Meet Alyssa Haberman, RDN, who is rocking our dietetic industry in both the clinical and sports dietetic arenas. Optimizing her time and efficiency, she successfully balances both jobs at a hospital and at the athletic department at University of San Francisco. Read on to learn about her fun, fast-paced, exciting jobs. - Sarah

What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics?
I was fascinated by what food can do for the body particularly in aiding in physical performance in sport and disease prevention.

Your Job Title?
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (as a clinical dietitian and dietitian in sport (soon to be CSSD)).

Company you are with now?
I work for both Sutter Hospital at the Oakland and Berkeley campuses as well as for the University of San Francisco in the athletic department.

Social Media:

- Twitter:@AlyssaRDN

Describe a typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you?
A typical day would be working at Sutter Hospital in any department as I am a per diem employee and work in all the units at all three campuses as needed (typically 4-5 days/week). I could be working anywhere from the ICU to rehab to the eating disorder units in both adults and adolescent patients, and anything in between. Attending morning rounds, dept meetings, and/or family meetings can take place on a daily basis. I typically see and help treat anywhere from 6-10 patients/day. This includes obtaining nutrition history, current eating habits, food allergies/ intolerances, food preferences, providing nutrition education for disease conditions, and sometimes even helping patients getting the foods they want and helping them eat. After seeing my patients, I take time in charting what we discussed including nutrient needs, nutrition diagnoses, and nutrition interventions during the remainder of their stay at the hospital. On days I’m not at the hospital (a not so typical day 1-3 days/week), I work at the University San Francisco in the athletic department as their sports dietitian. Our department consists of 250+ athletes. I work with every team on campus meeting with individual athletes, whole teams, and or coaches teaching proper nutrition for performance. I spend most of my days at the university working in the athletic training department meeting with individual athletes providing nutrition tips and/or interventions for their sport and position, but its not uncommon for me to go to practices or a game on any given week either. It's important for me to be connected with all the teams and be there for each athlete whether they’re at school, on the road, or in a game. I also plan pre/post-game meals for each team during their season, and collaborate very closely with other athletic department staff.

How did you get your current job in dietetics?
At Sutter Hospital, I applied online to the job opening for a per diem clinical dietitian, interviewed with the head of their department and several other dietitians in a face to face interview, and was asked to join their team shortly after a little over a year ago. At USF a fellow dietitian recommended me to interview for the sports dietitian job. I interviewed with the head of the department at the time, and the head of strength and conditioning and was asked to join their department a little over 4 years ago. I enjoy working in both fields as each allows me to gain more knowledge and grow and develop as a dietitian. Not a day goes by that I don’t learn something new.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way?
That’s a tough one. I guess I’d have to say I was born with the ability to work well with others, I’m a great listener, and I’m highly organized. Skills I’ve learned along the way are learning how to take constructive criticism, learn from my mistakes, and how to become a great multitasker.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you?
I would suggest doing what you love and never settling for less. Life isn’t worth wasting time doing something you don’t truly enjoy and love doing day in and day out.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what would it be?
Shoes. I would definitely love getting paid in shoes.