         The committee members I volunteer alongside within the BDA Industry Specialist Group.

·         Kristina Pentieva and Hans Verhagen who I worked with to publish a research paper on nutrition and health claims following the completion of my MSc in 2024.

·         The team I work with on developing total diet replacement products, which have been utilised as part of the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme.

·         My lecturers and mentors at Ulster University.

As Editor of NHD Magazine, I am aware of the magazine’s great value to our readers via the positive feedback we receive from surveys, emails from subscribers and ad hoc feedback in my daily working life. Established for 20 years, NHD Magazine has consistently moved with the times, incorporating new topics to ensure readers are kept informed. This supports our profession to learn and report on innovations and developments, keeping our knowledge and skills moving forward to meet the needs of our patients and clients. The title provides a reliable and respected ‘go-to’ for readers now and in the future.

Within my role as Head of Governance and Quality at Nualtra Ltd, I see medical nutrition and total diet replacement products as a significant part of a healthcare professional’s toolkit. Being part of an industry that develops and produces them makes a difference to the options healthcare professionals have to effectively treat patients or clients. Receiving the right product at the right time can support patients or clients in their treatment goals, which can have a positive impact on their health and well-being, and benefit the health economy.

BDA specialist groups shine a light on the diverse range of specialisms within dietetics. Volunteering as a committee member and being Chair of the BDA Industry Specialist Group benefits other industry-based dietitians who work across a breadth of non-clinical roles. The work within this group helps to promote awareness of this growing area of dietetics, encourages sharing of information and best practice among industry dietitians and offers a network for those who may be working in isolation as a dietitian within a company or organisation.

To round up Dietitians Week 2026, we’re going to put our amazing NHD Magazine team in the spotlight! Everyone in our team plays a vital role in bringing you the latest issue, publishing blogs, creating content for our website and posting across social media. Showing up, bringing their best and making it happen for the nutrition and dietetics profession… these are our people: