ADSA eNewsletter Vol 14

FROM THE PRESIDENT

The half-way mark of 2023 also marks the end of term for ADSA’s 2021-2023 executive committee. In this edition of the newsletter, the committee members share highlights from their term of office, marking significant achievements towards representation and development of our profession. The hard work of these individuals, along with the ADSA branch committees - volunteering their time and expertise in service of the profession - is acknowledged and appreciated. We wish those who will not be serving for another term all of the best for their future endeavors.

We also take this opportunity to share some of the highlights of the 2023 Nutrition Congress, co-hosted by ADSA and NSSA, with our members. It was a true joy to meet so many of our colleagues in person and we appreciate the contribution made by every sponsor, exhibitor, presenter and attendee towards ensuring the success of this annual event.

Best wishes,

Maria van der Merwe ADSA PRESIDENT, 2021 TO 2023

CONGRESS Nutrition

ADSA and NSSA hosted the 2023 Nutrition Congress from 18 to 20 April 2023 at the Lord Charles Hotel, Somerset West. This three day event was attended by more than 300 delegates from 18 countries, celebrating the first in-person national nutrition congress since 2018. Keynote addresses by Prof Debbie Marais, Prof Zulfiqar Bhutta and Prof Anna Lartey, along with thought-provoking presentations during the plenary and parallel sessions, enabled the exchange of ideas and knowledge on nutrition-related challenges that impact on health and quality of life, along with the consideration of potential relevant and practical solutions.

Left to right: Mark Hollingsworth, Chief executive, The Nutrition Society (United Kingdom); Prof Corinna Walsh, NSSA President; Maria van der Merwe, ADSA President; Estelle Venter, Facilitator

Welcome address by ADSA President

ADSA executive committee members in attendance at the congress. From left to right: Jessica Byrne, Janetta Harbron, Estelle Venter, Maria van der Merwe, Philna Neethling, Alta Kloppers, Carla Gerryts.

ADSA recognition

AWARDS

On 19 April 2023, ADSA President, Maria van der Merwe, proudly announced the recipients of the ADSA Recognition Awards, presented at the Gala Dinner of the 2023 Nutrition Congress. The ADSA Recognition Awards serves to acknowledge individuals who have contributed above and beyond the call of duty in representing and developing the profession. This year, two awards were presented:

ADSA Recognition Award, presented to Dr Chantell Witten

ADSA Young Dietitian Award (for dietitians below 35 years of age), awarded to Dr Laurencia Govender. See ‘Interview with a dietitian’ to read about Laurencia’s inspiring career journey.

We congratulate both Chantell and Laurencia and applaud them for their ongoing contribution to the dietetic profession.

ICDA FOOD SYSTEMS TOOLKIT GRANT

Dr Ashika Naicker was awarded the International Confederation of Dietetics Associations (ICDA) Food Systems Toolkit Grant, through a collaboration by ADSA and NSSA. Aimed at improving sustainability within the dietetics and nutrition professions, this funding was applied towards the facilitation of two sessions on ‘Food waste awareness and use of the ICDA tool’ and ‘Navigating ICDA sustainable food systems web-based platform’ at the 2023 Nutrition Congress.

Maria van der Merwe (middle) with the recipients of the ADSA Recognition Awards, Dr Laurencia Govender (left) and Dr Chantell Witten (right) at the 2023 Nutrition Congress Gala Dinner.

OUTGOING ADSA executive

committee

2021-2023 TERM HIGHLIGHTS

It has been an honour and privilege to serve as the ADSA President during this term. Highlights from the term, attributed to the hard work and commitment of the executive committee members, branch committee members and all dietitians; include the following:

• The ADSA Exec Roadshow - between November 2022 and May 2023 we have managed to pay an in-person visit to all ADSA branches.

• Inclusion of dietitians as service providers to patients who sustained injuries on duty.

• Mandate by the Board of Healthcare Funders for all funders to consider including at least two consultations

with a dietitian for all patients with or at risk of obesity. Some of the medical aids have started implementation of the mandate and more will follow.

• Representing the profession in various fora, including towards the implementation of National Health Insurance.

• Launch of the ImpENSA program.

• Hosting the first in-person National Nutrition Congress since 2018.

• Review of the ADSA executive committee structure, to be implemented as an interim structure during the 2023 to 2025 term of office.

