In the realm of nutrition education, the journey towards becoming a registered dietitian often follows a conventional path paved with undergraduate degrees in nutrition or related fields. However, breaking away from tradition, Aliza Hunt and Ryan Farr have charted unconventional routes to their pursuit of a master's degree in applied nutrition. Their stories showcase a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences that have led them to a profound passion for nutrition and its impact on health and well-being. Aliza and Ryan bring unique perspectives to their studies, reflecting a growing trend of alternative pathways in the field. 

Meet Aliza Hunt:  

As someone who has struggled with personal health issues, I have always been fascinated by biological sciences and human nutrition. After completing my first degree in Neurology, I decided to follow my passion for nutrition and completed my accredited nutrition degree at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). For me, pursuing dietetics was a natural next step in my professional development, as it combines my love of scientific research, my passion for food, and my goal to help others in the community.   

I am now in the Master of Applied Nutrition (MAN) program at University of Guelph and will complete my degree by August of 2024. The program has been engaging and multi-faceted so far, blending hands-on learning experiences with informed and evidence-based course content. Currently, I am finishing my second of three placements as a dietetic intern at Guelph General Hospital (GGH) in the food services department. Both of my placements so far have been at GGH; this arrangement has allowed me to foster positive, supportive, and incredibly valuable relationships with both clinical and food service personnel. The staff at GGH have been kind, welcoming, and patient as I’ve navigated my way through the MAN program.  

For nutrition month, in collaboration with the in-patient dietitians, I created a display with an activity which asked staff to visually estimate the level of dietary intake on various sample patient trays. Inaccurate intake tracking is a challenge that dietitians often face in clinical nutrition, as it impacts their ability to prioritize patients, assess malnutrition risk, and consider dietary changes for those in their care. However, this visual estimation method of tracking is highly subjective and difficult to standardize. This activity took place over the course of a week; everyone who participated was entered into a random draw and every day a prize of a grocery store gift card and cookware was given to one lucky winner. The results from this activity will be assessed by the in-patient dietitians, potentially fueling the development of new in-patient intake tracking methods. 

Meet Ryan Farr:  

After a decade in hospitality in the restaurant industry, I wanted to take my passion for food and health awareness to a level that could help my community. Having family members with health issues gave me the push to pursue a career as a Dietitian. I enjoy running, golf and cycling, so being in tune with my body is crucial when training. The Master of Applied Nutrition program has been the perfect bridge into the professional world. Taking my undergraduate education and putting it into action has been fulfilling and has given me the purpose I was hoping for in the field of Dietetics. Having the practicum and schoolwork combination has increased my social network with my peers while building my professional relationships in my practicum placement. My current placement is with Compass Groups Canada subsidiary Marquise Hospitality. Working at Wellbrook Place LTC in Mississauga, a 620-person home! Preparing, creating and standardizing recipes to ensure the residents have choices in their daily diet. Compass Group is a national company across almost all Canadian provinces and some Territories. I created an infographic for Nutrition Month that would be sent to all LTC homes and health centers. To promote the role of Dietitians in this setting and provide resources to educate the collaborative health team on where a Dietitian can help in their role.