Highlights and reflections on #DA2022 Nurture Extend Emerge
Kitty Wong, APD
Kitty Wong, APD shares her reflections on the Dietitians Australia conference with the themes Nurture, Extend, Emerge and Be Bold.
As my first face-to-face conference and as an emerging dietitian, it was such an amazing experience to attend the conference. There were so many wonderful moments over four immersive days. From the sunny pre-conference walk at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens and River Torrens, to the welcome reception, networking interest groups, conference dinner and awards night at National Wine Centre, and of course all the inspiring workshops, presentations, plenaries, conversations, and latest research findings.
Photo: Tara Diversi, DA president facilitating a discussion
NUTURE
My professional pathway was nurtured with the latest evidence-based research findings.
I was able to immerse myself in nutrition science and the latest research findings in my areas of interest. The workshop on the healthy dietary pattern approach to cardiometabolic conditions was spot on. The concept of food as medicine was mind-blowing, and I have some exciting papers on my ‘to-read’ list. These workshops and presentations gave me inspiration for my future professional development.
EXTEND
My network was extended and I stayed connected with the community
It was wonderful to catch up with dietitians I hadn’t seen face-to-face since the pandemic started and I had a chance to finally meet the supervisor of my dietetics degree research project.
I made lots of new connections and was able to learn from different perspectives the diverse and passionate work being done in my area.
EMERGE
New opportunities emerged after reflection
‘Epistemological reflexivity’ – a term I learnt at the conference: understanding who I am, what and why I do, and how this affects my thinking, understanding, and practice. The many discussions which took place were perfect opportunities for epistemological reflexivity. Learning about; indigenous culture, rural and remote communities, weight-inclusive care, and food insecurity and sustainability, to reflecting on the racism issues in healthcare and experiences from students and educators. There were also emerging advocacies in aged care and disability settings. All these learnings equip us to understand the communities we provide care to and move forward with more advanced nutrition research, practice, advocacy, and policy.
I am so proud to be a dietitian and a member of Dietitians Australia. We can BE BOLD by nurturing, extending and reflecting on our careers and advocating for the latest evidence-based nutrition research and practice for our community.
It was a great experience to attend the Dietitians Australia conference. I have left with new friendships and knowledge, lots of laughs and reflections, and a very full stomach from all the excellent food. I can’t wait for #DA2023.
Kitty Wong is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and a current Master by Research candidate at the University of South Australia. She also works as a Clinical Dietitian, Research Assistant and Tutor. She has a strong research interest in exploring novel nutrition-based treatment options for the management of chronic diseases, particularly in cardiometabolic health. Her passion is connecting her research and clinical work to create better health outcomes for the community.