Would having a registered dietitian be a good idea for my clients to refer to?

I agree with Harris. I found the RD I refer clients to through a search of local RDs I went onto their websites and chose 3 who I thought I would be compatible with, I then did a phone interview with the 3, and chose the one I felt most comfortable with. I have referred many of my clients to her and they have been very happy. I have gotten a few referrals from her in return.

Yes. As a fitness professional, you should be part of your client's health team. As a team member you need to communicate with the other members of the team. While you may only comtact any one member of the team once or twice a year, it is still important to keep the lines of communication open. For every client you should have at least asked the client to request information fron involved team members such as primary care physician, surgeons, physical therapists, etc. The information should definitely include clearance to exercise, recommended activity level or intensity of exercise, medications (and you should check the effects of these medications on exercise response and daily life in general), contraindicated activity/exercise, and any other pertinent information depending on the client's health status (ie. diabetic, brain injury, other cognitive impairment. substance abuse, etc., all have a wide variety of different exercise related responses and impacts on health/well being). You should know at least one local physician and one registered dietician who are willing to see referred clients. Networking with other health professionals will depend on the types of clients that you are working with at any one time. Hopefully this type of interaction with a broad spectrum of health professionals will encourage you to pursue educational opportunities to improve your skills and abilities so that the other team members will see you as a valuable part of the healthcare community and thus feel confident in referring clients to you as well.

Hi Noreen,

echoing my colleagues, yes, you should have a registered dietitian to refer to. I liked Janet's recommendation to interview a few and find one that aligns with your philosophy. I am always uneasy recommending people whose services I have not personally used. This means you will have to rely on your gut instinct when you talk to them.

Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com

Hi Noreen,

Make that another yes! An RD is a great resource to have in your professional circle. Like others have said - check them out. Meet with them to make sure you're on the same page. Besides providing your client another valuable service and resource, it can turn out can be a win-win relationship as far as referrals go. Good luck Noreen!

Paul Thomas
www.homeworkoutguy.com

Hi Noreen,

I also agree that having a Registered Dietician to refer a client to is a great thing. I just recently needed to refer a client of mine to an RD, and she found one she liked in her network. So, it is always an option of the client to find their own as well if you don't have one.

Christine

Along with everyone else I agree that being able to have a relationship with and to refer to a Registered Dietitian is important.

Like any other health care professional it is important to vet the Dietitian you would like to refer to. Check local better business bureaus, chambers of commerce, local/regional Registered Dietitian sites, speak to other trainers.

For the RD's and Holistic Nutritionists I work with, besides meeting with them prior to adding to my referral network, I have attended any workshops or community presentations they have done and even ask (if they are interested and can do) to trade a nutrition consult or two for training services. What better way to see how they do what they do?

And finally, I have introduced my new health practitioner network members by offering a group workshop to my clients (who can also bring a friend) so they can also get a "taste" of the professional I will be using in my referral network.

It all seems a bit time-consuming, but it is the process I have liked to go through and makes me comfortable.

Yes, You can send your clients to them and they can refer clients to you. I would interview 3 or 4 RD's and see who is the best fit for you and your clients. It has to be someone you can trust.

Live Good,
Mac Dodds
LiveGoodFitness.com