Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast!

Join Jennifer McGurk, the CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Sharon McCaskill, a private practice dietitian, whose own family's journey with celiac disease sparked a career shift and a mission to support others navigating the gluten‑free world. In this episode, they go beyond the basics of celiac disease and talk about what it actually looks like for clients navigating this diagnosis in real life.

Sharon shares her perspective as a dietitian specializing in celiac disease, walking through both the clinical realities and the lived experience of her clients. Jennifer reflects on the role dietitians play in bridging that gap, not just through education, but through support, advocacy, and helping clients feel understood as they figure out what this diagnosis means for their lives.

• The Moment That Changed Sharon's Career (02:11) Sharon shares how watching a dietitian support her husband's health inspired her to go back to school.
• What Dietitians Do That Doctors Can't (06:33) Jennifer highlights that a diagnosis is just the beginning, and Sharon expands on this by explaining how dietitians help clients actually live their diagnosis through personalized support and problem-solving.
• Why So Many Clients Feel Dismissed Before Diagnosis (10:15) Sharon shares that many clients spend years searching for answers before being diagnosed with celiac. Jennifer acknowledges how frustrating and invalidating that experience can feel within the healthcare system.
• The Symptoms Aren't Always Obvious (12:16) Sharon explains that celiac does not always present with GI symptoms. She walks through how it can show up as fatigue, anemia, bone loss, or skin issues, which often leads to it being overlooked.
• The Hardest Part Isn't the Diagnosis (13:27) Jennifer reflects on how overwhelming the transition can be after diagnosis. Sharon shares that going gluten-free in real life is complex, emotional, and requires constant decision-making.
• What's Actually Happening in the Body (15:50) Sharon explains the autoimmune response behind celiac disease and how gluten triggers the immune system to damage the small intestine, even when symptoms are not obvious.
• Why Even a Little Gluten Matters (18:00) Sharon emphasizes that even small exposures can lead to internal damage and long-term health risks. Jennifer reinforces that this goes beyond just how someone feels in the moment.
• Is Gluten-Free Actually Healthier? (25:34) Jennifer brings up the influence of diet culture, and Sharon explains that gluten-free is not automatically healthier. She shares that many gluten-free products are lower in nutrients and fiber.
• Building a Practice That Meets Clients Where They Are (28:59) Jennifer transitions into Sharon's business model, and Sharon shares how she primarily works one-on-one while also creating resources like meal plans and courses for clients who need more accessible options.
• You Don't Need to Be an Expert, But You Do Need to Care (33:33) Sharon encourages dietitians to respect the complexity of celiac, even if they are not specialists. Jennifer reflects on how powerful it is when providers support both the emotional and practical sides of care.
• The Real Takeaway for Dietitians (41:59) Jennifer closes by reinforcing that a dietitian's role goes beyond giving a food list. She highlights how important it is to help clients navigate the full experience of living with celiac in a sustainable and empowering way.

Whether you're a dietitian wanting to better support clients with celiac disease or thinking about how to grow your expertise within your private practice, this episode offers a deeper look at what's often missed. It's a conversation grounded in both clinical insight and real-life experience, with practical takeaways to help you think differently about care, advocacy, and what it truly means to support someone beyond the diagnosis.

Sponsor:

✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner.

Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/

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Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business:

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About Sharon:

Sharon McCaskill is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist specializing in celiac nutrition, gluten-free living, and general nutrition. She helps clients build confidence around food through practical, evidence-based strategies that support both health and quality of life. Sharon works through an intuitive eating lens, helping people care for their health and manage chronic conditions in a way that feels supportive, realistic, and free from rigid food rules. She is passionate about making nutrition care accessible, supportive, and realistic for everyday life.

Find Sharon on Instagram at @realfoodwithsharon. Noteworthy Resource: The Helpful Gluten-Free Site