Infuse Issue 12 November 2020 | Page 15

What would you say to young dietitians about the importance of mentors ?
Oh , I absolutely have to shout out to Sandra ( Capra ). She has been a fabulous mentor and supporter of dietitians – allowing those flower buds to open , she ’ s a watering can , backing you up , and that ’ s a really , really , important role . And then I ’ ve had two wonderful PhD supervisors , who challenged me out of my comfort zone when I starting thinking about how to prove whether or not my contribution made a difference in the care of children with cystic fibrosis back in the 1990 ' s .
I think it ’ s really important to find a mentor , someone who has been down the path before you . Also find yourself a network of people who can advocate for you , people who know what opportunities you are looking for and what skills you need to develop and can get your name out there . Don ’ t expect to do it all alone .
Images courtesy of Clare Collins . Above : Mentoring and supporting fellow PhD students
And that ’ s the thing about you Clare , you ’ re so giving of your knowledge , your expertise , and your time . Thank you for everything you do for the dietetic profession .
For more on Clare ’ s incredible career , be sure to tune in to the Dietitian Connection podcast – find out what research she is most proud of and how investing in the dietetic profession has helped her career .
Tune
in to the DC podcast here
© Dietitian Connection 15 Infuse | November 2020