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Ms Kala translates the science of nutrition into practical dietary advice to help people adopt healthier eating habits. (Photo: Alvin Toh)
For senior dietitian Kala Adaikan, eating right is a science that can critically impact a person’s life
Eating may be just a favourite pastime for many Singaporeans. But for Ms Kala Adaikan, it is also a science and the basis of her work.
As a senior dietitian in Singapore General Hospital’s Dietetics and Nutrition Services department, Ms Kala assesses the nutritional status of patients, looks into nutrition problems, develops nutrition care plans and monitors the effectiveness of dietary changes.
Ms Kala, who is in her 30s, says: “Dietetics is a unique qualification that involves the translation of scientific information about food into practical dietary advice for those on normal and therapeutic diets.
“I find this both interesting and challenging. I like helping and working with people, and giving back something useful to the community.
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“This is why I chose to work in a hospital where I know that what I do can make a difference for the better in the lives of my patients.”
Her early interest in food science and nutrition made it easy for her to choose a career. She obtained a diploma in chemical process technology, majoring in food science and technology, and went on to earn a degree in nutrition and dietetics from King’s College at the University of London.
Her daily work at the hospital includes educating and giving advice to a wide range of patients with dietary related disorders. These include people who require nutrition via tube feeding and those with weight management and diabetes management issues.
She educates patients on how they can improve their health by adopting healthier eating habits.
She also attends to more complex cases involving patients with renal problems, whose dietary needs involve the meticulous management of electrolytes, a balance of minerals such as potassium, phosphate and sodium, and observing protein requirements.
She teaches patients how to modify their diets and empowers them with the knowledge to make the right food choices to help manage their medical conditions better.
“My job involves translating the science of nutrition into everyday information about food.
“I calculate patients’ nutritional requirements using standard equations based on assessments of age, sex, activity level, stress/injury level and other relevant factors such as whether the patient has a fever or not,” she explains.
She works closely with a multidisciplinary team that includes doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists and other dietitians like her. They share common information regarding the contributing factors underlying a patient’s condition.
Dietitians are an essential part of the multidisciplinary team.
Nutritional care can prevent malnutrition, improve a patient’s nutritional status as well as improve or decrease the impact of many conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and obesity.
“We are each specialised in our fields, and our coordinated efforts result in better outcomes for our patients,” says Ms Kala.
Apart from her work with patients, she also mentors and trains junior staff and dietetic students who are on attachment at the hospital.
Her department provides clinical training and attachment for finalyear students from overseas universities, and she is in charge of overseeing their training.
In addition to her busy schedule, she is also actively involved in group education. She trains members of the public and other academic staff about diet and nutrition.
She says: “I love my job because I get great satisfaction knowing that what I do has an impact on improving my patients’ health and well-being. I also like the interaction with my colleagues from the different disciplines, working with them to help solve problems.
“Nutrition is a fascinating, vast subject which requires me to be upto-date with the latest research and trends.”
With her special interest in burns care and caring for renal and diabetic patients, as well as in research and training, she sees great learning and career advancement opportunities for herself in the years ahead.
Article contributed by SingHealth, the largest public health-care group in Singapore. For more information on careers with SingHealth, visit www.singhealth.com.sg/career or call 6225-0488.
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