Shine Dietetics

I’m a born and bred Melbourne girl. I grew up in the Western suburbs to migrant parents and quickly realised that education is a privilege not afforded to everyone. So, I studied hard hoping to go to university and my hopes were realised when I was accepted by Deakin University, Geelong, to undertake a Bachelor of Science majoring in nutrition.

At university, it wasn’t until fourth year when I gained real insight about how dietitians can make a difference to people’s lives. I learnt about the inspiring work of two influential dietitians.

During placement at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne I learnt about Dorothy Francis, author of “Diets for Sick Children”. She prescribed special diets for children with rare, inborn errors of metabolism (eg Phenylketonuria) and their diets made them well. How amazing!

I also learnt how indigenous Australians were being cured of diabetes by adopting a “hunter-gatherer lifestyle”, as guided by my lecturer, Professor Kerin O’Dea.