For our final episode of the season, we're bringing you something different. Each of the members of our MNDS team were invited to discuss their "highlight" episode of the year and where they're hoping to take their nutrition career in the future.
Our lovely team members and the episodes they mentioned were:
This episode was produced by the Monash Nutrition and Dietetics Society. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram for updates:
Any questions, comments, queries? Email us - mnds@monashclubs.org
Meghan Hockey is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Nutritionist, currently completing her PhD and working as a Research Assistant, at the Food & Mood Centre. Her research interests focus on the role of diet - particularly dairy consumption - in common mental disorders and cognition. Meghan is also extensively involved with research translation at the Food & Mood Centre, and has delivered a number of workshops and cooking demonstrations, particularly aimed at school-aged children.
In this bite, Meghan shares her past experiences working as a clinical dietician, and how she came about working in Nutrition Psychiatry research. She discusses her multiple placement opportunities in university, and the value of her internship with The Smiles Trial and the Food and Mood Centre. She also shares what it’s like doing her current PhD work and discusses her experience and plans in running her own private practice business.
During the conversation, we discuss:
Meg is our final guest for season two! However, don't fret - we have a surprise final episode in store for you down the line.
Liza Khinsoe is a Nutrition Counsellor at the London Centre for Intuitive Eating, while Bran Ranjithakumaran is a research assistant for the Generation Victoria (GenV) study at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute as well as a private practice dietitian at The Wellness Workshop. Both Liza & Bran strongly advocate for positive food psychology and the utilisation of non-diet and Health At Every Size paradigms. Additionally, they are co-hosts of their own podcast ‘The Pantry Party’.
In this ‘bite’ we talk about:
Books + resources mentioned:
Liza Barbour is an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian as well as a Lecturer and PhD candidate in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Monash University, with over 15 years of practical experience in Community Dietetics and Public Health Nutrition. She also worked as the National Nutrition Programs Manager at Second Bite and is now also a co-owner of an Aussie-made American-style dill pickles business with her husband.
In this bite, Liza shares her career experience in Community Dietetics and Public health Nutrition and her passion in food sustainability, equity. She also talks about her working experience in remote places in Australia, overseas and how they shaped her career and lifestyle. Liza then shares her journey in other job opportunities and discusses the importance of accepting challenges, keep learning and understand your strength and interest.
During this conversation we discuss….
This episode was produced by the Monash Nutrition and Dietetics Society. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram for updates
Any questions, comments, queries? Email us- mnds@monashclubs.org
Kiri Woodington is a remote generalist dietitian at Gidgee healing, which is an Aboriginal Medical service in North West Queensland. She holds three degrees - a Bachelor of Science in Physiology from Monash, a Graduate Diploma in Human Nutrition from Deakin and a Masters of Dietetics from Monash. Kiri’s role involves seeing clients of all ages with recognition as a paediatric dietitian for that area. She is here to offer her insights on life as a remote dietitian and the importance of advocating for such an underrepresented population group
In this bite, Kiri describes how rewarding and different a career in remote health can be. Additionally, Kiri shares tips for students who wish to prepare themselves for taking a remote position post-graduation. She encourages students to be open to taking risks and embrace being vulnerable in order to have new and unexpected experiences.
During this conversation we discuss….
Her key bite was ‘don’t be scared of the unknown’
This episode was produced by the Monash Nutrition and Dietetics Society. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram for updates.
Any questions, comments, queries? Email us - mnds@monashclubs.org
Charmaine Duong graduated from the Monash Nutrition and Dietetics course with Honours in 2016, and has worked as a dietitian in both a clinical and business setting. She has been the Business Development and Marketing Manager for the FODMAP Friendly Food Program and most recently, is the Business Category Coordinator for Coffee, Tea & Milk Additives at Coles.
In this bite, Charmaine shares her experiences specialising in a FODMAP-based company and discusses the roles of a nutrition-educated professional in a business setting. She describes her roles working in both the small business setting and large company. Charmaine also discusses finding herself as a dietitian in a non-clinical setting. She covers some of the diverse range of career opportunities available for nutrition professionals, and emphasises the importance of not settling, but finding work you love and being aware of the many different opportunities to use your nutrition and dietetics degree in the workforce.
