Meet our staff - Gary's story

I’ve been a dietitian for over 17 years and currently specialise in paediatric diabetes.

Selling fruit and veg for a living and leading a very active lifestyle inspired me to learn more about nutrition, which led to a career in dietetics. I did an access course in science before being accepted to take a 4-year degree in nutrition and dietetics at King’s College London. Since qualifying from King’s College London and working for the NHS for several years, I’ve done a part-time master’s degree in paediatric diabetes to further my expertise in my current role.

My role involves working as part of a multidisciplinary team including consultants, a psychologist and specialist nurses. I liaise and educate patients, their families/carers, and other professionals on several topics around nutrition and physical activity for diabetes in a range of settings such as the hospital, schools, and homes. I even have options to use a gym and kitchen where we have run classes! 

I find the most challenging part of my role is making a difference in hard-to-reach children and young people with a chronic condition while they may be struggling with external factors such as adolescence. 

My advice would be that you’ll never be rich pursuing this career, but you’ll definitely make a difference, get job satisfaction, have fantastic career benefits and a good work/life balance!