A DIETITIAN is
an individual who has completed a four-year degree programme and a minimum 800-
to 900-hour attachment with a local hospital during training. He/she would have
studied food nutrition, biochemistry and other related subjects.
In short, a qualified
dietitian is a health professional, and food and nutrition expert.
Dietitian is a professional trained in translating the science of food,
nutrition and medical nutrition therapy.
They are
responsible and accountable for patient care, and are equipped with the
knowledge and skills to conduct nutritional assessment, diagnosis and prescribe
medical nutrition therapy, provide dietary consultation for the treatment of
diseases in both acute and chronic care.
Most dietitians
work in hospitals but they also work in universities, governmental agencies,
health departments, health clinics, pharmaceutical companies, food companies,
schools, weight management clinics, media and in private practice.
Depending on
where they work, they are involved in the formulation of policies, protocols,
clinical practice guidelines, planning and implementation of programmes to
support healthcare needs of the population.
