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 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.

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

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