Dietitians and Nutritionists

I. JOB SUMMARY

Main Topic: Human Geography
Secondary Topic: Environment and Society

Overview: Dietitians and Nutritionists work with patients and clients to manage their food intake based on their personal goals, or with the goal to manage other health issues and diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer. They often develop meal plans based around a specific patient’s needs, provide advice and information about the importance of healthy eating and a balanced diet. They may work in a clinical setting such as hospitals, or operate their own private practice.

Geographic knowledge would benefit a dietitian or nutritionist, especially in the United States. For example, it is known that several states in the South deal with high obesity rates, and the other complications that stem from that. A dietitian and nutritionist should be mindful of socio-economic status and potential barriers, such as food deserts, that would impact their job of providing help to their patients. If a dietitian were to work abroad, it would be beneficial to know the common health issues that occur within the country they are going to such as malnutrition or cancer.

Geographers at work: Human geographers, medical geographers, health geographers

Recommended College Courses:  Human geography, World Geography, Location Analysis, Geography of Health, Environmental Geography

Skills: Human geography, cultural geography, health geography and patterns

Occupation Group: Healthcare

Learn more about Dietitians and Nutritionists from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dietitians-and-nutritionists.htm#tab-1