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Nutrition graduate offers food for thought
With Australians consumed by foodie culture, a Bundaberg-bred University of the Sunshine Coast graduate is delighted to be helping guide the dietary habits of her hometown community.
When Pia Troiani officially received her Nutrition and Dietetics degree at the USC Graduation ceremony at Sippy Downs on 20 April, she already had a full-time work schedule to return to in Bundaberg.
The 21-year-old works as a dietitian two days a week at BTransformed Allied Health Clinic in Bourbong Street and three days a week at Ozcare Allied Health in Woongarra Street.
“I developed an interest in nutrition when I played representative netball and we often had the opportunity to talk with dietitians about ways to improve our performance,” Pia said.
Rather than move to a city for tertiary study, Pia enjoyed her USC Nutrition degree on the more relaxed Sunshine Coast, where she also has relatives.
“As a new graduate earlier this year, I came back to Bundaberg and did work experience at BTransformed (allied health and fitness clinic and fitness college) which led to a paid part-time job,” she said.
“This experience allowed me to develop a strong mentoring relationship with a very experienced dietitian at BTransformed. I’m involved in clinical nutrition therapy including individual client management.
“I was also successful in getting a part-time allied health position with Ozcare in Bundaberg, where I now work as a community dietitian. It all fell into place for me!”
Ozcare is a statewide not-for-profit organisation providing health and human services to the community, particularly aged, frail, disabled and disadvantaged.
Pia said she worked in different settings, such as a client’s home or as part of a group education session.
“Throughout uni I was preparing to move across Australia, thinking it would be difficult to get a dietitian position in Bundaberg,” Pia said.
“Now I’m actually the first dietitian to work with Ozcare in Bundaberg and my superiors have been generous in allowing me to do ongoing specialist training.”
– Julie Gatehouse