You're Doing What With Your Major?

 

 

Spotlight on UK Alumna Rachel Miller

Major:  MS Hospitality and Dietetic Administration 2008

Current Career:

I am a Registered Dietitian at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center since 2012.  I provide medical nutrition therapy and counseling to patients and families in the outpatient setting while they are going through and following up after cancer treatments.  This may include nutrition following surgery, diet during chemo and radiation therapy, helping someone maintain their weight and deal with treatment side effects, or connecting a patient with their nutrition needs at home.  I organize cooking demonstrations, provide monthly smoothie demonstrations for patients, families and staff, and maintain a nutrition blog on Markey’s website that focuses on nutritional needs and tackling side effects during and after cancer treatment. 

Please provide a short summary of your career path from college to present.

I received my undergraduate degree in dietetics at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 2005 and then accepted an internship at the University of Kentucky, where I completed my Master’s degree in Hospitality and Dietetic Administration in 2008.  I have been a registered dietitian since 2007 and first began working at a long term care facility in Winchester, KY.  After four years I was presented with the wonderful opportunity to come back to UK as a dietitian with UK Healthcare to work with oncology.    

Describe your best boss/supervisor.

My best boss and supervisor is someone who is supportive of my role as a dietitian and encourages me to challenge myself.  They make working feel like being an important part of a team and acknowledge me as a vital participant. I have been lucky to have several!

What do you do for networking and professional development?

I have recently been enjoying the lovely Alumni Association events!  I continue to attend nutrition conferences in and outside of the state where I am able to meet many fellow dietitians and healthcare professionals.  I enjoy participating in and supporting charity events through foundations that benefit those who have been affected by cancer as well as children in need.  I often meet new people in the community and am able to make meaningful connections.   

How would you describe a successful job search strategy?

Commitment!  It takes time and dedication to achieve goals in your career.  I never take any time or experience for granted, as the places you begin often prepare you for where you want to be. 

What career advice would you give to students and alumni?

I would advise students and other alumni to stay motivated and remember that getting to where you want to be takes perseverance and getting out of your comfort zone.  Aim high, get yourself out there and take advantage of opportunities no matter how big or small they are perceived, as they may lead to something even bigger and better. 

What I know now that I didn’t know as a student:

I feel that once I began an internship and then a job, I wasn’t aware of how rewarding a career can really be.  It’s an amazing transition from being a student to being a professional and it makes all those long hours of studying and projects worthwhile!  I also have a better idea of the direction I want to go having been able to learn what’s out there. 

Favorite UK memory/class etc.:

My favorite UK memory is meeting my husband while in graduate school and the late nights in the graduate student lab, laughing and sharing life with some amazing people.  Lexington has become home!   

Rachel was also recently featured on UKNOW - Drink Your Health: Smoothie Demos Promote Good Nutrition for Cancer Patients