Amy Pleimling, RD, LD, MPH, CSOWM
Your Job Title and Employer:
Program Director, Coordinated Program in Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Minnesota
Briefly tell us about your day-to-day work:
I am in charge of seeing that 22 masters of public health students and dietetic interns gain the skills they need (over the 2 year program) to be successful public health practitioners and dietitians. This involves teaching dietetic courses and competencies, administrating the program, coordinated their rotations, maintaining healthy relationships with preceptors and keeping the program credentialed with ACEND. Every day is different. I am often teaching, advising or supporting my students. I supervise 1 employee – our program assistant. I do lot of planning and evaluating.
Tell us about things you do that you find particularly interesting or motivating:
Working with students who are so passionate and goal-oriented has rekindled my love for the field of nutrition and dietetics. And they all have such different backgrounds and perspectives so I learn everyday.
What has surprised you about your work?
I thought moving away from clinical work that I would really miss my patients and connecting with individuals – and I do miss that. But, I get to know each and every student for 2 years and beyond – supporting them, watching them grow and find their passions. This is extremely rewarding. The other thing that surprised me is that I have to keep learning! In order to teach dietetics, I had to relearn and have to continue to learn! I thought I may lose some clinical skill moving to this director role. I am not only using clinical skills but so much more! I have to help these folks prepare for the RD exam so the learning will never stop!
What trends are you seeing in your work?
Alot! RDs2Be are very interested in weight inclusive practice, sustainability, nutrition advocacy and policy.
If you’re aware of any upcoming events or interesting news that MAND should be promoting, tell us about it:
I do find the new movement of weight inclusive care very interesting – coming from someone who worked in the weight management specialty. Webinars about this really get people thinking and having wonderful and often challenging discussions.
About MAND
Minnesota Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (MAND) is an affiliate of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. We are the largest professional organization of nutrition health professionals in Minnesota, dedicated to optimizing Minnesotans' health through food and nutrition.