MEET EMMA: ACCREDITED PRACTISING DIETITIAN

Emma Keenan: Dietitian and Nutritionist

BAppSc, MDietPrac, APD

Owner

Hello there! I’m Emma, and I go by she/her pronouns. I’m an Accredited Practising Dietitian and a member of Dietitians Australia, and I’m committed to helping individuals enhance their health while steering clear of nutrition myths and misconceptions. In my approach, you won’t find restrictive diets, calorie counting, trendy food trends, or rigid food rules, as these concepts are deeply rooted in diet culture and at odds with scientific evidence. Instead, I recognise the importance of food in promoting our health and its role in enriching meaningful moments in our lives.

My philosophy promotes natural and intuitive eating, reconnecting you with your body and allowing you to savour all foods without guilt. My areas of expertise include gastrointestinal nutrition, gut health, mental health, disordered eating, and eating disorders. I’ve pursued additional training in these areas and am continuously updated with the latest scientific research. My ultimate goal is to empower clients to enjoy a diverse and delectable diet that nurtures their physical health, mental health, and social connections.

When I’m not practising as a dietitian, you’ll find me exploring the local markets, experimenting in the kitchen, indulging in art, immersing myself in museums, relishing dining experiences with friends, strolling along the beach, dog sitting, paddleboarding, practising pilates, or yoga, embarking on journeys or adventures in my van. I love visiting markets and grocery stores when I travel - it’s an excellent way to immerse myself in different cultures and explore the intriguing and delightful foods people worldwide cherish.

Living in Melbourne offers the incredible advantage of having diverse food experiences at our doorstep. We’re fortunate to reside in this vibrant city, where people from around the globe share their culinary traditions and delights with us.

    • Master of Dietetic Practice, La Trobe University

    • Bachelor of Applied Science, La Trobe University

    • Gut Smart: Nutrition and IBD for Dietitians

    • ‘Quality, Safety and You’, NDIS Quality and Safety Commission

    • Supporting Safe and Effective Meals, NDIS Quality and Safety Commission

    • Supporting Effective Communication, NDIS Quality and Saftey Commission

    • Introduction to Disability and Inclusion for Dietitians, Dietitians Australia Centre for Advanced Learning

    • Monash University 'Low FODMAP Diet for IBS' online training course for health professionals

    • Gastrointestinal Nutrition for Dietitians, Dietitians Australia Centre for Advanced Learning

    • InsideOut: The Essentials: Training Clinicians in Eating Disorders

    • InsideOut: Dietitian Essentials: Treatment of Eating Disorders

    • Modulife CDED Expert Training

    • Dietitians Australia, Accredited Practising Dietitian APD190848

    • Dietitians Crohn’s and Colitis Australian Network (DECCAN)

    • Crohn’s and Colitis Australia

    • St John’s Ambulance First Aid and CPR Training

    • Dietitians Australian Interest Group Member: Mental Health, Diabetes, Gastroenterology, and Eating Disorders

    • Dietitian Supervision Resources Australia (DSRA): Engaging in regular supervision

    • Australia and New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders

Emma Keenan Accredited Practising Dietitian and Nutritionist
La Trobe University
Australia and New Zealand Eating Disorder Academy

ACCREDITED PRACTISING DIETITIAN FAQs

  • Their specialised knowledge and evidence-based approach can provide the best possible guidance.

    There are specific situations where seeking expert nutrition guidance is crucial. If you're dealing with a medical condition, a nutritional deficiency, or struggling to navigate conflicting nutrition advice, a dietitian can provide the support and guidance you need.

    1. Medical Nutrition Therapy: If you have a medical condition like diabetes, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), coeliac disease, diverticular disease, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure, and need support and advice about foods for these conditions.

    2. Vitamin or Mineral Deficiency: If you've been diagnosed with a nutritional deficiency or are worried you're not getting enough nutrition from your diet.

    3. Deciphering Diet Information: Understanding and navigating nutrition information can be empowering, especially when you're overwhelmed by conflicting advice and seeking evidence-based guidance.

    4. Life-Stage Transitions: If you're going through life-stage changes like pregnancy, breastfeeding, or perimenopause and want nutrition support for your unique needs.

    5. Weight Neutral: A weight-neutral approach can provide the support and understanding you need if you're stuck in the diet cycle and seeking a health-focused solution. Emma is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian; you can read more about the health conditions she works with here.

  • An Accredited Practising Dietitian, or APD, is a healthcare professional who has completed university-level education and specialises in medical nutrition therapy.

    Dietitians possess expertise in food and nutrition, particularly when it comes to managing medically diagnosed health conditions.

    It's important to note that Accredited Practising Dietitians are the sole Allied Health Professionals acknowledged by Medicare to provide medical nutrition therapy.

  • The Dietitians Association of Australia is a professional organisation representing dietitians in Australia.

    Their responsibilities encompass overseeing and administering the accreditation process for dietetics within the country.

    They establish the Code of Conduct that outlines the standards for the ethical and professional conduct expected of Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs).

    Furthermore, they delineate the scope of practice for APDs and provide avenues for addressing complaints and collecting feedback.

  • As with any recognised health profession, the dietetic profession is firmly rooted in evidence-based practices and informed by science.

    To become a dietitian in Australia, you must undergo an extensive and rigorous training process, which includes a science-based undergraduate degree and a Master of Dietetic Practice.

    Core subjects may include:

    • Chemistry

    • Biochemistry

    • Anatomy

    • Physiology

    • Pathophysiology

    • Research and statistics

    • Chemistry of food and cooking

    • Community and Public Health Nutrition

    • Nutrition Counselling Skills

    Dietitians are clinically trained to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy for:

    • Coeliac disease

    • Gastroenterology

    • Wound healing

    • Cardiovascular

    • Diabetes

    • Malnutrition

    • Aged care

    • Oncology

    • IBS

    • Cystic fibrosis

    • Traumatic brain and spinal injuries

    • Burns

    • Infectious diseases

    • Allergies

    • Kidney transplants

    • Paediatrics

    • Eating disorders

    APDs must undertake at least 30 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) per year, ensuring their knowledge and skills are always up to date.

    After becoming qualified, many dietitians choose to specialise in a diverse range of areas, reflecting their unique interests and passions. This diversity is a testament to the breadth of the profession.