This year the Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is celebrating 70 years of our Idaho affiliate! As part of our celebration, we would like to recognize what Idaho Dietetic Interns and Students are doing and where they would like to go after the completion of their dietetic program.
Today, we are recognizing:
Kanako Fujita
Student in the Coordinated Program in Dietetics at the University of Idaho
How did you become interested in nutrition?
I love eating! I grew up in a small town in Japan. My grandmother cultivated rice and vegetables in our garden and I was exposed to so many opportunities to feel close to food. I studied food and nutrition in Japan, however, the experience wasn’t successful. I lost my purpose for pursuing a career in dietetics, because I couldn’t see the perspective of my clients. After experiencing other career and family related health issue, I became passionate about dietetics. This career truly can contribute to other people’s health and improve lives.
What has been your favorite experience from your dietetic program and/or internship so far?
My favorite so far is to be able to obtain in-depth knowledge of dietetics. For example, I knew that diabetes patients need to check their blood glucose level with self-monitoring device, however, I didn’t actually know how to do that and what kind of stress they would feel with the process. Through Advanced Nutrition Lab, I experienced collecting blood, using self-glucometer, and checking my blood glucose level. Now, I can explain how to do it and understand what patients with diabetes are doing. At the same time, through the actual experience, I can explain what can cause elevation of blood glucose level. I feel that I have been experiencing this mastering process, from “knowing” to “being able to explain,” a lot since I started this program.
Once you become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, what kind of work would you like to do?
I’d like to help people through medical nutrition therapy as a clinical dietitian.
What words of wisdom would you share with students who are interested in pursuing Dietetics?
Do what you are really interested in.
Not everything will be fun, however, do your best while you are there.
The passion or goal you want to achieve will help you keep going through your career path.
What is your LinkedIn profile URL?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kanako-fujita
Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Blog 