Meet Maryann Christofas, MS, RD, who has combined her love of counseling to her private practice and outpatient services. One can have a nice combination of both clinical and private practice. – Sarah

What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics? I love food! I was a competitive swimmer in high school and college, and this was when I gained interest in nutrition. In my free time, I would research nutrition and read food blogs. I was so fascinated by learning how to use proper foods to maximize my performance in the pool. I received my bachelor’s degree in Sociology but afterwards I decided to pursue a master’s degree in Nutrition so I could spend every day doing what I love- all things nutrition!

Your Job Title?  Outpatient Dietitian and Private Practice Dietitian

Company you are with now?  I am an outpatient dietitian in a pediatric gastroenterology clinic with Stanford Children’s Health as well as an outpatient dietitian at UCSF Medical Center. I also work for myself in private practice!

Website:
– http://www.maryannchristofas.com

Social Media:
 – Instagram: maryannchristofas_RD
 – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryann-christofas-ms-rd-7b9b2a97

Describe a typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you? First thing is always coffee. After that I like to go for a run or do some pilates. After breakfast and a commute to work, I log on to my computer to see which patients I am scheduled to see that day. I spend time looking into each patient and the rest of the day is spent seeing patients or charting on them. On lighter days, I will catch up on projects or listen to a webinar for CE credit. After work I will occasionally attend networking events, meetings with my local chapter of the AND or head home to cook dinner and relax with my husband!

How did you get your current job in dietetics? I completed my dietetic internship at UCSF Medical Center and was hired on as an RD afterwards. I found my position at Stanford online.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way? I like to think of myself as a people person so working one on one with patients is something that I enjoy and comes easily to me. However, I have learned how to be a better counselor by studying motivational interviewing and attending a workshop on the topic.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you? Get involved! Whether it be joining the nutrition club at school or joining your local chapter of the AND, being active in these groups not only looks great on your resume but will allow you to grow a network of dietetic professionals which will be very helpful with furthering your career.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what  would it be? Airplane miles, hotel points and snacks.

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.