The original article (in Chinese) was published in the 7 October 2024 edition of Ming Pao’s Monday Campus Subscription.
“Start with every meal.” This is what senior nutritionist, Katrin Lee believes is the most effective and accessible way for city dwellers to improve their quality of life. Katrin is skilled at integrating professional knowledge into daily living and is committed to helping others regain their health through scientific nutritional guidance. “One of my most memorable experiences was helping a cancer patient regain their strength through a tailored meal plan,” she shared. For Katrin, the reason she remains so passionate about her work in nutrition is that it allows her to help others while applying her expertise.
Q：Uni Dream
A：Katrin Lee is a certified nutritionist holding a Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University. She is also a registered dietitian in the United States, New York State, and China.
Q: Why did you choose to study nutrition?
A: I have always loved food and been fascinated by how different combinations of ingredients work together. When I first applied to university, I only knew that nutrition involved fields like biology, chemistry, and mathematics. But after enrolling, I discovered that it’s not just an academic discipline—it’s a field deeply connected to everyday life. I began exploring why some food combinations enhance nutrient absorption while others may cancel each other out. I also thought about how diet can be used to prevent diseases or improve health conditions. This journey of exploration made me realize the potential and significance of nutrition, sparking my passion for the subject.
Q: Why do we need nutritionists? What career options are available after studying nutrition?
A: Nutritionists play a crucial role in health management by providing scientific dietary advice tailored to individual needs. They help people prevent diseases and establish healthy eating habits, which is especially important in fast-paced urban environments where dietary imbalances are common. By offering personalized guidance, nutritionists can significantly enhance people's quality of life.
There are diverse career options in the field of nutrition. For example, aside from developing dietary plans for patients in hospitals, I have also provided professional advice to food technology companies to support the development of healthy products. Additionally, nutritionists can contribute to government agencies in formulating nutrition policies that influence public dietary habits. Thus, career choices range from healthcare and business to policy-making and beyond.
Q: Are there any memorable experiences in your career?
A: I once created a personalized dietary plan for an overweight patient suffering from fatty liver disease. The plan successfully restored her health, as untreated fatty liver could have led to cirrhosis or even liver cancer. Another memorable experience was providing nutritional guidance to a pregnant woman throughout her pregnancy. Being able to support and witness the growth of new life was incredibly meaningful for me. These experiences have shown me the profound impact that nutrition can have on people’s lives.
Q: What advice do you have for students who want to become nutritionists?
A: To become a registered nutritionist, you usually need to complete a relevant degree, undergo internships, and pass certification exams. However, hospital internship opportunities are often limited and highly competitive. Therefore, when choosing a university, students should pay attention to the support offered by the institution, such as internship placements, quality of mentorship, and partnerships with hospitals.
Apart from clinical work, students can also consider focusing on food research, which involves studying the nutritional components of food, food safety, and processing techniques. After graduation, they can work in food companies or research institutions as researchers or quality control specialists.
Q: What qualities or skills are needed to become a nutritionist?
A: A passion for food is essential because the core of nutrition is understanding how food impacts health. This enthusiasm will keep you engaged in research and practice. Additionally, a solid foundation in biology and chemistry is crucial, as it helps you understand how the body absorbs nutrients and how different food components interact to influence health.
In terms of personality traits, nutritionists need to be detail-oriented, patient, and good at communicating, as they must be able to explain complex concepts to clients or patients in a clear and accessible manner. Strong logical thinking is also necessary, as analyzing nutritional needs and creating dietary plans are key aspects of the job.
Learn More About Nutrition
Starting Salary for Nutritionists: Registered nutritionists working in hospitals and government institutions have a starting salary of approximately HKD 30,000, while those in private institutions start at around HKD 25,000.
The field of nutrition science explores the relationship between food and human health, providing opportunities for careers such as nutritionists, dietitians, or food researchers by studying the impact of diet on health.