RDN Spotlight: Rey Vanderpool, RDN, LDN

WHAT IS YOUR ETHNICITY/RACE?

AfroIndigenous

WHERE/WHEN DID YOU GO TO UNDERGRAD/DIETETIC INTERNSHIP/GRAD SCHOOL?

Simmons University (DPD), Univ of VA Health Systems (internship)

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO CHOOSE NUTRITION AND DIETETICS AS A CAREER?

It was my calling

Did your family have any customs related to food? What were some of your favorite foods growing up or your favorite memories surrounding food? Please describe.

Yes- growing up in a Dominican household I have fond memories of family dinners that included rice, beans, plantains, and mero (grouper).

WHAT DO YOU DO NOW AS AN RDN AND WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY/WEEK LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

Disillusioned with inpatient hospital work and made to feel unseen/unsafe in a predominately white group practice, I created my own private practice (Insight Nutrition & Wellness Counseling). I work one-on-one with clients to resolve digestive or hormonal issues. Some clients just want to learn how to build a sustainable and healthy lifestyle. In my spare time, I also volunteer at an urban farm to support provision of healthy and affordable food to community-members in need.

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?

The isolation of being one of few or the only student in my classes and having very few professors/preceptors of color. I did my internship in Charlottesville, VA the same year of the "tiki torch" rally. The microaggressions I experience traumatized me. I will never return to Charlottesville.

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

I've had mentors for brief periods, but no one that I formulated a long-lasting relationship with because of the limitation of having BIPOC or queer leaders to confide in. My goal is to be the mentor I wish that I had.

WHY DO YOU THINK DIVERSIFYING THIS FIELD IS IMPORTANT?

Personally, so that I feel safe and effective in my work. Without representation, the isolation can feel numbing and frightening.

WHAT IS A PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE A STUDENT OF COLOR INTERESTED IN ENTERING THE FIELD OF DIETETICS?

Be clear about what motivates you in this work. Because the field can be both rewarding and grueling. Know your intention and purpose- let that guide you every single day. And if applicable, honor the ancestor that connected you to this work.