My journey from journalist to registered dietitian nutritionist

I will never return to school or work in a hospital.

I’ve lived my life staying open to most things, but these were two absolutes on which I would never budge. Yet here I was in 2019, spending mornings in science classes vastly different from the required courses I took as a journalism student. My nights were equally uncharacteristic, donning personal protective equipment and interacting with patients on two respiratory floors at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, ensuring they they are adhering to diet orders and well fed.

Never say never.

Why the change? Climbing the career ladder from newspaper reporter to magazine editor to

communications manager left me creatively fulfilled for many years, even won me some national awards and sent me on speaking engagements. Another passion was burgeoning, however. Since my late 20s, I’ve been paying more attention to how food interacts with the body and making better choices about what’s going into mine. Instructing others to live healthier lives via food soon seemed like a rewarding second career.

After being accepted into a food/nutrition master’s program at Framingham State University in Massachusetts, I’ve come to learn that as a male and member of the LGBTQ+ community, I represent underrepresented populations in the nutrition world. Reaching these and other populations as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) would be a rewarding second career. During my first career a journalist, I took pride in establishing personal connections and making people feel comfortable during the interview process. I noticed people were able to share their incredible stories and personal anecdotes with me when they were more at ease. Having received my master's and RDN credential in 2023, I now emphasize this same level of care and compassion during interactions with patients and the public.

In addition to helping patients better understand the complexities of nutrition as an outpatient dietitian, I also write/edit on food- and nutrition-related content. If I can be of any assistance with your efforts, please don't hesitate to reach out to me (freddojr@hotmail.com).

Please check back often for nutritional insights, fun topics, and other tips that I hope you find enjoyable!

-Fred