Canadian Foundation For Dietetic Research Recognizes Students For Their Nutrition Research

Main Category: Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 13 Jun 2008 - 5:00 PDT

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The Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research (CFDR) announced the names of the Morgan Medal Award Recipients at the Dietitians of Canada Conference in Winnipeg. The awards program recognizes students for their research projects in dietetics and nutrition.

CFDR created the Morgan Medal award program in memory of Susan Morgan, former manager of CFDR, and an ardent supporter of the dietetic profession and of practice-based research. "Future innovations and discovery in nutrition and dietetics depend on the ideas, curiosity, research skills and passion of young researchers," says CFDR's President, Mary Sue Waisman, PDt, MSc. "CFDR believes that the Morgan Medal Award is an investment in building the foundation for future research. It is CFDR's hope that this award will nurture the recipients' spirit of inquiry and that they will continue to make research part of their work in the years to come," continues Waisman.

Four students were awarded regional Morgan Medals and one applicant, selected from amongst the four regional winners, was presented with the National Morgan Medal at the Dietitians of Canada conference in Winnipeg on June 12. The recipients are:

Brendine Partyka, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and North-Western Ontario Regional Award Recipient, and winner of the National Morgan Medal.

Brendine's project is "Exploring Infant Nutrition and Moving toward Solutions". The project, says Brendine, "has made me a better person. I believe more in listening, sincerity, understanding and honesty. I make no judgments and I keep an open mind. My experience with the research process has enabled me to build research into my everyday dietetics practice. I am not afraid to ask questions. I approach each project by defining goals, objectives and implications. I am not driven by personal beliefs or societal expectations. Rather, I am inspired to help my community fulfill its potential by listening, learning and sharing."

Brendine completed her research through the University of Saskatchewan and Saskatoon Health Region Dietetic Internship program.

Elaine van Oosten, British Columbia Regional Award Recipient

Elaine's project is "Are Nutritional Status Indicators Documented by Health Care Professionals When Prescribing Oral Liquid Nutritional Supplements?" In her application, Elaine wrote that she learned the "significance of building on existing research in the field of dietetics [and of research providing] validation of our profession … Dietitians forever have to define themselves, whether as integral members of a team on a hospital unit, or as the "go to", well-recognized, credible professional for nutrition advice. … Continued research by, and for individuals within the profession who are educated and interested in research, is critical for the advancement of dietetics." Elaine is a graduate of the UBC Integrated Internship Program.

Laura Burr, Central and Southern Ontario Regional Award Recipient

Laura's project is "Are Children with Phenylketonuria Meeting Nutritional Requirements for Optimal Bone Health?" Laura learned a lot through her research project. She wrote, "Working on this study has taught me a considerable amount about the ethical considerations, rewards and challenges of conducting research using human subjects. Through this project I have expanded my knowledge of basic science research, which I believe will significantly improve my ability to answer research questions in the future." Laura completed her graduate internship at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.

Jennifer MacPherson, Atlantic Regional Award Recipient

Jennifer's project is "HIV/AIDS and Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa: A media content analysis." Jennifer says, "My experience, although challenging, taught me tremendous amounts about the research process. The lesson I think I will remember most is to be bold when choosing an area of study. If the topic is one that inspires passion, then it is worthwhile. I will not be afraid to engage in research that stretches the boundaries of my comfort zone if I feel the research is important." Jennifer is a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia.

The Morgan Medal program is an annual program of the Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research. The program demonstrates CFDR's commitment to encouraging the profession's researchers of the future - dietitians who will contribute, through their research efforts, to the body of knowledge about food and nutrition, ultimately enhancing the health of Canadians.

The Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research (CFDR) was created in 1991 by Dietitians of Canada to support applied nutrition and dietetic research. Thanks to the generous support of corporate donors and individual members of Dietitians of Canada, CFDR has awarded research grants annually since 1993. To date, CFDR has funded 86 research teams across the country, awarding more than $1,005,000 in grants.

Dietitians of Canada