Nutrition and Dietetics Students, Faculty Advocate for Profession

Students and faculty from Saint Louis University’s Department of Nutrition and Dietetics and the College of Public Health traveled to Jefferson City to advocate for their professions in Missouri’s capital.

In total, more than 30 representatives from the St. Louis area made the trip to Jefferson City, including eight dietetic interns and three  faculty members from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Instructors Lauren Landfried, Melissa Ramel and Melissa Stollhaus led the students in their cause to meet with state legislators and petition them to consult with registered dietitians prior to voting on health-related legislation.

Landfried said she was glad to have the opportunity to meet with multiple legislators in order to discuss several topics. One representative with whom she was happy to meet with in particular was Rep. Jered Taylor, chairperson of the House Special Committee, which is scheduled to have a hearing determining the necessity of state licensing boards.

“In the state of Missouri, there are a lot of licensing boards but not all are active. It is very important that we as registered dietitians keep our licensure,” Landfried said. “We were able to discuss why it is so important to us as practitioners; he fully agreed in the importance of our licensure.”

Landfried said she was pleased that her students had the opportunity to participate in this advocacy trip to the state capital.

“Students are future practitioners. They need to be comfortable and confident in making their voices heard by people making rules and regulations regarding their practice,” Landfried said. “If we are not talking to our legislators and advocating for our profession, then who is?”

Learn more about SLU’s nutrition and dietetics program.

Saint Louis University is a Catholic, Jesuit institution that values academic excellence, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service. Founded in 1818, the University fosters the intellectual and character development of nearly 13,000 students on two campuses in St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Building on a legacy of nearly 200 years, Saint Louis University continues to move forward with an unwavering commitment to a higher purpose, a greater good.