PRESIDENT MARIA VAN DER MERWE

SECRETARY: CARLA GERRYTS

It was my privilege to serve as secretary on the ADSA Executive Committee for the last two years. The journey included obstacles and frustrations, but was not without its share of highlights and successes:

• Launch of the ADSA mentorship program is one highlight I am most proud of.

• Attending the Presidential Health Summit with the President to represent dietitians as part of National Health Insurance strategic discussions was one of the biggest learning experiences during the last two years.

• Assisting to man the ADSA stall at the Nutrition Congress in Somerset West reminded me of the core essence of the portfolio: the association is nothing without you, the members.

• Every email that I received with a query that I can either answer or redirect appropriately is an opportunity to be of service to you.

Thank you for the trust that you placed in us as a committee and we look forward to the future, while learning from the past.

PRIVATE PRACTISING DIETITIANS (PPD): ALTA KLOPPERS

The highlight of my term as PPD portfolio holder (2019-2023) was undoubtedly the listing of dietitians in the Government Gazette as service providers to patients that obtained injuries on duty. The process was initiated in 2016 and after many unsuccessful attempts, dietitians were eventually listed as service providers to this group of patients on 1 April 2022. Dietitians and the role of nutrition throughout the continuum of illness are now recognised as valuable components to the overall treatment, recovery and rehabilitation of these patients.

I will also always treasure the positive attitude that I experienced during my communication with PPDs throughout my period as PPD portfolio holder.

The enthusiasm and positive energy of PPDs was and will always be a belt under my heart. Despite the many challenges faced in private practice, PPDs never give up, remain eager to learn and grow in the best interest of the Profession. Keep up the good work and enthusiasm.

I wish you all a blessed and successful future!

CPD: PHILNA NEETHLING

The ADSA CPD Portfolio 2021 – 2023 term has been filled with exciting challenges and progress.

The main highlights for me were:

• The significant change in the CPD process where HPCSA now captures an individual practitioner’s CEUs directly from the service provider of an activity / event.

• To participate in the ADSA exec roadshow and thereby visit individual branches.

• Being able to assist some of the younger or smaller branches with providing successful CPD events for their members.

Now at the end of this term, I am looking forward to the next 2023 – 2025 term in taking this portfolio forward and supporting ADSA and our members.

MEMBERSHIP: JANKE DRAPER

It was a privilege to serve in the membership portfolio on the ADSA Executive Committee for the last two years.

Some highlights that stood out during my term were that ADSA managed to reach a record number of ADSA members of more than 1500, in the midst of a demanding economical term. With the input of the executive team, I successfully revised and updated the

ADSA membership benefit document. Another great highlight during my term was that we managed to negotiate better rates for Professional Indemnity cover for our members, even though I cannot take any credit for the thought and time that went into the project.

Let’s all remind ourselves; coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, and working together is success.

PUBLIC RELATIONS: RETHA HARMSE

Over the past two terms and four years in the Public Relations portfolio, I have experienced tremendous personal growth and witnessed significant character

development. Reflecting on my journey as a member of the ADSA Executive Committee team, I am astounded by the transformative impact it has had on

my career path, surpassing all my initial expectations.

During my tenure, three standout achievements define my term:

• Facilitating and conducting two highly successful media trainings in 2019 and 2021. These invaluable sessions not only empowered our ADSA spokespersons with enhanced skills but also elevated the organization’s image within the media landscape.

• Pioneering the launch of our ADSA YouTube channel and effectively expanding our presence across various social media platforms. This strategic initiative has resulted in broader reach

and greater engagement with our target audience.

• Nurturing and cultivating a thriving dietetic community by nurturing and growing our ADSA closed group on Facebook. This dedicated space has fostered collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and professional growth among dietitians, further strengthening the organization’s impact.

Looking back, these highlights epitomize the profound impact and positive change that being part of the ADSA Executive Committee team has brought to my professional journey.

PUBLIC SECTOR: NIRESHNEE REDDY

The 2021 - 2023 term in the ADSA Public Sector portfolio has been an exciting and challenging one, yet filled with potential for the new term that I am quite confident is going to be more fulfilling and impactful in taking ADSA and dietitians in South Africa to greater heights.

The main highlight for me has been learning more about ImpENSA , participating in the training, and offering the training to the Provincial Departments of Health to consider capacitating health workers in the country in an innovative and progressive methodology that is evidence based and effective.

• It was also positive that some of the Provinces participated in the first meeting and at the National Nutrition Congress with great enthusiasm. There is so much scope for nutrition sensitive interventions in the country and hopefully ADSA, along with all other relevant stakeholders, can support the public sector in gaining momentum in dietitians involvement to a greater extent.

