Rachel Drake, MS, RD, CD-N, CSP, CSO is our new President of The CT Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
What inspired you to become a RDN/NDTR?
I didn’t really discover the dietitian career path until I was in graduate school at UCONN. I was interested in healthcare and passionate about the role food plays in health, and decided to pursue becoming an RD-N to help others see that food is an important part of their health and well being
Where do you work now and where have you worked in the past?
I’ve worked at Yale New Haven Hospital my whole career. I came here in 2005 for my internship and just never left!
What is your favorite recipe/food?
I’ve always loved baking. I make a mean Irish soda bread, if I do say so myself.
General tip for improving diet?
Eat a fruit or a vegetable at every meal and snack to get the minimum 5 servings/day
If stranded on island-what one food or beverage you would want an unlimited supply of?
Water, I think.
What is the best part of your job?
That I get to help kids grow and thrive.
Where do you want to see the RDN/NDTR profession in 10 years?
I’d love to see us continue to pursue more independence as providers. I helped get our CD-N language updated a few years ago to allow for independent order entry. I think we need to continue to move the profession forward by continuing to push the boundaries on our practice act, and exhibiting that we are qualified nutrition experts.
