By: Christina Sielbeck and Ala Wallace, University of Maryland College Park Dietetic Interns

Registered dietitians (RDs) are food and nutrition experts, responsible for translating the latest nutrition science to benefit the public’s health.  RDs must be knowledgeable in the areas of physiology, metabolism and behavior change, among other disciplines; however, in today’s technology-driven, information-heavy world, RDs are increasingly challenged to stay current with the latest evolutions in nutrition communications and information management.

One such opportunity for up-and-coming RDs (also known as “dietetic interns”) to hear the latest developments in nutrition communications and information management is an annual Joint Class Day, hosted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agriculture Library’s Food and Nutrition Information Center and the University of Maryland College Park Dietetic Internship Program, which brings together fellow dietetic interns from nine internship programs across the Washington, D.C. metro area to hear from various leaders in the nutrition communications world.

This year’s keynote speaker was Robert Post, Ph.D., MEd., MSc., Deputy Director for USDA, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP).  He kicked off the Joint Class Day by discussing an exciting topic in the food and nutrition world: the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.  Dr. Post indicated that the latest iteration of the Guidelines will be released by USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to the public on January 27, 2011.  In formulating these Guidelines every five years, CNPP works to ensure that Americans hear “one nutrition voice,” with a focus on consistent, factual messages supported by the science. 

Following Dr. Post, representatives from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), theInternational Food Information Council Foundation, the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition, and DHHS shared various ways their organizations are using social media channels and mobile technology to provide credible food and health information at the fingertips of consumers and health professionals.  From blogging to podcasting, representatives from each organization shared examples of health campaigns and outreach conducted using popular social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, in addition to smartphone applications and text messaging.
 
Next on the agenda, new developments in information management were presented, including updates on the future of nutrition informatics, as well as the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and ways that electronic software has improved the efficiency of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) clinics across the country.

The Joint Class Day concluded with presentations on health literacy. Speakers from the University of Maryland and theMaryland Food Supplement Nutrition Education Program emphasized that health professionals must be aware of the ability of the public to understand health messages and provided specifics ways RDs can promote health-related behavior change in the adult population.

While understanding of nutrition science will continue to serve as the cornerstone of the dietetics profession, the Joint Class Day afforded up-and-coming dietitians the opportunity to learn and explore the various ways that nutrition communication leaders are harnessing the power of social media and information management to effectively communicate with the public.  

For information on the individual speakers and to view their presentations, visit the Joint Class Day agenda [PDF].