Beth Harrell, MS, RD, LD, CEDRD-S
What is your current position?
Director of Certification for iaedp (International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals) and private practice.
How did you get started in your career?
Completely by accident. I was working as clinical dietitian at an area hospital and had just come back from maternity leave. I realized I didn’t want to be away from my new baby full time. A part-time RD opening came about at an inpatient hospital for eating disorders. I was one of several who had applied (none of us had experience with eating disorders back in the early 90s because it was such a new field and very little was taught in school).
What advice would you give to someone new to the field?
- Start supervision as soon as you know you are interested in pursuing a career in eating disorders (and never stop! Peer supervision is invaluable throughout your career).
- If you have struggled with an eating disorder or disordered eating, ensure that you’ve worked through issues you have had about food, weight, and exercise so you are strong for your client.
- Collaborate, collaborate, collaborate – Always work with a therapist and medical provider for diagnosed eating disorders.