Today we’d like to introduce you to Marina Savelyeva.
Hi Marina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Originally, I am from Russia. I came to the US in 2000 to pursue my dreams and career. After I took Nutrition and Food science class, I decided to become a Registered Dietitian. Later, I received my Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Science from California State University in San Bernardino in 2005.
Also, I am Board Certified as a Certified Nutrition Support Clinician® (CNSC®).
I have over 17 years of professional experience.
In my clinical work, I also taught a variety of lectures to doctors, nurses, dietitians, physician assistants, and other health care professionals. My goal is to improve my knowledge every day and best the best that I can be.
I volunteer to serve as a President for the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Orange District.
Nutrition has always been my passion. Even during the time away from work, I enjoy reading and learning the latest in current nutrition trends.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As a registered dietitian, I do experience a few changes. During pandemia hospitals were understaffed and it was really important to focus on priorities and keep everyone safe. In the clinical setting, it is very important to work as a team and help out each other.
At the beginning of pandemia, I got an opportunity to write my first book: The Easy Gastric Sleeve Bariatric Cookbook. It was a challenge writing the book while working full time during the pandemia but I had to focus on the end result. English is my second language so writing and speaking eloquently can be difficult at times.
Another challenge is that most patients trust unqualified professionals like Nutritionists who sometimes have no nutrition degree or any credentials. Also, some patients believe everything that is written online. Sometimes dietitians have to develop trust with a client and break a lot of myths and misconceptions about nutrition that are on social media or online.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Marina Dietitian?
In my work as a dietitian, I collaborate with many physicians and surgeons while providing nutrition and lifestyle counseling for patients undergoing gastrointestinal or weight-loss surgeries like Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy.
Through my private practice, I consult as a home health dietitian, work one-on-one with clients, and also develop educational materials that are distributed to dietitians and patients.
In my practice, I also work with companies that sell wellness and nutrition products and I help to create educational materials for their customers. I help companies to promote their products as well.
I also conduct Grocery Store Tours and Wellness Workshops.
In my free time, I love to stay active, cook, develop new recipes, and travel to different countries to gain more knowledge about various cultures and cuisine.
It is very important for me to network and collaborate with healthcare professionals and learn from each other.
I try to bring enthusiasm and passion into my work and all the projects that I do.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I learned in order to achieve something, I need to take a risk. I took a huge risk when I decided to immigrate to the US in 2000 and leave all my family and friends behind.
It paid off tremendously! The US offers a lot of support for women and their careers.
I also took a risk writing a bariatric cookbook. I am not the best writer or professional chef but it turns out my editors were very helpful to get my message across. I am so proud that my book is sold on Amazon and 5000 copies were sold! I know it will help a lot of people!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.marinadietitian.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinadietitian/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marina.dietitian
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarinaDietitian
Image Credits
Irina Popa, my photographer
