It's gratifying to know I can really make a difference in their lives. Based on the latest statistics from the National Institutes of Health, Dr. St. Jeor's research has the potential to affect the lives of one of every two Americans - the percentage of people in this country who are overweight. With five of the ten leading causes of death in the United States linked to a deficient diet, research by dietetics professionals can lead to enormous health benefits for millions and significant individual and national health-care costs savings. ADA has collaborated with other groups on important projects such as exploring the role of health professionals in providing preventative and therapeutic service for persons with genetic conditions. Many of these studies received grants and other support from ADA, its Foundation, state associations and dietetic practice groups.
Research is challenging and dynamic, but it is definitely part of the answer.
Research requires you to be creative and to find new approaches and solutions to problems. Dietetics professionals work with individual clients in corporate wellness and private practice settings, helping individuals make more healthful food choices, lose weight, lower their cholesterol and deal productively with a wide range of other nutrition-related concerns. And companies increasingly are finding the professional expertise, educational backgrounds and leadership abilities of ADA members invaluable in guiding and developing corporations' strategic direction, and putting nutrition science into practice. One in five registered dietitians and dietetics technicians, registered is employed by for-profit businesses other than contract food management or managed care organizations. They work in product development, sales, marketing, advertising, public relations, purchasing and countless other vital areas.