What is a dietitian?

Registered Dietitians (RDs) are regulated healthcare professionals who provide safe, reliable, evidence-based care. To become a RD, individuals must:

• Complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition & Dietetics. I received my BSc in Nutrition & Dietetics from Acadia University.

• Complete a 1-year Dietetic Internship with Clinical, Community & Food Service rotations.

• Pass a National Examination. In my case, having studied in Canada, I completed the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination, developed by the Alliance of Canadian Dietetic Regulation Bodies.

• Become registered with a Regulatory Body, responsible for governing / ensuring ethical and up-to-date practice. I am registered with the Nova Scotia Dietetic Association.

• Complete the Continuing Competency Program yearly to prove ongoing professional development and competence.

• While it is not yet mandatory, there is ongoing discussion of Master’s Degrees becoming mandatory as well. I received my MSc in Applied Human Nutrition from Mount Saint Vincent University.

To practice in Barbados, my Canadian certifications were rigorously reviewed by the Barbados Paramedical Professions Council, with whom I must also maintain membership!

will health insurance cover my consultation?

Most Barbadian health insurance companies will cover some degree of Nutrition Consultation sessions. However, there are some stipulations.

• Insurance companies usually require a referral letter from a Physician, with a formally stated diagnosis.

• The next time that you see your doctor, speak to him/her about your desire to work with a Dietitian; their letter can simply recommend Nutrition Counselling for X condition (e.g. dyslipidemia, diabetes, PCOS). Bring this letter with you - a copy will be attached to your completed insurance claim form.

• All insurance companies vary, so when in doubt - give your provider a call! Nutrition is becoming increasingly popular as a means of primary disease prevention, so take advantage of the possibility that you may be covered for a portion of your expenses!

I keep copies of all major, local insurance companies at my office; we also provide swipe capabilities for individuals with Sagicor’s CariCare card.

I have no underlying medical conditions nor am i trying to lose or gain weight. can i still benefit from working with a dietitian?

Absolutely! The narrative that there is only a benefit to working with a Dietitian if someone wants to change their body composition, or manage a medical condition, is false and not serving our overall wellbeing! Regardless of body weight, or health status…EVERYONE benefits from well-balanced, nutritionally-adequate eating habits. Whether you have disease-prevention in mind, or are simply wanting to feel more energetic and overall “better” - I can help! We all deserve to feel confident that we are eating in a way that serves our body and health, even if we currently have “no concerns”.