Meet Dana Magee RD, LD, CLT, a registered dietitian working at Rebecca Bitzer, MS, RD & Associates (RBA). Dana brings compassion, empathy, creativity, and energy to the company and is part of the REBEL dietitian movement. Read on to learn more about this mission. – Sarah

What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics? I honestly did not know that dietetics even existed as a profession or career path. It was not until I was a sophomore at the University of Maryland that I attended a workshop (for undecided students) for the nutrition program. I switched my major that day!

I had always wanted to be in the medical field and was fortunate to be in an Allied Health program my senior year of high school. I got to sit in on surgeries and hold the newborn babies as I rotated throughout the hospital- I saw really amazing things, but you know what? I never was introduced to a dietitian the whole year! However, nothing seemed to fit.

Once I learned of dietetics, it clicked for me. My love of food was certainly a factor and after attending the University of Maryland it was apparent the first day in the dining hall that there was such a variety in food preferences and food beliefs that was different from me AND interesting to me. I have been fortunate to love food and now I get to work with those with eating disorders and digestive troubles learn to love food again too.

Your Job Title? Registered Dietitian

Company you are with now? Rebecca Bitzer MS, RD & Associates

Website:
– www.rbitzer.com

Social Media:             
 – Twitter: https://twitter.com/rebeccabitzerrd
 – Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rebecca-Bitzer-and-Associates/85945163588
 – Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebel_dietitians/
 – Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rbantrnexperts/

Describe a typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you? A self-proclaimed non-morning person most of my days start at 11:00 am. This works out well for me and gives some of my clients the ability to see me after work which they appreciate so they don’t have to use their leave! I split my days between our two offices, one in Greenbelt, Maryland and the other in Columbia, Maryland. I usually see a combination of new patients and follow up patients (they are usually seen every 1-3 weeks depending on their progress, goals and diagnoses). I typically see individuals but will sometimes see couples or children with their parents. My patients come in for a mix of digestive issues, diabetes management, eating disorders, heart health and food sensitivities.

Throughout the day I am following up with patient’s physicians and/or therapists. Depending on the day of the week I may meet with the other REBEL Dietitians ,Rebecca Bitzer, and Kait Fortunato to discuss the business side of the private practice as well as speaking engagements, classes, services and program development offered by RBA. Monthly I will be on a call with my fellow BHN (Behavioral Health Nutrition) EC members to discuss the BIG plans for the DPG for our members as it relates to eating disorders, mental health, addictions and intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Other projects during the day could include blog writing, marketing, website development, or creating meal plans for my food sensitivity clients.

How did you get your current job in dietetics? I was lucky enough to go to undergrad with Kait Fortunato. We both worked on campus with the dietitian at the dining hall and Kait had mentioned this private practice she was also working at. After an interview with Rebecca I came on board as a student intern. I worked at RBA for 2 ½ years up until my dietetic internship. About 2/3 through my internship I met again with Rebecca and Kait about coming back to RBA, this time as an RD. It was an easy decision!

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way? I am a perfectionist, as many RD’s are. I jokingly say it is both a gift and a curse. I am very driven and detail oriented. I believe I am also empathetic and caring, creative and energetic. Along the way I learned (and I am still learning) patience, confidence (in my work), and being calm, cool and collected (I am a bit of a worrier).

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you? To be successful I recommend you take every opportunity that comes your way to learn from others that are successful. Having a mentor, coach, or supervisor whom you have mutual respect and who is invested in your future success is so valuable. Lastly, take care of yourself. As dietitians that is what we do for others and we need to model for others. That is something we can all keep each other accountable to.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what  would it be? Puppies!

Sarah Koszyk is founder of Family. Food. Fiesta. A family-based wellness program and blog focusing on recipes, family health tips, and videos with kids cooking in the kitchen. She is a Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Coach specializing in sports nutrition and adult and pediatric weight management. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or LinkedIn.