Advice Requested: practicing nutrition in the US

[Guest guest]

Dear Friends,

 

I have an issue I would like some constructive advice on if you are

able to give it.

 

 

I am currently studying for a degree in nutritional medicine from a

British university. I also have a degree in dietetics from an

American university. The latter degree I found interesting but it

was very much geared towards the drug-based, symptom-treatment

philosophy of orthodox medicine and therefore, I did not pursue this

career for many years. My current degree, while very much science-

based, is much more about prevention and 'cure' (when possible) or

at least improving health.

 

We have recently been discussing about whether to move back to the

United States (for various personal reasons). My concern is this:

I've been reading a lot about the FDA clamping down on people

prescribing and selling nutritional supplements; some such

practitioners also being charged with " unlawful practice of

medicine " ; and that, in many states, I would not be able to use the

title 'nutritionist' legally.

 

I am terrified that I will not be able to practice as an alternative

nutritional therapist in the US - can any of you help me allay these

fears or should I just never move back to my home country?

 

 

Many thanks,

B.

[Guest guest]

With the way things appear to be going it would seem to be best to stay

where you are and return to the US only for vacations! I observe that here

in Australia nutritionists are very broad in their application of their

knowledge and the woman i have most deal with uses a computer program to

assess her patients and takes their drugs into account for her nutritional

advice - which seems to be a bonus for the average patient as it is not an

aspect that GPs tend to use - she works for a variety of Nursing Homes - so

she has dozens of patients and is paid by the Nursing Homes as it is part of

their accreditation requirements to have this service for their residents.

So within an orthodox framework she is able to offer nutritional care -

which more or less guarantees her a living regardless of other factors - in

the " private " sector ( the nursing homes are after all also privately run )

with what appears to be happening through the US - pharmaceutical companies

closing in to exclude all possibilities of alt med (I suppose nutritionists

are not alternative here by your standards?) it would seem that

possibilities will probably become more and more limited.

 

What I am saying is that nursing homes in the US would also need similar

services - but perhaps this is not the work you are wanting?

 

Does it appear you would have a good income in UK working in your chosen

sphere? If so I would say to stay put even tho the rest of the world

follows the lead of the US!

 

Jane

 

Advice Requested: practicing nutrition

in the US

 

 

> Dear Friends,

>

> I have an issue I would like some constructive advice on if you are

> able to give it.

>

>

> I am currently studying for a degree in nutritional medicine from a

> British university. I also have a degree in dietetics from an

> American university. The latter degree I found interesting but it

> was very much geared towards the drug-based, symptom-treatment

> philosophy of orthodox medicine and therefore, I did not pursue

[Guest guest]

Thanks Jane and Teddy for your replies.

 

I'm not sure what state we'll move back to (if at all) - look at

states where I can use the term nutritionist or nutritional therapist

without being persecuted or burnt at the stake - all this anti-alt.

stuff going on reminds me of Salem witch trials.

 

I'd really hoped to practice independently and perhaps open a health

food store.

 

Jane - working in a nursing home context in the US, I would almost

certainly have to become a registered dietitian under the rules of the

American Dietetic Association - and I don't have the qualifications

for that.

 

If we move it will be because we are forced to by personal circumstances.

 

So much for the 'home of the free'... I'm very disappointed in the

direction the country has taken in the last 20 years - on many fronts.

 

Thanks again,

B.