Dr. McDougall's Online Discussion Board

The business I have been in for the past 20+ years is one of the fastest dying industries in the nation, my colleagues are dropping like flies all across the country.

I know no other trade that would give me an income and the only thing I have any real interest in is nutrition and natural healing, BUT, I am only interested, I have no education on the subject.

My story might cut it as Star McDougaller material if I would take the time to write it all out.

Is it possible for an old dude to learn whatever is needed to make a living in the nutrition field? I am in a tiny area and educational opportunities are extremely limited.

Please don't bombard me with get rich MLM offers because I am not interested in anything like that.

Thanks!

Hi,

This topic has been addressed before in Jeff's forum...See link below and scroll down to nutrition education

viewtopic.php?f=22&t=7828

I was just thinking about this myself! I am currently in the medical field and want to advance but am only strongly interested by nutrition. Thanks for the link.

I'm interested too... but not in the standard AMA nutrition of the 4 food groups.

sksamboots wrote:Hi,

This topic has been addressed before in Jeff's forum...See link below and scroll down to nutrition education

http://www.drmcdougall.com/forums/viewt ... =22&t=7828

4 FYI's

1) I tried to summarize my thoughts here in a 4-part series

Nutrition Education: Finding The Best Path - Pt 1
http://www.jeffnovick.com/RD/Blog/Entri ... _Pt_1.html

Nutrition Education: Finding The Best Path - Pt 2
http://www.jeffnovick.com/RD/Blog/Entri ... _Pt_2.html

Nutrition Education: Finding The Best Path - Pt 3
http://www.jeffnovick.com/RD/Blog/Entri ... _Pt_2.html

Nutrition Education: Finding The Best Path - Pt 4
http://www.jeffnovick.com/RD/Blog/Entri ... _Pt_4.html

and in these 5 discussions in my forum on these boards

http://www.drmcdougall.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5825

http://www.drmcdougall.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8825

http://www.drmcdougall.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6022

http://www.drmcdougall.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5920

http://www.drmcdougall.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6230


2) Remember, Dr McDougall, Campbell, Barnard, Esselstyn, Fuhrman, etc and all the RDs and nurses that work with these doctors, have all studies and received degrees in traditional medicine and biochemistry, which is what the science of nutrition really is. All the other courses you see out there are fine in respect to self-education and edification but not if you really want a career as a health care professional.

3) Most all the non-traditional degrees out there include classes that you are required to take that are as crazy as the food guide pyramid.

4) If you can find someone with a non-traditional, non-accredited degree who is truly successful and making a living at this, you have found the extremely rare exception. Even the ones who get the traditional and accredited degrees, struggle in being successful and making a living at this. Again, the few you may be able to point to, are the exception.

In Health
Jeff

So, without becoming an MD or getting a degree it does not look real likely to earn an income in the nutrition field. Even with some sort of a degree it still may be tough.

Guess I better look elsewhere.

Thanks!

Purdue university and a state school are the only two schools in my state that offer degrees in dietetics and both have to be studied on campus as several hundred hours on internships are required. Neither school is close to me so this is out of the question.

Is there any other way to earn living while helping people improve their health? Of course most dont want to improve so may I had better go to work at a fast food place, ha!

Thanks!

johnled wrote:Purdue university and a state school are the only two schools in my state that offer degrees in dietetics and both have to be studied on campus as several hundred hours on internships are required. Neither school is close to me so this is out of the question.

Is there any other way to earn living while helping people improve their health? Of course most dont want to improve so may I had better go to work at a fast food place, ha!

Thanks!

In the State of Indiana, there are 3 schools, IU at Bloomington, Purdue and Indiana State, where I went. Yes, they all require in person attendance. However, if you re-read the threads in the above links, you will find several schools, approved by the ADA, that offer you the ability to get your degree through online classes. Some of them allow you to do the full degree, not including the internship, online

In Health
Jeff

If I ever get the money together, I'm planning to take T. Colin Campbell's Certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from eCornell.
http://www.tcolincampbell.org/courses-r ... s/courses/
Kate

FYI: IU is not listed on the ADA site, at least under the links I looked at.

What are your thoughts about the Campbell program?

I will look through your links again for online courses.

Thanks!

If the answer to good nutrition is to simply eat a low-fat plant based diet of whole foods, it's astounding that there is "certification" offered for knowing this.

johnled wrote: FYI: IU is not listed on the ADA site, at least under the links I looked at.

I just double checked and it looks like you are correct and they stopped offering the program.

johnled wrote: What are your thoughts about the Campbell program?

I have watched this industry closely for almost 30 years and all these different types of courses, and again, with all due respect to Dr Campbell and Dr Fuhrman, my earlier 4 points apply to both these courses also.

But, again, don't take my word but due your due diligence and seek out those who are doing what you want to be doing and see how they got there and how well they are doing.

In Health
Jeff

I had a former co-worker tell me a job in his country was a luxury. Seniors need a lot of assistance. Home Health Aides work one to one with seniors, of course it is a different style of income. The greatest gift it breaks the newtonian frozen view money/health isn't like musical chairs. Service works:)

When I am feeling scarcity, I visualize the three things we need to survive on a physical plane: food, shelter and transportation. I see myself sitting in the middle of the sun eating a snap meal:) Then I keep doing what I normally do and my needs are always taken care off. And how great is it, telling someone they don't have to give up their unrefined carbs to be healthy and happy? Most prescription drugs create havoc with the digestive system.

A Home Health Aide can always be worked as a second job. I am sure retirement homes have boards where you could offer your services as a nutrition coach. And maybe the kitchen would take notice.

Aloha, patty

Home Care Homes are always needed. Wouldn't it be great if we were gifted with McDougall style care homes through out our community?

marakima wrote:If the answer to good nutrition is to simply eat a low-fat plant based diet of whole foods, it's astounding that there is "certification" offered for knowing this.

Certification (or a degree) is usually needed for teaching or working in a field.

My sister was a dietician and barely made any money doing it despite the schooling and regular required seminars to keep current. It's unfortunately a low-paying field.

Michael