During this conversation, we discuss:
Talia Cecchele is an accredited practising dietitian, working in the specialised areas of Disordered Eating and children's health. Originally from New South Wales, and currently based in the United Kingdom, Talia works at Rhitrition clinic and conducts personalised Nutrition consultations. Talia also runs her own business, Talia Cecchele Nutrition, which provides realistic, evidence based advice and nourishing recipes.
In this bite, we explore Talia’s career path, including the highlights and challenges of being an Eating Disorder dietitian in the UK. Tahlia provides valuable advice to those studying nutrition/dietetics about how to best gain experience, and what skills are specifically helpful in the disordered eating field. Working both at a hospital and running her own business, Talia gives a glimpse into her week and what being an eating disorder dietitian encompasses.
During the conversation, we discuss:
Cheryl Ng is a recent graduate, completing the Bachelor of Nutrition Science degree at Monash University in 2019. She has a strong interest in the food industry, with a background in hospitality and just secured herself a 12 month Research and Development Internship at the Health & Happiness Group, which includes the well-known brand Swisse Wellness.
In this bite, Cheryl takes us back to her undergraduate studies and highlights the importance of studying what you are passionate about. Cheryl shares tips and tricks for students who may be wondering how they can make the most of opportunities and differentiate themselves in the job market. Additionally, we discuss how Cheryl has enjoyed her internship role.
During the conversation we discuss:
Alan McCubbin is an advanced accredited sports dietitian with 15 years’ experience in clinical and sports nutrition practice. He has worked in the areas of private practice, research, business management and even created his own book, all within the space of sports nutrition.
In this bite, Alan takes us back through his journey, exploring the origins of the Monash Nutrition course and his experiences early on in the field. He talks us through the pathway and process of becoming a sports dietitian and the various learnings he gained during this time. Alan shares with us the multiple roles he has been in and the ways to upskill and gain training in the allied health field. Additionally, we discuss the realities and misconceptions of what it is like working as a Sports Dietitian and the different jobs possible in this area of nutrition alone.
During the conversation, we discuss...
Rachel Ben David is a qualified dietitian, nutritionist, and a communications professional who is currently working as a full time product developer at Coles Group. She is also the director and founder of The Nutrition Press, a student-run nutrition website.
In this bite, Rachel shares her story of finding Nutrition at a Monash and the benefits that come from learning about what you don’t enjoy. Additionally, she shares how the opportunities she encountered in her university life taught her some very valuable lessons. Rachel also gives a very honest personal review in the challenges and rewards of the workforce, from finding a job that fits to working in the areas of a small business and private practice. Furthermore, she gives hope in how initiative and persistence can lead you to where you want to be.
During the conversation, we discuss...
Alice Bleathman is a newly Accredited Practicing Dietitian who graduated with a Bachelor of Food & Nutrition and Masters of Dietetics from Deakin University. She has also completed her low FODMAP training at Monash University. Her current role involves working at the Gut Started Clinic in Sydney, alongside Marika Day.
In this bite, Alice shares her experiences as a nutrition student, specifically the lessons learnt from undertaking an array of extra-curricular activities alongside her degree. She also highlights the importance of finding what works for you and the role doubt and mentorship can play when deciding on a career path. Furthermore, we discuss the realities of working as a private practice dietitian and her journey to flourishing in women’s health nutrition. Alice also shares some key ‘bites’ for current students, on different ways to upskill and how you can assert yourself in the field.
During the conversation, we discuss...
Mentioned Resources
This episode was produced by the Monash Nutrition and Dietetics Society. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram for updates.
Any questions, comments, queries? Email us - mnds@monashclubs.org
Dr Zoe Davidson is an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian specialising in paediatric nutrition, as well as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics & Food at Monash University. Zoe recently completed her PhD, with a focus on nutritional management of boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, with a continued research in this area, whilst also balancing being a parent.
In this bite, Zoe sheds light on her incredible journey in paediatrics and her perspective on this branch of Nutrition. She unpacks the significance of foundation learnings and the lessons learned when adapting in the work environment. We explore the importance of timing and timely events, from career opportunities to volunteering to time away from study. She also shares her key ‘bites’ for students, especially for those interested in pursuing a similar career path and the rewards that will be reaped when you’re doing what you love.
