Meet LeeAnn Weintraub, MPH, RD, Renal Dietitian extraordinaire. She started her career in clinical and slowly transitioned towards a full-time renal private practice. Having a specialty niche, such as renal, has helped her successfully grow her practice and expand. She also is an influencer on social media and uses those platforms to optimize her voice and reach and continue to build her clientele. - Sarah

What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics?

I come from a family of people whose jobs are about helping others – nurses, social workers, therapists, and even a great aunt who was a registered dietitian. Having awareness of the field of dietetics while also having a strong interest in food and science led me to choose this career path early on. From a young age I was always told that I am a “people person” and a “problem solver.” These skills have served me well as a registered dietitian. If I had to go back and do it again, I would still choose to be a registered dietitian – it’s such a huge part of my identity.

Your Job Title?

Private Practice Registered Dietitian

Company you are with now?

I’ve been 100% self-employed for about 8 years. Choosing to start my own business is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Website:

halfacup.com

Blog:

familymealsinheels.com

Other Social Media links you would like to include:

Instagram: @leeannsweintraub

Describe a typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you?

One of the best things about being self-employed is that every day is different. However, I can tell you about a typical day in the office. My first client of the day is usually scheduled at 8:00 AM. I try to be in the office a bit earlier to get ready and check email. (I’m a mom of two so my day usually starts much earlier than my work day). The days I see clients are jam-packed with at least 10-12 clients scheduled. Time management is key so I use any free time between clients to return calls, do billing and other related tasks. On days that I don’t have a full schedule of clients, I use my time to schedule new clients, research, write (I write a biweekly nutrition column for the Los Angeles Daily News), and work on social media and other consulting work, for example.

How did you get your current job in dietetics?

I created my current job. I previously worked in a very rewarding role as a renal dietitian. I knew I wanted have a private practice and I had the opportunity to work part-time in my renal job while I started up and grew my private practice. Honestly, I took it slowly and worked split between renal and private practice for a few years. I liked the security of having a job within a large company while also having the flexibility of private practice. During this time, I got married and my first child was born. When my son turned one, I knew it was time to take the leap and go full-time with my private practice.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way?

As I mentioned above, working with people and problem-solving come naturally as do time management and organizational skills. However, I feel like many skills important in private practice, like the business, marketing and tech skills, I have had to teach myself. I enjoy being a preceptor for dietetic interns as I can teach them about things I had to learn on-the-job like how to navigate taking insurance, billing and public speaking, just to name a few.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you?

Don’t wait, do it now! Often times, fear and self-doubt are the biggest obstacles to success. Don’t let yourself hold you back.

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

Travel and good food! Some of life’s greatest pleasures.