How did you get your job?
I secured my specialist role after working for over two years as a graduate dietitian at a major London teaching hospital. During this time, I developed both my clinical and professional skills through a variety of rotations, including:
- acute medicine
- clinical pharmacology
- respiratory and infectious diseases wards
- surgical.
When a specialist oncology dietitian position became available, I applied through the NHS Trac website and was shortlisted for interview. The interview included a combination of clinical and non-clinical questions, and I was successful in securing the role.
What's a typical working day like?
A typical day involves attending ward handovers with the wider multidisciplinary team (MDT) and screening patients who may be at nutritional risk due to the side effects of cancer treatment. I review patients on the ward, carry out nutritional assessments and provide dietetic support tailored to their needs. This can include managing tube feeding and oral nutritional support for haematology and oncology patients.
I also run a general oncology outpatient clinic, where I assess and support patients throughout their cancer treatment journey.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Being able to make a real difference to patients' strength, recovery and overall physical health during a challenging time in their lives. I particularly value the patient-facing aspect of the job and building supportive relationships with patients throughout their treatment journey.
I also enjoy being involved in hospital initiatives aimed at improving the quality of care and patient outcomes, as this allows me to contribute to wider service improvements beyond day-to-day clinical work.
What are the challenges?
One of the biggest challenges is the emotional side of the role. Working closely with oncology and haematology patients means supporting people through very difficult periods of illness and treatment, which can sometimes be emotionally demanding. However, it is also incredibly rewarding to be able to provide support and make a positive difference to patients and their families during these times.
How is your degree relevant?
My BSc Dietetics from London Metropolitan University was essential in becoming a registered dietitian and allows me to practise clinically within the NHS. It provided me with the scientific knowledge, clinical training and communication skills needed to assess, diagnose and support patients with a range of nutritional needs.
The degree also included practical placements, which gave me valuable hands-on experience working with patients in different healthcare settings and helped prepare me for my current specialist role.
How has your role developed and what are your career ambitions?
My role has developed through building my clinical knowledge and experience within a specialist area of dietetics. Since starting as a graduate dietitian, I have gained confidence managing patients with more complex needs, working closely within MDTs, and developing specialist skills in oncology nutrition support.
My career ambition is to continue growing clinically and progress into a clinical lead role within oncology dietetics. I would also like to support and mentor junior staff members and students, helping to contribute to their professional development and the future of the profession.
What advice can you give to others wanting to get into this job?
- Gain as much clinical experience as possible. Make the most of placements, rotations and shadowing opportunities to build your confidence and exposure to different areas of dietetics.
- Develop strong communication and professional skills. A large part of the role involves supporting patients and working within MDTs, so being able to communicate clearly and compassionately is essential. It's also important to actively take part in MDTs, attend study days and get involved in hospital initiatives and events, as these opportunities help you build knowledge, confidence and professional networks.
- Be open to learning and progressing gradually. Specialist roles often come with experience over time. Building a strong foundation as a graduate dietitian across different clinical areas can help prepare you for more specialised positions in the future.
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