Most of us understand that the acronym
RD means registered dietitian. This blogger is trying to draw
attention to her blog and states, “RD does NOT stand for “Really
Dumb”.” Yes, Adele Hite is poking fun at herself and her
occupation, but at the same time is very serious about the idea that
her profession needs change. She uses an excellent example like the
last link in her first paragraph referencing a very controversial article from the Huffington Post.
I am not sure why one of their own
would take this provocative stance, but she has taken on her
professional organization before and probably will again. I strongly
agree with Adele that the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND)
has gone too far in their attempt to become the only source of
recognized nutritional advice. I even agree that this attempt is
backfiring on them and some states are even considering (but to-date
none have) stopping all licensing of RDs. My own State of Iowa is
taking a hard look at the licensure of registered dietitians,
presently now allowing them to expand their over reach.
Would I say that even current
registered dietitians are rebelling against their own professional
organization? Maybe, but a few people may be trying to reorganize it
from within. This may be surprising, but if the current people
remain at the helm, the organization will soon be a shell of what it
was. Following the pronouncements of the American Diabetes
Association (ADA) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) will
not lead to good nutrition of any type. Many of her links do point
out the fallacy being promoted by the AND.
The blogger speaks the truth about the
AND putting restrictions on its members about avoiding even the
appearance of a conflict of interest, but the Academy receives
its funds from the food industry and the pharmaceutical industry and
clearly has the appearance of solid conflict of interest. This is
definitely speaking with forked tongue by a professional
organization. Does “do what I say – not what I do” fit the
situation.
Quoting from the blog an important
point “On the other hand, the “party
line” approaches for weight loss are so ineffective, the federal
government (and many states) won’t cover many dietitian services to
help people lose weight. According to Dr. Wendy Long, chief medical
officer of TennCare:
“There’s
really no evidence to support the fact that providing those services
[from dietitians] would result in a decrease in medical cost,
certainly not immediately, and even in the longer term.”
This lack of
evidence may be due in part to the (sadly) limited scope of dietetic
education and practice. The AND treats the USDA as if it is a
scientific authority and not a government agency whose first mandate
is to “strengthen the American agricultural economy.” It limits
the training of RDs to USDA/HHS-approved diet recommendations despite
the fact that even mainstream nutrition establishment scientists feel
that the current US dietary recommendations are misguided and
inappropriate.”
Follow the links in her blog to read
what is behind her statements. I can only say that it would be smart
to read carefully her full blog and if you have interests in this, to
follow and read many of the links within her blog. I will only say
that I am thoroughly enjoying reading her blog at this time. I
sincerely hope to do an interview with her in the future. I fully
support her position and hope that she continues to enlighten us. As
a patient with diabetes, there is hope that changes will take place
and either AND will change (doubtful), or a new organization will
emerge to give us the correct nutritional advice we so desperately
need.
We can all thank her for pulling
together a few of the people knowledgeable about nutrition and
dietetics that are working to correct the misinformation being
foisted upon us by AND, ADA, and USDA. It is sad that the RDs that
work for the USDA must spout the whole grains/low fat mantra to keep
their jobs.
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