March 1, 2023

When you hear “nutritionist,” who do you imagine?

Emily Maminski, current student in the Nutrition and Dietetics master program at Drexel’s College of Nursing and Health Professions, envisions a future where nutrition education and services are accessible to all.

Why Nutrition?

“Unfortunately, in the world we live in, access to health care, let alone nutrition counseling or therapy, is very limited and often based upon where you live, your insurance and or your socio-economic status,” Maminski comments. “Those kinds of barriers could be detrimental to someone seeking help. Ultimately, I want to be a part of a larger change that seeks to make nutrition services accessible to more people.”

Why Drexel?

Maminski chose to earn her graduate degree at Drexel because she was interested in the small cohort size, 1:1 relationships with faculty and the opportunity to work as a dietetic intern in nutrition counseling at Drexel’s Center for Nutrition and Sports Performance. Students in Master of Nutrition and Dietetics program receive multiple internship opportunities, and Maminski shares that she appreciates how program leaders were able to customize internship placements to her interests.

“In our cohort of 10 people, we all have unique interests and paths in this field,” Maminski says. “I am interested in nutrition counseling for adults, and I have been able to complete my required hours for board exams at the same time as I complete my academic program.” Maminski says she appreciates the diversity of professional interests in her program, as there is always something to learn from her peers. “It makes conversations in lass a lot more interesting,” she notes.

"I feel very fortunate with my cohort,” Maminski shares. “They are the most amazing group of people and we have truly bonded. I think anyone pursuing graduate education can feel that making friends as an adult is really daunting, but this program, and its faculty, allowed me to connect in a wonderful way and meet people who will not only be my professional peers but life-long friends.”

Inclusion in Nutrition Services

Nutritionists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient centers, schools and athletic teams, and they serve a diversity of communities, each with individualized needs and concerns. As Maminski looks to her future in the profession, she strives to break down stigma for practitioners and clients alike.

“Ultimately, what propels me forward and keeps me engaged in this field is my desire to increase access to nutrition services and to increase the inclusivity of these services, in a way that takes away judgement of oneself and changes the lens through which we, as a community, see nutrition.”

Written by Izzy López