Queensland Dietitian Honoured With Top Nutrition Award, Australia

Main Category: Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 12 Jun 2008 - 13:00 PDT

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Brisbane-based dietitian Michelle Suter has been honoured with a prestigious national award by the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA).

Michelle received the Young Achiever Award in memory of Joan Mary Woodhill, for outstanding contribution to the nutrition profession, at the DAA National Conference at the Gold Coast. In presenting the award, DAA President Julie Hulcombe said Michelle's achievements were an inspiration to other young dietitians.

'The DAA and the dietetics profession has benefited greatly from Michelle's work, which has most recently focussed on food service research. Michelle is passionate about good nutrition and has contributed to our profession well beyond her usual work commitments,' said Ms Hulcombe.

Ms Hulcombe said Michelle was instrumental in developing standard terms and definitions for texture modified foods and fluids that are now used across Australia by dietitians and speech pathologists.

'Michelle has built the capacity of the nutrition services at her workplace, the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, by training nutrition and dietetic assistants. She has also helped develop a nationally-accredited course, Certificate III Allied Health Assistant - Nutrition and Dietetic Support,' said Ms Hulcombe 'I feel very privileged to have received this award and to be acknowledged by the DAA for my contribution to the profession. I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with a number of inspirational dietetic role models who encouraged me to take on challenging projects and roles,' said Ms Suter.

Ms Suter graduated as a dietitian from the Queensland University of Technology in 1998, and also holds a Graduate Certificate in Health Service Management. She is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and treasurer of the Queensland branch of the DAA.

The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) is the professional body representing dietitians nationally. Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) is the only national credential recognised by the Australian Government, Medicare, the Department of Veterans Affairs and most private health funds as the quality standard for nutrition and dietetics services in Australia.

Dietitians Association of Australia