Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Should I become a R.D. or go into an alternative medicine profession?

I am in my early twenties, doing restaurant work as a baker. I am unfulfilled because I have a bachelor's degree in science and have had an interest in nutrition since high school. I LOVE cooking and baking and went to culinary school for this, but I want to help people in another way, still involving food. I believe in the saying, "Let food by thy medicine, thy medicine shall be thy food." The problem is I see dietitians sometimes as food gurus giving clients a list of dos and don'ts, and honestly I don't agree with this. I see the client as a whole, who may come to a dietician for a weight, or food-related problem, but who would actually benefit more from a homeopathic, exercise, eastern medicine, or alternative medicine advice. From research I have been doing, it seems hard to be a credible practitioner in these fields, without a valid medical degree in Western science. But, I cannot se myself as a Western doctor, at the same time I cannot see myself just as a R.D., without extensive medical knowledge of the human body. I guess I am torn between Eastern and Western medicine, but ultimately, I want to be a preventative focused doctor, rather than a reactionary doctor if that makes sense. I know that I am a good listener, and can deal with many types of people, and I have a great interest in science, but I am truly a chef and musician at heart. I didn't mean to throw that curveball in there, but maybe now you can understand me a bit better. I don't like much working for a boss, as I see myself as an entrepreneur and leader. How would I ever get through a traditional medical school like this? I question all figures of authority and find that other students rarely have the level of enthusiasm I have for the subject we are learning. Perhaps, I am best suited NOT to go back to school, and be the chef and musician I am, but I believe in 10 years, I will want to push my science knowledge and help others in another way. Please give any advice for this lost 20-something year old, if possible. Gracias.

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