A Dietitian's View

You can call us RDs or you can call us dietitians, but don't call us to a meal without vegetables.

• What does an RD do?
We practice "medical nutrition therapy" — diet therapy for a variety of medical conditions — on the referral from a physician. We work with real people to solve real health problems and manage diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity and cancer. Some RDs work with athletic teams. Others conduct medical research. Some write nutrition columns.

• What is the difference between a registered dietitian and a nutritionist?
It's a matter of definition. Registered dietitians have (at a minimum) a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in the science of nutrition or related field. Many have master's orPh.D. degrees. RDs complete a one-year internship and pass a national registration exam. And we must continue professional education to maintain registration status. "Nutritionist" is a generic term for someone who may possess all of this training. Or none. An RD may choose to be called a nutritionist. But a nutritionist is not necessarily an RD.

• Where do you find RDs?
Look around most health care settings — hospitals, medical and sports clinics, colleges and universities, dialysis centers. You'll also find us hanging out in produce aisles and farmers markets.

• How can an RD help me?
Ask not what an RD can do for you. Ask instead what you can do if you work with an RD. A visit to a registered dietitian involves an assessment of your current diet, medical history and lab values. Your daily arsenal of medications and dietary supplements are reviewed. Then your RD develops a "nutrition prescription" that translates "what works" from current nutrition science into practical "what to eat" guidelines.

• How do I get in contact with an RD?
Talk first with your doctor to get a referral to a registered dietitian. Or go to www.eatright.org to find a registered dietitian in your area.

• What is a dietitian's favorite mantra?
"All foods can fit into a healthful diet. It's a matter of balance and portions." And that is what I'll tell you when you find me in the supermarket with mint chocolate chip (low fat!) ice cream in my basket.