Eileen Stellefson Myers

Why did you pursue a degree from Penn State Nutritional Sciences?

My father’s experience with nutrition and physical activity and how they changed his life drew me towards these pathways when I entered college. I actually came to Penn State as a physical education major thinking I would learn how to teach people about health, but instead, I was learning about different sports. Before my first term was over, I received a brochure from a friend that explained the many opportunities in dietetics. The next day I went to talk to my advisor and transferred to nutrition. It was the best decision!

How would you describe your current position and what impact(s) are you seeking to make?

My entire nutrition career has been focused on developing effective counseling skills, primarily in the areas of weight management, eating disorders, and sports nutrition. I knew it wasn’t about just telling people what to do. I learned these skills through a Helping Skills class and having a great nutrition graduate student as my mentor.

I have spent the past 40+ years teaching and writing about effective counseling skills. In 1999, I wrote a workbook focused on helping dietitians provide more effective counseling for their patients with eating disorders. Recently I co-wrote a toolkit for dietitians on shared decision making and I also wrote the chapter on patient-centered care in the Health Professionals Guide to Treatment of Overweight and Obesity. I am passionate about teaching and proud of the publications and presentations I have given, and the impact they are making on others who are learning the appropriate skills to help their patients and clients.

As someone in the last phase of my work career, I have found passion in service. I was recently appointed to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Board. Our Academy Foundation is the only public charity dedicated exclusively to supporting nutrition and dietetics students and professionals by empowering them to help consumers live healthier lives. From scholarships and awards to research grants and disaster relief, Our Academy Foundation makes a direct impact on thousands of individuals each year. Although fundraising is not easy, I take on this challenge so that dietetic students and professionals have the opportunity to continue to make a difference in this profession.

How did your degree from Penn State help you to get to your current position?

As a student, I gravitated toward courses and electives that taught me about counseling skills. After taking the Helping Skills course, I returned the next semester as a facilitator and mentor. I volunteered in student health with a fabulous grad student who became my mentor in counseling skills. I also had the opportunity to do a summer program through the nutrition department at Hershey Medical Center in the behavioral science department mentored by a doctoral student. They taught me behavioral strategies and guided me in teaching medical students about the role of dietitians and effective nutrition counseling.

With my involvement with faculty and the Student Dietetic Association (now the Student Nutrition Association), I learned leadership and entrepreneurial skills which helped me obtain leadership positions throughout my career. I have been honored to be selected for several excellence awards in nutrition, and I know that the excellent foundation I received at Penn State made each of them possible.

What would you describe as the biggest opportunity and the biggest challenge in the field?

The biggest opportunity in the field of nutrition right now is the recognition of food as medicine. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are on the front lines of the food as medicine movement. They are also recognized as nutrition experts and have saved millions of dollars through their work in preventing malnutrition. We have gained momentum and the backing of other healthcare and non-healthcare organizations in promoting medical nutrition therapy coverage for more than just diabetes and renal disease. RDNs are in leadership roles in healthcare, grocery retail, and food companies, demonstrating that these professionals are represented in a variety of career areas.

For challenges, it is easy to give up or leave the field because of lower-paying jobs. We must be persistent in knowing our value, showing our value, and asking that we get paid for what we do. RDNs are key members and contributors to the healthcare team.

What advice do you have for other graduates just starting out?

My advice is to find a mentor and volunteer. You may not know exactly what you want to do within the field at this time but be open to opportunities to get involved. If you are not already active in the Student Nutrition Association, get involved, not only as a member but as a leader. You will learn invaluable leadership skills. Ask to meet with your professors and ask them questions that might inspire you and do the same outside of nutrition. Talk to your other professors and learn from them.

My final piece of advice is to take a business or marketing elective to open your mind to the business side of nutrition.