NUTRIscope - Dr. Komal Vashisht
Name: Dr. Komal Vashisht
Academic Qualification: Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education (DNHE) from IGNOU, India (2017-2018)
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Arunachal University, Arunachal Pradesh, India (2020-2024)
Honorary Doctorate in Nutrition and Health Education from St. Mother Theresa University, Melbourne Australia (24 March 2022)
What do you do?
I am a Health and Nutrition Expert and Social Worker.
Why did you choose this profession?
I chose this profession to serve the people and make a positive impact on their lives through nutrition and health.
How can one become a dietitian in India?
To become a dietitian in India, one must complete a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition or a related field from a recognized university.
What training, knowledge, or abilities are required for this field?
Practical training through internships and registration with the Indian Dietetic Association (IDA) are essential. Key skills include knowledge of nutrition science, dietary guidelines, meal planning, and the ability to provide personalized dietary advice and support.
What distinguishes a nutritionist from a dietitian? What does being both consist of? What does being registered actually mean?
While both nutritionists and dietitians focus on nutrition, dietitians have a higher level of education, undergo supervised training, and are regulated by official bodies, providing a more comprehensive and specialized approach to nutrition advice and therapy.
What guidance would you provide a person thinking about this career?
Practical training, strong communication skills, and staying updated with the latest research in nutrition and dietetics are crucial for aspiring dietitians.
What do you want people to understand right now about a dietitian job?
A dietitian's job involves helping people with their nutritional needs, providing personalized meal plans, and promoting healthy eating habits for overall well-being.
What is the most satisfying thing about your profession?
The most satisfying thing about being a dietitian is witnessing the positive impact of your guidance on people's lives as they achieve their health goals and improve their overall well-being through better nutrition.
What does a regular work week look like in your profession?
The most satisfying thing about being a dietitian is witnessing the positive impact of your guidance on people's lives as they achieve their health goals and improve their overall well-being through better nutrition.
What does a regular work week look like in your profession?
A regular work week for a dietitian involves conducting nutrition assessments, creating personalized meal plans, counseling clients or patients, and providing nutritional education.
What about your job is the most difficult?
One of the most difficult aspects of being a dietitian is addressing the diverse and complex dietary needs and health conditions of individual clients. Finding tailored solutions for each person can be challenging but essential for effective care.
What is your motive in this profession?
My motive is to focus on the disease of the individual, as diet is a medium through which we can actually cure a disease. I aim to create a Medicine Free India, where effective diets replace unnecessary medications.
How do you manage vacations in a patient-centered operation?
Taking vacations in a patient-centered operation can be challenging, but proper planning, communication, and teamwork help ensure continuity of care during a dietitian's absence.
Are there other options besides consultation in this field?
Yes, besides consultations, dietitians can explore career options in research, food service management, community nutrition programs, corporate wellness, and education or teaching in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
What is your opinion about the RD exam in India?
As regulations and requirements may vary in different countries, including India, I cannot provide specific information about the RD exam's relevance. However, certifications and registrations in the field are valuable for credibility and expertise.
You always eat healthy?
Yes, I always prioritize a healthy diet.
You never skip your workout?
No, I never skip my workouts.
You are always well-maintained with your work and personal life?
Absolutely, I strive to maintain a balance between work and personal life.
Healthy meals can never be tasty?
That's a wrong statement; healthy meals can indeed be delicious and satisfying.
What kind of diet did you eat while growing up?
I ate balanced diets with a variety of nutrients, focusing on seasonal and weather-appropriate foods to support proper growth and development.
Do your friends and family seek your guidance when it comes to food choices?
Yes, they do seek my guidance, and I'm always happy to offer my expertise.
Do you feel burnt out surrounded by patients or clients most of the time?
No, I am passionate about helping people, and I enjoy my work. I remain focused on helping others through my skills.
Would you suggest this career to someone else if their main goal is to make money in it?
While a career in dietetics can be fulfilling and rewarding, if making money is the primary goal, other career paths might offer higher earning potential. It's crucial to align career choices with personal interests and values.
Do you think your industry is becoming more commercialized with various slimming products and crash diets in the market?
Yes, the weight loss industry has become commercialized with the abundance of slimming products and crash diets. It's essential for individuals to prioritize their health and seek professional advice before trying such options.
What should one be aware of before entering this profession?
Aspiring dietitians should focus on building a strong foundation in nutrition science, food planning, and medical nutrition therapy. Effective communication and interpersonal skills are also vital for client interaction and support.
What message would you like to give to future aspirants and the general audience?
I'd like to convey that becoming a dietitian is an opportunity to make a positive impact on people's lives through nutrition. Prioritize evidence-based practices, continuous learning, and empathy. Your dedication to this noble profession will contribute to a healthier and happier society. Best of luck on your path to becoming a dietitian.
One of the most difficult aspects of being a dietitian is addressing the diverse and complex dietary needs and health conditions of individual clients.
Dr. Komal Vashisht
What else would you like to tell about yourself?
Through my diet plans, I have successfully treated approximately 1000 plus patients. My purpose is to create a Medicine Free India, where natural and effective diets replace unnecessary medications.
