VCH dietitians by the numbers!

March 14, 2018 is National Dietitians’ Day. Dietitians understand the power of food to enhance lives and improve health.

What do dietitians do?

Registered Dietitians are health care professionals committed to using their specialized knowledge and skills in food and nutrition to improve the health of Canadians. They are your trusted nutrition experts who are uniquely trained to advise you on food, diet, and nutrition. Dietitians translate the complex science of nutrition into practical solutions to promote health and help clients manage special health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, food allergies and obesity.

Training and certification for dietitians

In Canada, registered dietitians are regulated by a provincial college of dietitians, so you can be sure that you are receiving safe, accurate and ethical nutrition information and advice.  The letters “RD” are the legal designations for qualified registered dietitians in B.C.  All registered dietitians have a bachelor of science degree specializing in food and medical nutrition therapy from an accredited university, have completed a supervised practicum training program and have passed a national registration exam. Registered dietitians must also meet continuing professional competence requirements set out by the College of Dietitians of B.C. in order to maintain registration and many have also earned Master’s degrees and advanced certifications.

Dietitians at VCH

At Vancouver Coastal Health, dietitians collaborate with other healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, physiotherapists, and pharmacists. They work in various programs and settings, such as acute care, rehabilitation, residential care, home care, public health and food service management.

• Coastal – 21 dietitians in total (5 staff at Lions Gate Hospital)
• Richmond – 20 dietitians (11 staff at Richmond Hospital, 1 at Minoru Residential Care, 1 at Lions Manor, 1 in home health, 6 in public health)
• Vancouver Acute – 52 dietitian positions (42 staff at VGH, 4 at UBCH including Purdy Pavilion, 3 at GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre)
• Vancouver Community – 30 dietitians (Various positions in residential care, home health, primary care, healthy living, public health, Healthiest Babies Possible program, Sheway, OASIS)

On March 14, take the opportunity to acknowledge the dietitian on your team on National Dietitians’ Day!