RDNs as Leaders: Serving Our Country

At the 2019 Food & Nutrition Conference Expo™, Academy hosted then-Surgeon General of United States, Jerome M. Adams, MD, MPH. Dr. Adams spoke at a session and met with attendees as well Academy’s Board Directors (as seen in photo on this page) – meeting I was honored to attend. Adams’ visit facilitated by group dedicated staff people including member Dennis Anderson-Villaluz, MBA, RD, LDN, FAND, lieutenant U.S. Public Health Service Commission Corps former electrician Air National Guard who returned school become an RDN. In 2019, he special assistant Surgeon is one hundreds members serve our country profession uniform. RDNs uniform have been fixture organization since its founding. The highest honor, Marjorie Hulsizer Copher Award, named for distinguished dietitian served during World War I, award’s first recipient Ruby F. Motley, Army Pacific II taken prisoner after fall Corregidor. (1) You can read more about life modern-day military https://foodandnutrition.org/blogs/student-scoop/life-military-dietitian/. According his training RDN superb preparation role General’s team, FNCE visit. “The schedule always fluid requires that remain focused adaptable. As dietitian, feel my formal education along clinical experience allows me succeed role, many dietitians are skilled multitasking, communicating public keeping tight schedule.” active-duty say variety job openings service makes rewarding career. Bethany Ann Deschamps, PhD, CSSD, LD, CSCS, 20-year veteran now serves deputy director nutrition care department research Army’s graduate program Joint Base Lewis-McChord Washington State. “I appreciate diversity positions had opportunity in, both non-nutrition related,” she says. “It has diversified skills professional helped develop leader, administrator, researcher clinician. also afforded opportunities advance knowledge area dietetics. Like other careers, serving be demanding very challenging times, but even these experiences were rewarding, learned lot they well-rounded, adaptable resilient person.”For Is All FamilyI started initial just few months before 9/11. didn’t consider until senior college trying decide what dietetic internships going apply for. My advisor mentioned Force internship programs thought would good fit either.I like idea nation, having paid guaranteed finished. am fitness enthusiast really liked working out staying shape part job! Also time, older brother wanted join ranks him. thought, “If do it, so I!”I highly recommend young professionals, not only reward because forthcoming military, specifically Holistic Fitness System, where civilian embedded units work interdisciplinary team improve overall health, performance mission capabilities soldiers. From RDN: Anderson-Villaluz’ JourneyI earned bachelor’s science dietetics University Nevada Reno while aircraft C-130s. September 11, goal officer. provided both. Once finished electrician, course dietitian. wonderful left 2007 due “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” proud new journey community nutrition.My Women, Infants Children’s (WIC) program. Over next 10 years, worked local regional levels, eventually learn small mighty service, USPHS Corps.There almost 100 outstanding Corps, roles around country. We America’s health responders, subject matter expert or clinician supporting important missions such establishing contact tracing programs, setting up vaccination clinics responding hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires any humanitarian mission. It honor elite group. Thank you again all And please sharing article your friends colleagues make them aware colleagues’ contributions potential uniformed holds career.For information career military:https://www.careersinthemilitary.com/career-detail/dietitianshttps://youtu.be/nskLlGmbApAhttps://www.usphs.gov/professions/dietitian/(1)Stein K. Military Roots Visualized. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2014;114(12):2023-2049.