The RD2BE Podcast

We have a unique episode that we recommend you both listen to and watch. That is because we sit down with Jamie Pak, Senior Accreditation Manager at the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics to learn how to navigate the ACEND Accredited Dietetics Program Directory. This directory is the one stop shop for navigating accredited dietetics program. However, we understand how daunting and confusing it can be knowing where to start. Pak, who was instrumental in its current design, demonstrates the most effective ways to use it based on your starting point. We discuss certain "case studies" of what types of students would use it for finding what programs (i.e. second career, freshman in college, community college, etc.). Timestamps for the case studies25:14 Second career with a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field, no graduate training34:11 Freshman in college, undecided major 38:52 Junior in college, related major to dietetics (i.e. Exercise Science), but looking to switch to dietetics (if your university offers a dietetics degree vs. does not offer a dietetics degree)45:08 Community college and transferring to a 4-year university to complete dietetics degree51:00 Second career, with both a bachelor's and master's degree in unrelated fieldACEND Program Directory: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/accredited-programs/program-directoryQuestions, comments, or feedback for ACEND? They want to hear from YOU. Email them at [email protected] for anything regarding dietetics education programming that you want to see changed or modified.

In this episode, we continue our conversation and reflect on Kaitlyn's first six months of working as a Registered Dietitian. We talk openly about the biggest worries and fears going into a first RD job, including imposter syndrome, learning without a preceptor, and becoming comfortable with new systems, routines, and professional relationships. We reflect on which fears were valid, which ones eased with time, and why allowing yourself space to settle, make mistakes, and build confidence gradually is a critical part of the learning process. We also explore the unexpected challenge of navigating identity and major life transitions after graduation, including the emotional weight of starting a new role, relocating, and adjusting to professional independence.Additionally, we share advice for new RDs entering the workforce, including setting boundaries early, protecting your time and self-worth, and recognizing that respect in the workplace is non-negotiable. We discuss areas of continued growth, such as navigating criticism within healthcare teams, as well as skills developed over the past six months, including organization, systems, and building trusting working relationships. Finally, we reflect on long-term career goals, opportunities for growth, and the importance of not being afraid to make career changes.

This week, Dr. Rayane AbuSabha shares insights into transitioning into dietetics from a previous career. We discuss how to plan, use the ACEND website to find programs, determine the best fit for you, reach out to program directors, and much more! ACEND Directory: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/accredited-programs/program-directory

Are you just discovering what a registered dietitian (RD) is? This episode is perfect for high school or early college students curious about the profession and eager to set themselves up for success.Dr. Rayane AbuSabha, PhD, RD, and Executive Director of The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), shares her expert guidance on preparing for a future as an RD (RD2BE). We cover how to choose the right program, the requirements to become an RD, and the unique advantages of starting at community college, pursuing a traditional 4-year degree, or even switching careers later in life. Drawing on her extensive experience as a faculty member, Dr. AbuSabha also highlights the most effective steps students can take in high school and early college to thrive in the field of dietetics.ACEND Program Directory: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/accredited-programs/program-directory

In this episode, we talk with Kaitlyn Good, MS, RDN, LDN, ACEND Student Representative and recent James Madison University graduate, about her journey to becoming a dietitian. Kaitlyn shares how she discovered dietetics after starting as a music education major, how personal experiences with family health and her own challenges shaped her path, and what motivated her to get involved with ACEND. She offers insights on balancing school, work, and leadership roles, how students can make an impact, and strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome. Kaitlyn also reflects on pivotal mentors, her new role in long-term care, and her ultimate goal of becoming an educator.ACEND Student Representative Application: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/students-and-advancing-education/student-representatives

This week we sit down with Lauren Bozich, MS, RD, LDN, Senior Director of Accreditation at ACEND. This episode provides an important update since our conversation with Dr. Rayane AbuSabha last year. Starting this year, all supervised practice and graduate programs accredited through ACEND must follow the new DICAS application process.Bozich walks us through the changes, explaining key dates, what they mean for students, how to prepare strong applications, and the overall benefits of this streamlined system. With her expertise, listeners will gain clarity and confidence in navigating this transition.For more details, visit ACEND’s website: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/students-and-advancing-education/students-and-advancing-education-intro

