Novocastrian Allison Roberts believes that relocating for a short time was the best career move she could have made.

After graduating from the University of Newcastle Allison accepted a role in rural Queensland to begin her career as a Dietician.

“With limited and competitive job opportunities for Allied Health in the Hunter, moving interstate for employment was an option I had always considered,” Allison said.

“Whilst living in a rural Queensland town with one of Australia’s highest rates of obesity, I soon became an expert in dietetics for obesity and its co-morbidities.”

“Returning to Newcastle at the end of 2012, after spending what seemed like three very long years away, I was eager to put my skills to work here in Newcastle and improve the health of my fellow Novacastrians.”

With the necessary skills and experience behind her, Allison started her own business, Newcastle Dietetics, in February this year.

In just over five short months the business has grown, now with clinics located at Newcastle Family Practice and Waratah General Practice and a third clinic opening at Swansea Channel Practice this month.

Newcastle Dietetics offers a unique dietetic service using motivational interviewing and patient education to empower clients to make better nutrition choices.

Their Dietitiains are experienced in a range of medical nutrition therapies with a thorough understanding of the diet-disease relationship. They combine the psychology and the science of nutrition to help their clients make sustainable lifestyle changes.

“For my career, relocating for a short time was one of the best decisions I could have made as it allowed me to gain experience in not only my field of practice but also business management.”

“I have been able to bring these skills back to Newcastle and become an active member of our health community.”