A Dietitian is a University qualified allied health professional able to provide expert nutrition and dietary advice. A Dietitian has a strong scientific background and is able to translate scientific nutrition information into practical and understandable advice to assist people to improve their health.
An Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) has University qualifications and participates in ongoing training and education to meet the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) guidelines for best practice. An APD is skilled in the complex relationship between food, diet and health and may provide nutrition and dietary advice to individuals, and/or groups on general healthy eating or a more complex medical condition.
The main difference is Dietitians have undertaken additional University training, including supervision in a clinical setting and medical nutrition training. The team at Hunter Dietetics are both Accredited Practising Dietitians and Accredited Nutritionists, credentialed by the Dietitians Association of Australia.
No, you do not need a referral to see a Dietitian. However, we do get lots of referrals from GPs. If you do have a referral please bring this to your initial consultation as your medical history, list of current medications and any pathology results may be included that will help with our health assessment. We can then liaise back to your GP on your progress.
– Any referral letters
– Any recent blood pathology
– List of current medications
– Your payment as discussed at time of booking
– Motivation and willingness to learn
– Anything else you feel may be relevant