This month is not over just yet so we still get a chance to present you our NSAND Featured Member for this month: Anita Davila, BS-NDTR What do you do in the field of dietetics? I work at the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry, my title is Nutrition Program Assistant. In this role I work in community nutrition in the greater scheme, but more specifically in addressing food insecurity. Where did you complete your internship, or which DI are you enrolled in? I am set to start my internship in November through Utah State University, by distance. Utah State University Dietetic Internship Did you always know you wanted to be a dietitian? What inspired you to have a career in nutrition? I didn’t always know. At some point I wanted to be a nurse. It was when I was taking the pre-requisites for nursing that I had to take a basic nutrition course and I had my ah-ha moment. That was almost 10 years ago but I’ve never turned back. What is a fun fact about you? I was honored as the Young Dietetic Technician of the Year at the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetic this past March. It was so surreal to be on that stage and listen to the nice things that were said about me. Hehe What is your best advice for students or younger dietitians on how to network with experienced dietitians? The best way is to get involved! Volunteer! Whether it’s at a local hospital, your local dietetics affiliate, or at FNCE, volunteering for the profession is where it’s at. You’ll get to make important connections and meet people who will be there for you at some point along your path. I actually wrote an article for the Food&Nutrition magazine’s student blog about all of this; check it out here: https://foodandnutrition.org/…/how-dpgs-can-benefit-nutrit…/ Are you a member of any Dietetics Practice Group (DPG) or member interest group (MIG)? YES! I’ve been a member of DIFM DPG Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine for a few years now; I’ve been volunteering for them on their leadership team for the past two years (see my answer above). I’ve been a member of other groups as well; currently, I added LAHIDAN, Public Health Nutrition and Nutrition Education for the Public. Name one thing an RDN could do to benefit the dietetics profession in general. Again I say, get involved. Volunteer for the Academy, volunteer at your local Dietetic affiliate, be in the know of current changes in standards of practice, research, and policy. That is the only way that we can continue to move this profession forward! If you could have a super-power what would that be? Cleaning my house and folding laundry with the snap of my fingers!
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