Why aren't Dietitians ever considered Healthcare Professionals ?

[Guest guest]

I have been a Registered Dietitian for 20 years and spent 8 years as a

CMS/HCFA Certified Health Facility Surveyor [state Surveyor}. I keep

thinking that one day we will become a respected, valued part of

healthcare and be included as " Healthcare Professionals " .

Whenever you see the term " Healthcare Professionals " , Nurses,

Pharmacist, Social Worker, SLP, PT, OT, EVERY DISCIPLINE EXCEPT

REGISTERED DIETITIANS are included, even CNA is included more than RD.

Over the years I have heard " You're just a Dietitian " so many times,

that I have wanted to get another degree so that other professionals

would consider my contributions as important and include as part of

the individuals care.

Headlines like

" Health Professionals Are In Demand! "

or

" Despite the economic downturn, the healthcare industry continues to

thrive. Over 50,000 healthcare jobs were added in January, and that

number is expected to climb. "

when you read further into the article or posting....Dietitians aren't

mentioned.

And our nation is puzzled that 1 out of 3 of our nation's children are

obese ? That these children at age 10 have arteries comparable to an

adults, 45 years old !!

When you talk with Home Health or Hospice agencies or In-School

Therapy Providers about utilizing the services of Registered

Dietitians, their reactions are as if you are asking them to offer the

services of something like an Automobile Mechanic to the patients or

students. Will this EVER change ?