Remember that line from Shakespeare, ‘What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet’
Well, I was thinking about that this afternoon when I was asked what differences exist between dietitians, nutritionists and the like. My thoughts on the topic are as follows:
As it is with most professions, expertise is not conferred on someone, like anointing them. It’s earned, and learned. And while becoming a Registered Dietitian does require an internship and exam, it doesn’t automatically mean competence. By the same token, just because someone calls themselves a nutritionist, it doesn’t mean they know anything at all. And certifications can be bought without a great deal trouble – there are plenty of online certifications that don’t mean a person has actually learned much. Don’t get hung up on titles.
There’s another old saying, “let the buyer beware”. If you’re looking for help, investigate. Ask questions. Check references. Look beyond the obvious.