Nutritionists & Dietitians in Olympia, Washington

A dietitian (preferred spelling), medical dietitian, or dietician is an expert in identifying and treating disease-related malnutrition and in conducting medical nutrition therapy, for example managing gastrointestinal symptoms or the effects of cancer cachexia. Many dietitians work in hospitals and usually see specific patients where a nutritional assessment and intervention has been requested by a doctor or nurse, for example if a patient has lost their ability to swallow. Dietitians are the only regulated healthcare professionals licensed to assess, diagnose, and treat nutritional problems. In the United Kingdom, dietitian is a 'protected title', meaning identifying yourself as a dietitian without appropriate education and registration is prohibited by law.A registered dietitian (RD) (UK) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) (USA) meets all of a set of special academic and professional requirements, including the completion of a bachelor's and/or master's degree in nutrition and dietetics (or equivalent). 1 or more internships (USA) or clinical placements (UK) must also be completed.