Catherine Christie, PhD, RD, LD, FADA

Job Title: Vice President and Director of Continuing Education
Employment: Professional Development Resources, Inc.
Contact: 9428 Baymeadows Road, Suite 129
Jacksonville, FL 32256
904-346-0930
904-636-0617 (fax)
E-Mail: Drchristie@AOL.com
Job Responsibility: Direct the non-profit corporation that provides continuing education seminars to health professionals reaching more than 30,000 professionals each year. Responsible for securing approval for continuing education from the various health professionals. Speaker for seminars delivering 50-60 6 hour seminars a year.
Educational Background: Ph.D. Nutrition and Food Science, Florida State University, 1992; M.S. Food and Nutrition, Florida State University, 1979; B.S. Home Economics Education, Florida State University, 1977.
Recognition and Honors: Fellow of the American Dietetic Association, 1996-2001; Certified Nutrition Specialist; President's Outstanding Service Award, Florida Dietetic Association, 1997; Distinguished Dietitian, Florida Dietetic Association, 1989; Distinguished Dietitian, Jacksonville Dietetic Association, 1988-1989; Recognized Young Dietitian by the American Dietetic Association, 1984-85.
Advice to Students: The field of nutrition is continually changing. When I graduated, I expected to work in a university setting teaching nutrition but found that the jobs were in the clinical sector in the city where I wanted to live. The experience I received doing clinical work led me to go into private practice. The most enjoyable thing about it for me was the great variety of work available. So, don't limit yourself in terms of career options. Multi-skilling and up-skilling are important terms in dietetics today. Be proud of your credentials and if you are flexible, opportunistic, and service oriented, you will do well in the marketplace.