Welcome back, RD2BEs, to a brand-new fall semester! We’re kicking things off by spotlighting the MS-DI program at Augusta University. Emily Johns, MS, RD, LD—Assistant Professor and Admissions Coordinator—shares an inside look at the program’s curriculum and admissions process. She also offers valuable guidance on choosing the right program, recognizing a truly student-centered programs, balancing coursework with internship responsibilities, finding financial support, and much more!If you are interested in their program, feel free to check out the information below: Emily's contact information: [email protected]: https://www.augusta.edu/alliedhealth/nutrition-dietetics/Disclaimer: The program name is almost officially approved to be a M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics, but on the website, it states that we offer a M.S. in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences with a concentration in Nutrition.

In this episode, we sit down again with Dr. Jenna Stedman, Director of Cognitive Performance Nutrition at Master Nutrition Lab. We have featured Dr .Stedman before with an episode sharing her own journey in dietetics as well as a solo episode covering brain nutrition geared towards nutriWith a doctorate in clinical nutrition and board certification as a specialist in sports dietetics (CSSD), Dr. Stedman shares how dietetics students and interns can forge their own paths in a crowded field.We cover:* A bird’s-eye view of the career-building process—from knowledge acquisition to landing paid opportunities* Strategies for reading and researching effectively* Tips on organizing what you learn from books and articles* The value of joining book clubs and associations* How to apply your learning both in and outside the classroom* Reflective prompts to realign your goals every 6–12 monthsDr. Stedman’s Recommended Reading List for Aspiring Dietitians & Interns:Sports Nutrition for Endurance Athletes, 4th edition — Monique Ryan, MS, RD, CSSDNancy Clark’s Sports Nutrition Guidebook, 6th edition — Nancy Clark, MS, RD, CSSDPlant-Based Sports Nutrition — Enette Larson-Meyer, PhD, RD & Matt Ruscigno, MPH, RDSports Nutrition: A Handbook for Professionals* — Karprinski & Rosenbloom (7th edition coming summer 2025)Nutrient Timing — Lauren Link, MS, RD, CSSDThe Athlete’s Gut — Patrick Wilson, PhD, RDClinical Sports Nutrition, 6th edition — Burke & DeakinNutrition Counseling and the Treatment of Eating Disorders — Herrin & LarkinMotivational Interviewing in Nutrition and Fitness — Clifford & CurtisFiber Fueled — Will Bulsiewicz, MD, MSciLive Nourished — Shana Minei Spence, MS, RDNutrition for Brain Health and Cognitive Performance — Talitha Best & Louise DyeThe MIND Diet — Maggie Moon, MS, RDNutrition & Diagnosis-Related Care, 9th edition — Sylvia Escott-Stump, MA, RDWhether you’re just starting your journey or looking to realign your path, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you grow as a future RD.

In our final episode of the ACEND series, we wrap things up with Dr. Rayane AbuSabha, PhD, RD, Executive Director of ACEND, as she shares invaluable advice on preparing for your first interview as a Registered Dietitian. With experience interviewing hundreds of candidates, Dr. AbuSabha offers her expert insights on how she prepared for her current role, key do’s and don’ts during the interview process, and tips for landing your first RD position, and making sure it’s the right fit for you.As we close out this incredible series, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. AbuSabha and ACEND for generously sharing their time and guidance. This collaboration has provided aspiring dietitians with essential professional development tools to succeed in the field.Catch up on the rest of the ACEND series here: https://www.eatrightpro.org/acendTo see the rest of our ACEND episodes, check out our playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/@rd2be/playlists

This week we welcome Dr. Jenna Stedman, DCN, RD, CSSD, Director of Cognitive Performance Nutrition, back to the podcast! This week we dive deeper into cognitive nutrition and how it can actually be beneficial to use as an aspiring RD! Whether you are preparing for a chemistry exam or the RD exam, Dr. Stedman discusses science-backed ways that nutrition can play a role in optimizing your studying and performance during these exams. Dr. Stedman shares insights from her work with athletes and students, what supplements to use, how to recommend supplements, and more in the sports dietetics space. Whether you stress eat or lose your appetite under pressure, this episode will help you stay sharp, nourished, and ready to perform.