During the conversation, we discuss...
This episode was produced by the Monash Nutrition and Dietetics Society. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram for updates:
Any questions, comments, queries? Email us - mnds@monashclubs.org
In the season finale of The Next Bite, we are joined by nutrition ‘power couple’, Julia Bazan and Cam Cayazaya. Julia graduated from Monash with the Bachelor of Nutrition & Dietetics degree in 2018, and has since gone on to work in various clinical settings before landing a role as the Dietitian at the Monash University Health Service. Cam is set to graduate from the Monash Masters of Dietetics this year, so offers great insight to the Masters program for prospective students.
In this bite, we have an insightful conversation around the resilience and level of transparency required to be an effective graduate dietitian. Both Julia and Cam have fantastic, 'fresh' wisdom to share on forging your career path and building skills outside your university studies.
This episode wraps up season one of The Next Bite. Thank you for listening and we will be back in your ears soon!
Lauren Marino is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian and Personal Trainer. Lauren graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics degree in 2016, and has since worked clinically and in private practice. Her Instagram account, @lm_nutrition created as a student now has over 30k followers.
In this bite, Lauren gives fantastic insight into how social media is changing the nutrition space, and the responsibility that nutrition students and professionals have to be advocates for evidence-based nutrition in the online sphere. She gives great detail about the placement she completed as part of her degree, and we discuss the importance of knowing your worth both as a student and dietitian. Lauren is also in the process of becoming an accredited Sports Dietitian, so she tells us all about that process too.
This episode was produced by the Monash Nutrition and Dietetics Society. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram for updates.
Any questions, comments, queries? Email us - mnds@monashclubs.org
Dr Nicole Kellow is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian with a strong interest in the management of diabetes. She has gained many accreditations since completing her Bachelor of Science degree in 1996, including the completion of her PhD in 2017 and being a 2018 recipient of the NHMRC Early Career Research Fellowship. She has also worked in rural and metropolitan areas in both Australia and the UK. Currently, she works as a Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Monash University.
In this bite, Nicole brings her characteristic sense of humour and wisdom to the podcast. We discuss how the opportunity in working as a rural dietitian, how she got into full-time research and found her specialty. Nicole explains the importance of 'saying yes' to opportunities through being willing to have a conversation and ask lots of questions. Her insightful career journey is testament to the fact that opportunities can arise where you least expect - such as striking a conversation in a waiting room.
This episode was produced by the Monash Nutrition and Dietetics Society. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram for updates:
Any questions, comments, queries? Email us - mnds@monashclubs.org
Roxanne is a qualified nutritionist who has worked in the Australian food industry for almost four years. Former president of MNDS, she graduated from Monash University in 2016 with the Bachelor of Nutrition Science degree. However, prior to her nutrition degree, she had also completed a Bachelor of Commerce at Melbourne University, making her career journey and skill set very different to most.
In this bite, Roxanne debunks many of the myths we commonly hold surrounding nutritionists who work in the food industry. We discuss how she decided to make the switch from commerce to nutrition, why she decided to not pursue dietetics and how she landed a highly-coveted role at Simplot Australia. Roxanne explains the merit and opportunity contained in a nutrition undergraduate degree and what a day in her life as a corporate nutritionist looks like.
This episode was produced by the Monash Nutrition and Dietetics Society. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram for updates:
Any questions, comments, queries? Email us - mnds@monashclubs.org
Janeane Dart is currently a senior lecturer in the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food here at Monash University and has over 25 years experience as a clinical dietitian. Her work has taken her across the world - working in places such as Kings College in London and in the Gastroenterology department at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. She has a strong interest in professionalism in the field of dietetics, which forms the subject of her pHD that she is currently completing.
In this bite, Janeane shares the story of her early career and the events that took her around the world as a dietitian, eventually specialising in gastroenterology. We discuss how Janeane entered the world of lecturing, and how a culmination of her experiences formed the basis of her pHD. Throughout the podcast, Janeane offers wonderful 'bites' of wisdom. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did!
Links discussed:
BOOK - Empathy - Why it Matters and How to Get It: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20893507-empathy
This episode was produced by the Monash Nutrition and Dietetics Society. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram for updates:
Any questions, comments, queries? Email us - mnds@monashclubs.org