By: Shereen Khan
“It’s a job that not only pays your bills but also helps you grow into the best version of yourself”
Navigating a new country is challenging enough—but for internationally educated dietitians, the journey to professional recognition can be a test of both resilience and passion.
With over five years of experience as a dietitian in Pakistan, I felt more than ready to dive back into my career when I moved in 2016—perhaps a little too confident in hindsight! I started as a sales associate in a nutritional supplement store and began my journey toward credentialing—WES evaluation, KCAT, bridging courses, placements, and then COVID. And finally, in July 2022, I became a Registered Dietitian in Canada.
After six years—and with three-year-old twins—my journey as a dietitian in Canada began in long-term care. Why I chose LTC? Thanks to flexible hours and mommy duties, I’ve grown both as a mother and as a dietitian over the past three years. Now, I’m here to share my experience of how being a dietitian in Canada differs from back home.
If I can brag a little—I’ve completed a Master’s degree in Nutrition. Two years of Master of Philosophy studies focused on nutrition, plus a one-year postgraduate diploma in clinical duties. I’ve worked as a university lecturer and taught nutrition at Cambridge O Levels. I also practiced as a renal dietitian on a kidney transplant team. Along the way, I appeared on TV and radio shows as a nutritionist, wrote articles for magazines, and presented my work at national nutrition conferences. It’s been quite a journey!
I had a strong clinical foundation and up-to-date, evidence-based knowledge in nutrition; however, I struggled with the 'person-centered care' approach. Back in Pakistan, we followed a more prescriptive approach, where dietitians provided diet plans, printed nutrition education materials, and direct counseling. Here in Canada, the focus is on a person-centered approach—empowering clients to make informed choices for themselves. My biggest challenge was learning to balance what is nutritionally sound with what the resident actually wants.
There’s a common perception that newcomers or immigrants aren’t welcomed in licensed professions—but I can confidently say that our talent has the power to win hearts. We are resilient and have worked in challenging, high-pressure environments with limited resources. This experience enables us to excel when given abundant support, and we adapt quickly.
Back in Pakistan, I worked as a teacher, consultant renal dietitian, and provided continuing nutrition education to fellow dietitians. In Canada, I have been paving my own path to do the same. While I’m not a teacher yet, I’ve received several offers and opportunities to demonstrate my teaching skills, contributed to quality improvement projects, and showcased my nutrition education expertise.
I proudly embrace my identity as an internationally educated dietitian, ready to support anyone walking this challenging path. For those who see the road ahead as long and uncertain, I want you to know—it’s absolutely worth it. At the end of the journey, you’ll cherish the achievement just as deeply as I do—especially if you love this profession as much as I do.
