Book Review: Award-winning dietetic preceptor praises new resource for students and professionals

The following review was contributed by Kathy Rhodes, PhD, RDN, recipient of the 2017 Outstanding Preceptor Award by the Nutrition and Dietetic Educators and Preceptors (NDEP) Practice Group and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation.

This book belongs in the hands of every nutrition student, dietetic intern and seasoned nutrition practitioner. Think Like a Dietitian: A Nutrition Counseling Starter Kit by J. Barretto Patterson provides both knowledge and inspiration in the art and science of providing medical nutrition therapy.  Joyce shares her vast experience and expertise in medical nutrition therapy and nutrition counseling techniques, as well as her marketing, communications and graphic design skills. She discusses ways to address many difficult questions and challenges that arise as patients strive to change their eating choices.

Challenges include emotional eating, dining out, night eating, and confusion about all the different diets promoted in the media.  She even includes some handouts!

The book provides practical guidance in structuring a nutrition counseling session as well as guidelines to help dietitians explore and enhance their own abilities to reduce implicit bias and recognize their limitations as providers.  She covers nutrition therapy for a wide range of conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, kidney disease, and weight concerns. She discusses designing materials and provides pointers in using video counseling. Throughout each topic she demonstrates great respect for the patient and for food.

In the book, Joyce states that one of her favorite outcomes of a nutrition consult is when a patient says: “Oh thank goodness. I can eat again!” (page 71). Think Like a Dietitian: A Nutrition Counseling Starter Kit describes how to facilitate that goal.

I highly recommend this book to every dietetic intern, all preceptors of dietetic interns, as well as practicing dietitians at all levels of experience.  

As preceptor for dietetic interns for over 25 years, I wish I had had this book of practical and inspirational content for each of the dietetic interns I had the honor of teaching.

Kathy Rhodes, PhD, RDN is a Cardiovascular Nutritionist, retired from Michigan Medicine.

The book is available now at Amazon, Routledge, Barnes & Noble, and other booksellers.