Meet Nancy Z. Farrell Allen, MS, RDN, FAND, who has a thriving MNT private practice. She’s also a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics where she provides important nutrition messages to the masses. She is an incredible leader within our dietetic community and sets powerful standards to elevate our industry and help us grow. Read on to learn more about how she established her successful career and continues to raise the bar within our profession. - Sarah

What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics?
My four grandparents’ names are listed on the Wall of Honor monument at the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island, NY. As a second generation American, food was frequently a cultural Slovak experience in my family. Early on I was able to recognize that these ethnic foods and meal prep traditions, coupled with food science, provided real health benefits and disease prevention. I was hooked on the medical aspect of food and nutrition and in eighth grade knew I wanted a career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

Your Job Title?
CEO/Owner and College Instructor

Company you are with now?

• CEO/Owner of Farrell Dietitian Services

• Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Instructor

Website:

www.farrelldietitian.com

Social Media:

Facebook: Farrell Dietitian Services

Instagram: @nfarrellrdn

LinkedIn: Nancy Z. Farrell

Twitter: @nfarrellrdn

Describe a typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you?
I have always been an early riser, so my day begins with exercise at home, followed by my favorite meal of the day, breakfast. My private Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) practice is thriving, and I currently see nine patients/day in 50-minute sessions 3-4 days/week. My patient base is general, but I predominately see complicated cases of persons struggling with disordered eating behaviors or GI concerns. I have never paid for advertising and am fortunate that my success comes from word-of-mouth referrals from patients, physicians, and community leaders/members. As a college professor, I am sure to interact electronically with my students if I am not in the classroom. As a national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, I also field media requests for interviews that appear in my inbox. Finally, I do believe it is important to give back, therefore, I volunteer as a Public Policy Nutrition Advocate on advocacy projects or meeting with legislators and key stakeholders to emphasize the role of nutrition and the work of RDN’s in improving public health outcomes.

How did you get your current job in dietetics?
Having a variety of employment experiences throughout my career helped me to springboard where I am today. Volunteering in the community provided me the opportunity to network with government leaders and key stakeholders. As I always wanted to establish and own an MNT practice, it was initially through these professional connections that allowed me to set up this job. Once my location was secured, the hard work of organizing and building the practice was through my own efforts.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way?
In my large family, I believe that I learned early on to be aware of my environment and others in the vicinity; and to be an empathetic listener without passing immediate judgement. Those skills have helped me in my career path. Since then, I have learned that trust and follow through are imperative to being a good leader. Leaders set standards and have accountability measures that they adhere to themselves. Building trust within a group, serving together, and treating others as you wish to be treated are powerful, motivational skills.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you?
Give first and you will be amazed at what comes your way. Keep the doors of opportunity open; and be open-minded to different possibilities. Each venture affords a learning experience and the chance to network and make everlasting professional connections for future adventures.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what
would it be?
Personal or professional travel adventures across the globe to see the many sights and taste the cultural foods of the world!