Master of Applied Nutrition, Waterloo Regional Health Network Stream

Katie has been working as a clinical dietitian at Waterloo Regional Health Network since graduating from the MAN-WRHN program in 2020. She works primarily with surgical and hemodialysis patients to provide nutrition care that complements her patients' health care goals.

Katie attributes her ability to work with a diverse group of patients to the variety of clinical exposure that she received as a student in the MAN-WRHN program.

"I would highly recommend the MAN-WRHN program to anyone interested in becoming a clinical dietitian. The variety of clinical exposure, in addition to community placements and supplemental coursework gave me a unique and well-rounded education that set me up for success early in my career as an inpatient dietitian."

During her undergraduate degree, Larissa became interested in working in a hospital setting. The MAN-WRHN program introduced Larissa to a variety of roles for dietitians within acute care and showed her how dietitians are vital members of the interdisciplinary teams that drive patient care in hospitals.

Larissa now works as a dietitian on an acute care medicine unit at Waterloo Regional Health Network, where she conducts nutrition assessments and implements nutrition care plans to support patients during an acute illness.

"I loved the challenge that the program offered me. Every four weeks, I was able to immerse myself in a new area of clinical practice. The variety within the program boosted my confidence when starting my first role as a dietitian."

Whether she's working with university students or hospital patients, Jessica uses the skills she developed in the MAN program to provide nutritional counselling to diverse groups of people.

Since 2017, she has been working as a registered dietitian and wellness manager at Queen's University, where she helps students with unique nutritional requirements, which range from students with food sensitivities to those who follow vegetarian or vegan diets.

She works closely with campus chefs and hospitality staff to provide healthy meals for students that cater to their individual dietary needs.

"I am the go-to person for allergy management. I work with students to help them navigate what they can and can't eat to keep them safe."

Sheree knew that she wanted to become a registered dietitian at an early age and knew MAN was the right program for her because of its focus on experiential learning.

During Sheree's placement at the Tim Hortons head office, she learned about how fast food companies work with nutritionists to meet government food guidelines. She also completed a placement in a family health clinic, where she worked with patients with diabetes, hypertension, and weight issues.

"It was great working with dietitians to see how they interact with different clients, what their counselling style is like and how they convey information. It's a challenging but hugely rewarding program."

Finding a job after graduation didn't take long for Sarah. She was hired by Dalewood Health and Wellness in Toronto just two weeks after graduating from the MAN program.

As a registered dietitian, she conducts initial assessments with clients to learn about their health concerns and develop a nutrition program for them. The MAN program taught her how to assess and counsel clients by asking about their eating habits and other lifestyle factors.

The guidance Sarah received from her preceptors in the MAN program helped build the confidence she needed for her career. "You can tell that they're passionate about their job, and they just want to share that with you and make sure that you get the most out of it."

The MAN program helped Katherine explore her interest in type 2 diabetes prevention and management. As an undergrad, she worked at a diabetes clinic and learned how to manage diabetes through lifestyle changes.

Working with diabetes patients again in her placement solidified Katherine's interest in helping those with the disease.

After graduation, Katherine was hired as a registered dietitian by Loblaw Companies Limited, where she counsels patients with chronic health conditions. She also leads grocery store tours and classes that focus on healthy eating habits.

"Growing up, I always had an interest in health. I've always wanted to help people be healthier."