What is an RDN?

What is an RDN?

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs): Your Partners in Health. RDNs are medical professionals and food and nutrition experts who play a crucial role in promoting health and wellness. At our practice, we provide a broad range of evidence-based services tailored to help you achieve your health goals, whether you’re seeking:

  • Guidance for everyday nutrition and wellness
  • Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for managing specific health conditions
  • Nutrition strategies for fat loss or lean mass improvement
  • Performance enhancement for athletes
  • Personalized meal planning and overall wellness improvement
Our approach

Our approach goes beyond surface-level symptom management. We focus on finding and addressing the root causes of health concerns by considering:

  • Lifestyle habits
  • Dietary patterns
  • Environmental influences
  • Emotional health
  • And for those who choose it, genetic insights

This holistic, functional approach allows us to develop strategies that improve your overall well-being while empowering you to make lasting changes.

The Path to Becoming an RDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists undergo rigorous training to ensure they are highly qualified professionals. This process includes:

  • Completing a graduate-level, ACEND-accredited, competency-based dietitian nutritionist program that includes extensive coursework
  • Accumulating at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice
  • Passing a national certification exam from the Commission on Dietetic Registration
  • Satisfying state and local licensing requirements Registration
  • Engaging in continuous professional development

This extensive education and training ensure that RDNs are equipped to provide safe, accurate, effective, and evidence-based guidance.

What Sets RDNs Apart?

“All dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians.” RDNs are recognized medical professionals with the expertise to help you navigate nutrition challenges, improve your health, and prevent disease.

Our services extend beyond nutrition advice. RDNs specialize in:

  • Medical nutrition therapy for conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and digestive disorders
  • Wellness and prevention strategies for long-term health
  • Nutrition interventions for athletic performance and recovery
  • Developing sustainable, practical plans for healthy living

At our practice, we also integrate cutting-edge techniques like genetic testing and nutritional genomics for those who wish to explore more profound insights into their health.

The Role of Nutrigenomics in Our Practice

Nutritional genomics, or nutrigenomics, is one of the tools we use to customize care plans. For those interested, this gene-first approach can provide unique insights into how your body processes nutrients, your dietary needs, and even your potential health risks.

However, we understand that not everyone may want genetic testing. Whether or not you choose this optional service, our focus remains on providing you with practical, evidence-based strategies to achieve your health goals.

Evidence-Based Practice

In a world filled with conflicting health information, RDNs cut through the noise by using the latest research and evidence-based practices. Whether you’re looking to:

  • Prevent or manage a specific condition
  • Improve athletic performance
  • Achieve weight loss or body composition goals
  • Support short and long-term wellness

We’re here to provide clear, accurate guidance tailored to you.

Legal and Professional Standards

In Tennessee, the title “Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist” is protected under T.C.A. §§ 63-25-101, et seq. Only individuals who meet the qualifications for licensure and hold an active license may use this designation.

RDNs adhere to strict professional and ethical standards to ensure the highest level of care.

Commitment to Client Success

RDNs are passionate about helping clients succeed on their health and wellness journeys. Our practice is dedicated to supporting you in achieving meaningful, lasting results.

Whether you’re here for general dietary advice, medical nutrition therapy, or more advanced interventions like nutritional genomics, we’re committed to tailoring our care to meet your unique needs. Let us help you take the next step toward a healthier, more vibrant life.