Why did you choose your specific health professional career?
I chose my profession because I believe how we eat and what we eat influences our health and well
being.
What experiences did you have to make sure this profession was right for you?
I did an internship at a diabetes program and discovered the major impact of diet, care/management, and prevention on diabetes. Completing a dietetic internship and understanding the importance of nutrition in all aspects of recovery, disease management, disease prevention, etc. was how I made sure that this profession was a good fit for me.
Describe any obstacles or barriers to success that you encountered along your health professional career path and how did you overcome them?
Obstacles include having to consider financial restrictions, environmental limitations, dietary and physical activity patterns, and the social health of individuals/families in order to provide effective education and counseling that influences lasting behavior change which is also acceptable and meets the needs of the patient and their family. I think considering the stages of behavior change helped me identify where my patients stand and how I can help one move into the action stage of change, rather than intimidating my patient to making major lifestyle changes in an instant. In addition to the stages of change, networking with other health professionals who are experts in medicine, pharmacy, behavioral
health, exercise, etc. has helped me overcome barriers.
What do you do in your current job?
I provide diabetes education, weight management education/counseling, and medical nutrition therapy in individual and group based settings.
What advice do you have for American Indian/Alaska Native students who are interested in health careers?
Take advantage of opportunities that will allow you to grow as a student and become a future professional.