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For more information,
please contact the
Healthy Pacific Lifestyle Advisers of the section:

Dr Viliami PULOKA
Physical Activity
Tel.: 687 26 09 52

Ms Jeanie McKENZIE
Alcohol and Tobacco
Tel.: 687 26 01 22

Ms Karen FUKOFUKA
Nutrition
Tel.: 687 26 67 75
 

Secretariat of the Pacific Community
BP D5, 98848 Noumea Cedex
New Caledonia
Fax: +687 26.38.18


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Working as a dietitian or nutritionist in the Pacific

Is there a difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?

The accepted definitions are usually that a dietitian can advise individuals who have a health problem about the appropriate diet changes to help with the treatment or control of their condition. So for example a dietitian can help someone with diabetes to follow the diet suitable for them and their treatment.

A nutritionist generally focuses on the healthy population and advising on healthy diets. Often nutritionists will look at wider community issues including food supply and policy.

In practice, in small countries one person may be required to cover both roles.

What does a dietitian do?

Many dietitians work in hospitals and in clinics. They often supervise the hospital kitchen particularly the special meals for patients with particular health problems. They will spend most of their time advising patients about how to improve their diet to help with their particular health problem. A dietary consultation includes assessment of current diet and also advice. Clinics often allow for follow-up advice. The dietitian may also deliver training to other hospital staff on diet issues.

What does a nutritionist do?

Nutritionists can be found in many roles, not just in the health sector. They may work for the food industry, caterers, Education or Planning departments. Within the health sector generally their role is to promote healthier eating for the community/population. This promotion includes not just education, but environmental and policy approaches. For example, working with stores and restaurants to increase the availability of healthy options and working on legislation on issues such as formula milk sales and fortified foods.

How can I qualify as a dietitian?

Many countries in the world have specific requirements for dietetic posts, so it is important to check this in the country where you want to work. For most Pacific Islands a diploma or degree in dietetics is acceptable. Courses are available at places such as Fiji School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, University of Otago, Griffith University and University of Sydney.

Where can I study nutrition?

There are a wide variety of courses on nutrition available - varying from several months to full degrees. The shorter courses are particularly useful for those working in health or education who wish to have some knowledge on nutrition to assist them with their work. Courses are available at places such as University of the South Pacific, University of Queensland, University of Otago and University of the Philippines (Los Banos).

Many Pacific nutritionists and dietitians have been able to secure sponsorship or scholarships for their studies. Sources have included WHO, JICA, AusAID, NZAID and Taiwan. It is best to contact your local Department of Education or Health for information.

A regional group for nutritionists and dietitians was set-up to support these professions.