RDN Spotlight: Tenika Miles, MS, RD, LD

What is your ethnicity/race? Did your family have any customs related to food? Please describe.

African-American. I was born and raised in the Eastern part of North Carolina. My family usually eats traditional foods during the holidays which consists of southern cuisine: BBQ Pulled Pork with a vinegar-based sauce, black eyed peas, fried chicken, collard greens, Brunswick Stew, Hushpuppies, Coleslaw, just to name a few foods eaten during these times.

Where/when did you go to undergrad/dietetic internship/grad school?

1994-1999 NC State University - Animal Science

2003-2008 Winthrop University MS Human Nutrition / Dietetic Internship

Why did you decide to choose nutrition and dietetics as a career?

Nutrition was a subject I felt comfortable in combining both animal science and nutrition. I've always been curious about how the body works and loved cooking demonstrations in my 4-H club. After I completed my veterinarian internship my junior year at NC State University, I decided to get my minor in Human Nutrition and completed my courses during graduate school.

What do you do now as an RDN and what does a typical day/week look like for you?

I work as a Clinical Dietitian at Fresenius Kidney Care where I educate and encourage dialysis patients to meet their individual nutrition and dialysis goals Monday through Friday 8:30A to 4:00P. My days can be prioritized based on monthly, annual assessments, lab reviews, team meetings/rounds, etc. I work at 2 dialysis facilities and base my schedule on high-priority tasks. I also do nutritional consulting via my private practice from the hours of 6P to 8P Tuesdays - Thursdays or when my schedule allows.

What is/was the biggest challenge for you in becoming a dietitian and how did you overcome that challenge? This can be related to being an RD of color or not just any challenge?

My biggest challenge being a RD of color was that I was always the minority in the classes I took and in some of the positions I've worked. I mostly overcame that challenge by trying to not let that bother me and thought of it as an advantage because people knew my name. I made sure to sit in the front of the class, volunteer, or assist in any way I could to get the education and experience I needed to advance in the nutrition field.

Have you had any mentors in your career if yes how have those mentors affected your career/life?

Yes, I have and had mentors who I can refer to for assistance and advice on nutritional care of patients or personal advice. It's very helpful to have someone to confide in or help with encouragement, advice, or vent to.

Why do you think diversifying this field is important?

We need more diversity in this field because there are so many ethnic groups who need someone to identify and feel comfortable with. This trust is needed to help patients feel confident in the decision they are receiving the best of care.

What is a piece of advice you would give a student of color interested in entering the field of dietetics?

There are no limits! Don't be afraid to stick out. Ask questions. Sit in the front of the class. Volunteer. Get your name out there so everyone will know who you are. Be flexible. Smile! Have fun!