What?
Our group got to choose our top favourite topic on Client-Centered Care. To us, it was such a hot topic since “the client” is the core in professional dietetics practice. Our team was very cohesive and cooperative. This group was different from my previous UBC group projects. We worked really well alongside each other to work on this project. I believe this is because in this class we all share the same vision and objective. The class is very focused on dietetics practice and studying in such an environment is very enjoyable. On the very first day, Sandra made a facebook group so we could discuss the project. In our group page, we shared whatever we found relevant and useful to our topic, it was more like a brainstorm to learn about our topic. Then, we had a meeting to divide the topic into sections and everyone dug into their parts.
So What?
The focus of our tutorial mainly was on the client as one person. In this model, we discussed and explored the role of a dietitian in identifying the client’s needs and goals. In our tutorial, we used check-in questions, case scenario, and discussion to engage all students in class and exchange ideas. We rounded up our discussion with some great questions Kara brought up to the class about struggles and challenges we will face in counselling. Ethical issues are huge in nutrition counselling since food is a personal and emotional thing! When Kara asked about our experiences with food advice to people, many of us had already felt the struggle. Both Jenniffer and I talked about frustration with our parents’ diabetes and why our relationships with them come before anything else.
Now What?
I think it is very important for me to learn how to gauge my questions and conversations to succeed in counselling. Loving to help others achieve their goals is one important characteristic of a dietitian, yet, having people’s skills and communication is paramount. As well, being able to carry on with uncertainty and acknowledging that we will not be able “to get people in our way” are equally important skills.
Last not least, since dietitians work in such broad areas, in most cases the client may not be just one person; it can be a community or even whole populations. It is wise to say that as the level of the hierarchy of practice goes up, our roles and responsibility to the public health and well-being rises exponentially.