• The portfolio has also been active in the meetings called by the National Department of Health’s Internship and Community Service Programme (ICSP) managers. The ICSP meetings update the

Associations on the placement of community service officers and important dates to be aware of. Final year student members and community service

ADSA members are welcome to email adsapublicsector@gmail.com with any queries as required.

I am looking forward to the challenges and experiences of the next term and supporting ADSA in taking nutrition in South Africa to greater heights.

COO: JESSICA BYRNE

ADSA Executive Legal Webinar: On 23 June 2022, the ADSA executive committee hosted a CPD webinar on ‘Legal Matters in Dietetics’, presented by Advocate Maud Letzler. The session covered topics such as liability and indemnity cover, as well as handling of complaints procedures by funders or the HPCSA. It was an extremely enlightening and informative session, and we received very positive feedback received from the attendees.

Executive Roadshow 2022/2023: Together with other members of the executive committee, we organised the ADSA Executive Roadshow, visiting almost all of our branches over the past 7 months. The event included a session on ‘Navigating true north – finding direction in the profession’ and an ImpENSA session on ‘The first 1 000 days – why it matters’. It was very rewarding to visit the branches and have an opportunity to engage with members.

COMMUNICATIONS: CINDY CHIN

I was responsible for collating the quarterly publication of the ADSA Executive newsletters. In gathering news items, I was always amazed at the amount of behind-the-scenes work each committee member champions. I also wanted to give dietitians the opportunity to share their unique career stories as our field is so diverse. Interviewing various dietitians in their roles was immensely inspiring and encouraging.

It was a great privilege to administer the ADSA Student Bursary award process. I was humbled to see the need for this initiative through the application process, and it is rewarding to know that ADSA has supported several dynamic dietitians over the years. I encourage ADSA members to consider donating towards this bursary so that we can extend the award to more candidates. This can be done when renewing one’s membership.

Virtual ADSA Executive committee meeting held on 19 May 2023

“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.”

– PHIL JACKSON

executive committee

UPDATES

ADSA PPD

The 2023 tariffs for medical service providers under the Compensation Fund, effective 1 April 2023, were published in Government Gazette 48304 on 27 March

2023. Please find the link here: https:// www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_ document/202303/48304gen1705.pdf

ADSA CPD

According to the latest statistics from the HPCSA, the Dietetics and Nutrition Board (DNB) CPD compliance is at 33.1%. This means that only a third of dietitians are compliant with their CPD status presently. Despite this low percentage of compliance, the DNB has the highest compliance rate across all the boards of the HPCSA. While this is encouraging, it is important for us to increase this compliance to avoid being removed from

Futurelife - https://futurelife-cpd.co.za

the licensure. Here are some ideas on how you can ensure your compliance by obtaining your 30 CPD points annually:

1. There are numerous organisations that offer free CPD points online, here are a few of them – please note this is not an exhaustive list and the companies / organisations and content of information shared through these platforms are not endorsed by ADSA:

PAN-SA (Physicians Association for Nutrition South Africa)

DeNova Medica:

https://www.denovomedica.com/accredited-cpdceu-programmes/

NNIA Nestle - https://nnia.nestlenutrition-institute.org/education/nnia-cpd

Fresenius kabi cpd - www.fkcpd.co.za / https://www.mm3.co.za/Login. aspx?communityId=fb1c22da-cc77-4bf6-9e36-d49a87fd428f

Unilever health cpd:

http://www.unileverhealth.co.za/cpd/

Nutricia cpd:

https://www.nutricia.co.za/misc/continuous-professional-development-cpd

Rediscover dairy cpd:

https://www.rediscoverdairy.co.za/cpd-for-dieticians-nutritionists/

2. How to apply for accreditation of nonaccredited activities. These include CPD activities attended abroad, academic outputs e.g., publications, reviewer of an article or research thesis:

Contact the ADSA CPD officer, Nasreen Jaffer nasreen@tiscali.co.za to apply for accreditation for a nominal fee by

completing the CPD2B application form and sending your proof of attendance / completion of the activity.

