My name is Maryam, and as my third year of placement draws to a close, my goal of becoming a registered dietitian is finally becoming a reality. I'm about to start my journey as a qualified dietitian at The Royal Oldham Hospital, but how did I get to this point?
The thought of becoming a dietitian didn’t appear in my mind until I heard about it for the first time during my last year of Secondary school after talking to my Food Technology teacher. After my work experience day at Salford Royal Hospital, I made the decision to train as a dietitian and put my love for food and science together into practice.
As a student, I was thrilled to be exposed to both paediatric and adult patients, allowing me to gain a well-rounded understanding of dietetic care across different age groups. This was made a possibility during my time at Oldham Hospital, as I had the incredible opportunity to observe and participate in a diverse range of specialties such as gastroenterology, critical care, surgery, diabetes, and paediatrics.
As my placement progressed, my confidence grew and that was thanks to the outstanding, supportive team who made me feel like a valued member of the team from the start. The pinnacle of my placement experience arrived when I was offered a position as a band 5 dietitian at Oldham Hospital. Accepting the offer was a no-brainer; it signified the continuation of my journey from a diligent student to a contributing member of the healthcare team.
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a dietitian is knowing that the care we provide contributes to a patient getting well enough to return home to their families again. In a field where every bite matters and dietary choices profoundly impact well-being, my placement at The Royal Oldham Hospital has solidified my passion for making meaningful contributions to the lives of patients.