Episode 2: Dealing with Microaggressions in Dietetics

Diversify Dietetics

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Have you ever been told, “you speak so well!” or asked, “but, where are you really from?” In this episode Deanna Belleny Lewis and Tamara Melton, the co-founders of Diversify Dietetics talk about microaggressions. What are they, how do we deal with them, and how do they impact the future of dietetics? Tamara and Deanna reflect on personal experiences both in the classroom and in their careers, then discuss the resources and research available for the Diversify Dietetics community.

Tamara Melton, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Diversify Dietetics

Tamara Melton is the Executive Director and co-founder of Diversify Dietetics. She is a registered and licensed dietitian nutritionist with expertise in health informatics, and an educator at Georgia State University.

Deanna Belleny Lewis, Co-Founder of Diversify Dietetics

Deanna Belleny Lewis is a registered and licensed dietitian nutritionist. She works as a public health practitioner, with expertise in program planning, implementation and healthcare quality improvement. Alongside Tamara, Deanna co-founded Diversify Dietetics in April 2018.

Episode Resources

• The Shift to Structural Competency in Medical Education

• Cultural Humility vs. Cultural Competence

• Racial Microaggressions in American Indian Health Care

• VIDEO: How Unintentional but Insidious Bias Can Be The Most Harmful

• Deanna and Tamara’s Instagram Pages

Episode 1: All About Open Houses with Hannah Thornton

Diversify Dietetics

In our FIRST podcast episode we talk about what students should do before, during and after a dietetic internship open house (or any academic open house) to figure out if the program is a good fit and to make a good impression on the program director and other faculty. We talk about some things that students do (or don’t do) that can affect their chances of getting accepted to a programs- things that have nothing to do with your GPA or personal statement.

Episode Guest: Hannah Thornton, MS, RDN

Hannah is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Nutrition and Foods Program of the School of Family and Consumer Sciences at Texas State University. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in Biology at Smith College in Northampton, MA, a Master of Science in Biology at Florida International University in Miami, FL, and a Master of Science in Nutrition as well as the Dietetic Internship at Texas State. Her research has included an exploration of nutrient intakes in WIC-enrolled children and food security on college campuses. Her teaching includes introductory nutrition courses, Nutrition Assessment, Biochemical Nutrition, and Nutrition and Genetics. In the classroom, she emphasizes multiculturalism and active learning. In 2016, she received a Presidential Distinction Award for Excellence in Teaching, and was named runner up for Texas State’s Award for Excellence in Online Teaching. In addition to her work at Texas State, she maintains a private dietetics practice specializing in pregnancy and pediatric nutrition.

Hannah is also part of the Diversify Dietetics community as a contributor of our Educators Workshops.

Episode Resources

• Hannah Thornton’s Instagram

• Texas State University Dietetic Internship Instagram

• Guidelines on Business Casual Dress Attire

• April 2019 Match Dietetic Internship Open House Schedule