For any CPD queries, kindly contact Nasreen at the above email address or Philna Neethling, the ADSA CPD portfolio holder (Exec) at cpd.adsa@gmail.com

ADSA PUBLIC RELATIONS

ADSA’s PR team has been extremely busy during the first few months of 2023. Some topics included:

• The impact of load shedding on healthy eating

• Changing conversations about overweight and obesity

• Busting food myths

• Diabetic-friendly meals

• Eating healthily on a tight budget

• Ramadan- tips for healthy fasting

The following media releases were compiled and distributed to media across the country:

FEBRUARY

TOTAL CLIPPINGS: 9

TOTAL AVE (Advertising Value Equivalent): R 312,858.00

TOTAL REACH (Opportunities to see): 6,172,882

http://ebook.novusgroup.co.za/ index.php/ebooks/view?id=8175& acc=5e18f86fad006a5846541997

511989d5

APRIL

TOTAL CLIPPINGS: 13

TOTAL AVE (Advertising Value Equivalent): R 496,253.00

TOTAL REACH (Opportunities to see): 711,404

MARCH

TOTAL CLIPPINGS: 35

TOTAL AVE (Advertising Value Equivalent): R 1,795,268.00

TOTAL REACH (Opportunities to see): 9,739,346

http://ebook.novusgroup.co.za/ index.php/ebooks/view?id=8176 &acc=5e18f86fad006a584654199

7511989d5

http://ebook.novusgroup.co.za/ index.php/ebooks/view?id=8177& acc=5e18f86fad006a5846541997

511989d5

If anyone is interested in becoming an ADSA spokesperson, please email Retha Harmse at adsapublicrelations@gmail.com

FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS Practice guidelines

To be a good health care practitioner, requires a life-long commitment to sound professional and ethical practices and an overriding dedication to the interests of one’s fellow human beings and society. Are you familiar with the HPCSA Ethical guidelines for good practice in the health care professions? We will be sharing snippets from these guidelines as an integral part of professional conduct.

BOOKLET 1: General ethical guidelines for health care professions

5.8 POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Health care practitioners should:

5.8.1 Always seek to give priority to the investigation and treatment of patients solely on the basis of clinical need.

5.8.2 Avoid over-servicing: They should recommend or refer patients for necessary investigations and treatment only, and should prescribe only treatment, drugs or appliances that serve the needs of their patients. Rule 23A of the Ethical Rules of Conduct

5.8.3 Declare to their patients – verbally and by a displayed notice – any financial interest they may have in institutions, diagnostic equipment, or the like to which they make referrals, if the holding of such interest is permitted by the HPCSA. Rule 24 of the Ethical Rules of Conduct

5.8.4 Refrain from coercing patients or their family members to provide them (health practitioners) with gifts or any other undue benefit.

(https://www.hpcsa.co.za/Uploads/ professional_practice/ethics/Booklet_1_ Guidelines_for_Good_Practice_vDec_2021. pdf)

WITH A DIETITIAN interview

have a strong desire to make a significant difference to peoples’ lives. All of this contributed to what motivated me to pursue a degree in Dietetics.

What and where did you study and what are your research interests?

I completed my BSc Dietetics, PgDip Dietetics, MSc Dietetics (summa cum laude) and PhD Dietetics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).

My research primarily focuses on foodbased nutrition interventions to reduce over- and undernutrition, particularly in rural population groups of KwaZuluNatal province, South Africa (SA). I have a passion for and am very enthusiastic towards community and clinical nutrition. Career path: tell us about your journey and where you find yourself now.

DR LAURENCIA GOVENDER

What made you choose dietetics?

This is an interesting question. If you had spoken to me in grade 12 and asked if I wanted to be a dietitian, I would have said no. I wanted to be a medical doctor, but circumstances did not allow this to happen. I always tell people that I did not choose dietetics, but dietetics chose me. I love good food, working with people and

My five-year plan was to be a private practising dietitian. Little did I know I was heading in a different direction. Everything happens for a reason, and what is meant to be, will be. I currently find myself shaping the young minds of future dietitians. I am a Senior Lecturer in the Discipline of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, which forms part of the School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences (SAEES) and the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science (CAES) at the UKZN. I teach, motivate and supervise students up to PhD level. I

am also the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) branch chair of ADSA and consider myself a consulting dietitian. Before taking up employment at UKZN, I worked for the KZN Department of Health as a Clinical Dietitian at the Harry Gwala Regional Hospital (formerly Edendale Hospital). I was blessed to have received the Department of Health Bursary for most of my undergraduate studies. This led me to Harry Gwala Regional Hospital after completing my community service

year at Dundee Hospital. I was also an accredited training dietitian for the fourth-year UKZN dietetic students for six years for their clinical rotation.

