RD2B Podcast with Dr. Krista Vue

Introduction

• Podcast: RD2B, a resource for dietetic and nutrition students.
• Hosts: Macy, Emily, and Carl Barnes (Registered Dietitian).
• Focus: Understanding diverse career paths of Registered Dietitians (RDs).

Guest Speaker: Dr. Krista Vue

• Position: Metabolic Dietitian.
• Background:
  • University of Utah: Worked for eight years, attained Master's and PhD.
  • Boston Children's Hospital: Continued work in metabolism.
  • Currently at the FDA, Washington DC area: Focus on infants.

Role as a Metabolic Dietitian

• Responsibilities:
  • Works with individuals with inborn errors of metabolism.
  • Conditions involve genetic mutations affecting nutrient metabolism.
  • Example: Phenylketonuria (PKU) - inability to convert phenylalanine to tyrosine.
• Process:
  • Newborn screening to identify conditions.
  • Collaborate with physicians to manage nutrient intake, assess lab values, clinical status, and growth.
• Challenges: Balancing nutrient needs without causing deficiencies.

Pediatric vs. Metabolic Dietitian

• Specialization: Metabolic dietitians handle specific genetic conditions.
  • Chronic diseases treated across all ages, not just pediatrics.
  • Work with infants, children, and adults.
• Pediatric Dietitian: General focus on conditions affecting children.

Career Journey

• Moves:
  • Transition from Utah to Boston due to husband's job.
  • Further moved to the DMV area.
• Experience: Benefited from working in different centers, enhancing skill set and opening new opportunities.

Education and Specialization

• Interest in Metabolism: Developed during high school and further during dietetic education.
• PhD in Public Health:
  • Focus on behavior change and motivation in dietary habits.
  • Conducted research on motivational interviewing for PKU patients.

Research and Findings

• Dissertation: Studied motivational interviewing to improve adherence to metabolic control.
• Results: Improved self-efficacy but no significant change in blood phenylalanine levels.

Working at the FDA

• Role: Involved in infant formula and medical food staff.
  • Pre-market review of infant formulas for safety and nutritional adequacy.
• Responsibilities:
  • Ensure study protocols are sound.
  • Oversee both general and specialized nutrition products for infants.

Insights and Learnings

• Importance of Research: Ensuring safety and efficacy in infant nutrition.
• Career Satisfaction: Helping individuals with chronic conditions reach their potential.
• Team Collaboration: Valued member of the metabolic team, integral to treatment planning.

Conclusion

• Rewarding Aspects: Long-term relationships with patients, being a pivotal part of the medical team.
• Encouragement: Embrace new opportunities and specialized paths in dietetics.