Nutrition and Dietetic Program Omar Obeid, PhD Department of Nutrition & Food Science American University of Beirut Lebanon
Human nutrition The knowledge that nutrition (what we choose to eat and drink) influences our health, well-being and quality of life is as old as human history [المعدة بيت الداء [
What is the study of nutrition? The effects of the food (nutrients) in our diet on our bodies The effects of our body on the food (nutrients) in our diet Good nutrition is a basic Human Right
Human Nutrition: Definition Describes the processes whereby cellular organelles, cells, tissues, organs, systems and the body as a whole obtain and use necessary substances (nutrients) to maintain structural & functional integrity. The Science of food, the nutrients & other substances therein, their action, interaction and balance in relation to health and disease and the process by which the organism ingests, digests, absorbs, transports, utilizes and excretes food substances (nutrients) (American Medical Association, Council on Food and Nutrition)
Dietetics: Definition Dietetics is the integration and application of principles derived from several disciplines including nutrition, biochemistry, physiology, food science and composition, management, food service, and the behavioral and social sciences to achieve and optimize human health. Dietetic professionals translate the scientific evidence regarding human nutrition & use that information to help shape the food intake or choices of the public (ADA, 2002).
Dietitian A person with a legally recognized qualification (in nutrition & dietetics) Applies the science of nutrition to the feeding and education of groups of people & individuals in both health and disease.
The profession of Dietetics Has an official definition established by the International Labour Office in Geneva. It is classified among the paramedical professions and has been coded under group 0.69.
Role of Dietitians Dietetic professionals work with individuals and groups of all ages to assess nutritional health and provide recommendations and therapies to assist individuals, groups, and populations in achieving a diet based on scientific evidence. The diet is generally a variety of foods but may include supplements and tube or parenteral feedings. Nutrient needs vary based on age, genetics, body composition, health status, and lifestyle. Dietetic professionals specialize in different aspects of care: They serve as translators of nutrition science to the public, as specialists in business and industry, as advocates to change food policy, as managers of food operations, as educators and researchers, and as clinicians in many different settings.
Dietitians Many dietitians work with physicians and other hospital staff to ensure the provision of appropriate diet therapy to patients within hospitals. Alternative fields of work include: Advising caterers Promoting healthy nutrition within local communities, Working within the food industry or the media.
Dietitians Deals directly with humans Should have: Legal status Control Continuous education (knowledge update) Protection
What is a Registered Dietitian? The RD credential is a legally protected title that can only be used by practitioners who are authorized by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) Individuals with the RD credential have fulfilled specific requirements, including having earned at least a bachelor's degree, completed a supervised practice program (internship) and passed a registration examination
Specialties Clinical nutrition Food service Community nutrition
Coursework Criteria Completion of a minimum of a B.S. degree in Nutrition & dietetics (GPA at least 80%) Required pre-professional coursework includes: Chemistry, physiology, economics, statistics, psychology/sociology, management Required professional coursework includes: Nutrition Assessment, Nutrition & Metabolism, Medical Nutritional Therapy/Therapeutic Nutrition, Nutrition Care Process, Foodservice Management Volunteer experience/ work experience in healthcare Excellent communication skills
Criteria Completion of a minimum of a B.S. degree in Nutrition & dietetics Internship for at least 1200 hrs (~9 months) 1. Clinical rotation ~ 23 weeks 2. Foodservice management ~8 weeks 3. Community ~ 7 weeks
Supervised Practice Criteria 1. Clinical rotation ~ 23 weeks o o Medicine, surgery, pediatrics, OB-GYN, ICU, renal/dialysis, oncology and staff relief Emphasis during the clinical rotation is on nutritional care of persons with various nutritionally-related disease, with advancement to more complex health problems
Supervised Practice Criteria- Cont d 2. Foodservice management ~8 weeks o Food production, purchasing, receiving, administration and projects o The food service management begins with gaining the skills of basic food service operations and progresses to attaining supervision and management skills
Supervised Practice Criteria- Cont d 3. Community rotation ~ 7 weeks o Outpatient clinics, health fair & community project o The community rotation focuses on: preventive health for individuals and groups in work and community settings program planning and implementation for high risk persons served by community agencies. Knowledge of group instruction, counseling, and client management learned from university courses is applied in both the clinical and community settings
Evaluation After completion of the minimum requirements, the student will become registry eligible The university will provide the student with a verification statement i.e.: All requirements have been completed This statement enables the student to take the registration exam for licensure (R.D exam ) in the U.S. The Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) issues the verification statement after the accredited university acknowledges that the minimum requirements have been completed by the student The exam is computer-based (~ 2hrs long)
Coordinated program Internship supervised by the program Director of program Hospital Internship supervisor Contract with hospitals
Coordinated program Accreditation by ADA Eligible to take ADA exam
The Lebanese Association for Nutrition and food Sciences (LANFS) Founded in 1970 & revived its activities in 1993. a non-governmental non-profit organization that counts more than 400 dietitians working in Lebanon and the Arab world. is a valued and credible reference for scientifically based nutrition and food science information in Lebanon. is an adhering body of the International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS). is an adhering body of the Federation of Asian Nutrition Societies (FANS).
LANFS Goals Our primary goal Health promotion & disease prevention A large segment of our work focuses on raising awareness of the Lebanese public on healthy nutritional behavior. Successfully achieved through several conferences, exhibitions and sessions directed to the public as well as to the scientific communities in Lebanon and the region.
LEGISLATION OF DIETETIC PRACTICE LANFS have put forth great effort in the last 6 years to achieve finally the legislation of dietetic practice (2005). The legislation set policies that organizes the practice of the profession basically by: Restricting practice by non- professionals. Recommending high standing education and practical experience for practitioners. Recommending a colloquium exam to assess qualifications of applicant practitioners.
Colloquium Must have a degree in Nutrition Min 6 months of internship Oral exam Degree from Lebanon Written exam Degree from outside Lebanon
قانىن تنظين ههنة علن التغذية وتنظين الىجبات و إهتحانات الكىلىكيىم
Prospective visions Establish collaboration with American Dietetic association Control the profession Protect the profession Eliminate imposters Facilitate recruitment