I was extremely passionate about clinical nutrition whilst working at the hospital but I felt more research was needed for the advancement in clinical nutrition. I approached my supervisors to start my master’s in Dietetics as they were working on an interesting, communitybased project. Despite my passion

Training Session with nurses in the ward; 2020 Graduation; UKZN students at an ADSA event

for clinical nutrition, I believe that the most difference can be made at the community level, as prevention is always better than the cure. After completing my master’s degree, I registered for my doctoral (PhD) degree, which was done part-time. While completing my PhD, I realised that I love teaching and have a keen interest in research. I wanted to be at the forefront of innovation and research rather than implementing what others have discovered. This led to me applying for a job in academia. When I joined UKZN, I was already at the advanced stage of my PhD (Dietetics) studies, which I completed in 2020.

What are your career highlights, proud achievements or milestones? Are you working on any other interesting projects?

In my career, I have been blessed to have received several bursaries, honours, awards and recognitions, but the top three I received would be:

1. ADSA Young Dietitian Recognition Award

2. Joseph Baynes Estate Award for Agricultural and Environmental Science Innovation

3. UKZN college research award, Best impact factor publication – Primary award (Term 4 2020)

I am really grateful for the individuals I have in my life; without them, I would not be where I am today.

Another aspect that I am passionate about is mentorship as well as the promotion

of the Dietetics career. I mentor several newly qualified dietitians, but I wish I had more time to do more. This brings me to a little project that I am working on. I intend on starting a podcast in the near future which will be focused on individuals wanting to study dietetics, student and qualified dietitians. This podcast will tackle many aspects that may affect dietitians and provide advice/ guidance to future dietitians. With all my real-life experience and lessons learnt, I feel my podcast will be relatable to the target audience. Watch this space….

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger dietitian self?

God has a plan, and everything will work out in the end. Continue working hard and being passionate about Dietetics. Be yourself, be optimistic and never stop learning!

Can you offer any advice for dietitians considering work in your area?

I would advise dietitians that no matter which area of dietetics they work in, it always comes with its challenges, however, there is always a solution. Be open to learning new things and evolving your thinking to do your job better. Don’t be afraid to think out of the box and collaborate with like-minded people, as it will motivate you to be the best dietitian you can be.

What do you love most about the dietetics profession?

I love that we help individuals in need, especially from vulnerable population

groups. We are equipped with nutrition knowledge and skills that we can use to empower these individuals so that they can make healthier lifestyle choices

leading to a better quality of life and well-being. I love that, as dietitians, we are able to make a difference and have a positive impact on society.

If you have an interesting career story or community service experience you’d like to share, please contact adsacomms@gmail.com. We’d love to hear about your experience.

Laurencia conducting training with the Gift of the Givers team.

Are you seeking a new cost-effective marketing channel through which you can directly reach dietitians with your product information? There are several marketing opportunities available through the ADSA electronic mailer platform. ADSA’s mailers allow you to connect with about 1 600 dietitians across the country through ADSA’s member database. Find more information here:

https://adsa.org.za/advertise-with-adsa / or email

cooadsa@gmail.com

touch

ADSA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

PRESIDENT Maria van der Merwe adsapresident01@gmail.com

COMMUNICATIONS Cindy Chin adsacomms@gmail.com

SECRETARY Carla Gerryts secretaryadsaexec@gmail.com

MEMBERSHIP Janke Draper adsamembers@gmail.com

BRANCH LIAISON Ditope Rabodiba adsabranches@gmail.com

TREASURY Estelle Strydom treasuryadsa@gmail.com

PUBLIC SECTOR

Nireshnee Reddy adsapublicsector@gmail.com

COO Jessica Byrne cooadsa@gmail.com

SPONSORSHIP Janetta Harbron adsasponsorship@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/ADSAorgza Blog: http://nutritionconfidence.wordpress.com

https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCIn0w-Zjjxi_ljQfnmJCiUw

DISCLAIMER

https://www.instagram.com/adsaorgza/

The information, products or services referred to in this communication are for your information only, and you should exercise your own judgment before deciding to use any information in this newsletter. While ADSA always strives to ensure the scientific accuracy of information shared, we also support sharing different and emerging viewpoints to keep members informed and abreast of current happenings. The reference to goods or services in this communication

does not constitute any form of endorsement by ADSA. Sharing of information from sponsors and advertisers should not be construed as favouring one company over another. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of ADSA. ADSA will not be held liable by any company or their affiliates for any errors, omissions or damages arising from any information shared.