Davis Dietetics- Accredited Practicing Dietitian
WHAT DO THEY DO?
HOW CAN THEY HELP?
What does a Dietitian do?
Dietitians translate scientific information about nutrition into practical advice about what to eat.
Dietitians:
- Assess people’s nutritional needs;
- Develop personalized eating plans and nutritional guidelines;
- Provide information on:
- Healthy eating;
- Reading food labels;
- Choosing the best foods when shopping and eating out;
- Healthy ways to prepare food.
- Sort out nutrition fact from fiction;
- Undertake nutrition and food research and
- Train health care professionals.
What qualifications do Dietitians have?
A dietitian needs to undertake 4 years of university studies in nutrition and dietetics including 6 months clinical training
or
complete a 3 year science degree followed by a 2 year masters degree in nutrition and dietetics including 6 months clinical training.
What is the difference between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist?
Accredited Practicing Dietitian’s (APD’s) have completed their university training through courses accredited by the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) as well undertake ongoing training and education. They also need comply with the Association’s guidelines for best practice. They are committed to the DAA Code of Professional Conduct and Statement of Ethical Practice to provide quality service.
In contrast a ‘Nutritionist’ is a non-accredited title that may be used by ADP’s as well as qualified nutrition scientists and graduates of nutrition degrees. There are no rules governing the use of this title, so people with limited nutrition training may also use it. Always enquire about the qualifications of a nutritionist.
Who are the Dietitians Association of Australia?
DAA is the largest professional nutrition-focused body in Australia. DAA’s mission is to support dietitians, promote better food, better health and better living for all. All APD’s are members of DAA. For more information visit www.daa.asn.au
How can a Dietitian help?
A dietitian ties together the science of nutrition with that of human behaviour and clinical training. Nutrition is fundamental for all aspects of health including growth, development, continuing maintenance of health, well-being, recovery from disease and immunity. A dietitian can assess your diet and lifestyle and provide diet counseling to help treat a number of illnesses like:
Diet modifications can also help with the treatment of:
Dietitians can help get you off the dieting merry-go-round and help you make changes that will remain for a lifetime. So for nutritional assessment or help managing your diet and lifestyle make an appointment to see a dietitian.
What happens when you see a Dietitian?
The dietitian will assess your medical history, family history and any current medications. They will also discuss your GP referral, blood tests you may have and your food diary if you kept one.
Weight, height and body composition are also usually taken. Your diet will then be assessed and a management plan will be devised based on your needs.
This may include education and/or a diet plan. You should allow least an hour for your first consultation.
There is no set number of visits, further visits are made according to your needs. It is entirely up to you. Typically client may expect to need fortnightly to monthly visits for the first six months, then 6 monthly visits for the next 2 years for effective diet modification and continuing education. Occasionally, a single session will be sufficient to provide people with appropriate and useful information.
Sarah Davis (APD)
BSc (Hons), MNutrDiet, MDAA
Medicare Provider Number: 2804092J
Health plus Chiropractic
52 Dunmore and Garfield Streets
Wentworthville 2145
Phone: 02 9631 8944
Fax: 02 9631 2984
sarah.davis@dietitian-sydney.com
GP’s can also download patient reports online from our password secure GP only page at
www.dietitian-sydney.com/gppage.html
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