Building Allies, Guarding Boundaries: The RDN’s Path in Interprofessional Education and PracticeAs food and nutrition continue to capture public attention, the profession of dietetics faces both unprecedented opportunity and growing professional vulnerability. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are uniquely trained to provide evidence-based nutrition care; however, current educational practices often underemphasize the strategic leadership and advocacy skills needed to advance and protect the profession. This session invites RDNs to reframe advocacy as both a professional responsibility as well as an opportunity. Drawing on examples from higher education and interprofessional collaborations, the presentation will explore how dietetics professionals can proactively define, communicate, and demonstrate their value and empower colleagues and students to do the same. Suggested Performance Indicators: Learning Objectives:1. Describe current challenges and opportunities influencing the professional identity and scope of practice of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs). 2. Explain how advocacy serves as both a professional responsibility and a leadership opportunity for RDNs. 3. Evaluate strategies to build interprofessional relationships that expand visibility of RDN expertise while maintaining professional boundaries. 4. Develop actionable approaches to define, communicate, and demonstrate the value of the RDN credential within diverse practice settings. Speaker:
As Program Director and SoTL-based scholar at Loyola University Chicago, his primary goal is to enhance dietetics education. He is dedicated to creating conditions that can support students in becoming caring, compassionate, and effective dietitians, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future careers. Perceived Conflict of Interest Include:Dannon Light & Fit
Updated November 2025 |
Kevin Pietro, PhD, RDN, CSSD, LDN, is an Assistant Professor and Director of Dietetics Education Programs at Loyola University Chicago. As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Dr. Pietro has worked extensively in clinical and community settings and is a board-certified specialist in sports dietetics. Since entering academia in 2012, Dr. Pietro has taught over 30 different courses at four institutions. In 2019, Kevin received the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture's Teaching Excellence Award from the University of New Hampshire. Dr. Pietro is an active member of both the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the NDEP (Nutrition and Dietetics Educators and Preceptors) sub-group, having presented multiple research projects and initiatives at both conferences over the last few years. Our Supporters
