Becky Sulik, RDN, CDCES, LD
What led you to pursue a career in dietetics?
I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 15. For the first year my life was a list of “good” and “bad” foods. Of course, I rebelled. Once I was able to meet with an RD experienced with diabetes, my knowledge and outlook about food changed and I felt very supported. I chose to become an RDN partly because of this experience and the positive influence of the RDNs who helped me with my diabetes journey.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love meeting with and helping children, teens, and young adults with type 1 diabetes thrive and seeing their skill and confidence grow in managing this challenging condition. Because I have been at the same clinic for 25 years, I especially love the long-term relationships I have with many of my patients/clients.
What advice/suggestions do you have for registered dietitians/nutritionists (especially early career RDNs) to get more involved with volunteer opportunities with the Academy….as you know numbers are dwindling.
My volunteer work with the Academy and other professional organizations has provided personal growth and additional opportunities through those I have worked with on committees, task forces, and other leadership roles. Specifically working on the Nutrition Services Payment Committee opened my eyes to the many things the Academy does to support the RDN/NDTR in the payment/reimbursement area. I often hear RDNs complain that they need to do more. One thing I learned is that action at the local and state levels must be done by the members with support from the Academy. Academy efforts with payment and reimbursement include giving us a seat at the Medicare provider “table.”
What are you most proud of thus far in your career?
During the past 3 years I’ve had the opportunity to do more authorship, including a chapter of a book on MNT with insulin pumps which was a challenging but rewarding experience. Overall, seeing people who I worked with as young children who are now adults living happy and successful lives provides the ultimate satisfaction.
What five foods or beverages do you always have on hand?
I am of the belief that there are no good or bad foods and generally have a wide variety.
My top 5 are:
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Diet Dr. Pepper
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Bananas
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Nut butters
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Dubai chocolate
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Cheese of any kind
Tell me about your job
She currently is the Director of Education at Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho. She is involved with patient care/counseling and coordinate the activities for our ADA Recognized Diabetes Self-Management Education program. She also lead a team of 8 RDNs who work as diabetes care and education specialists. She assists in our clinic’s large research program where she provide device training for studies using continuous glucose monitors, ketone monitors, new insulins, automated insulin delivery devices, and other trials related to diabetes medications. She is also a preceptor working with an average of 10 dietetic interns each year for a clinical diabetes rotation. Lastly, she does contracted work for the insulin pump companies by providing product training for both patients and providers.