Competency
Dietetic competence is the ability of a person to fulfill the dietetic role safely and effectively.
Canterbury Dietitians was developed to ensure that a dietitian did not work in isolation. The ability to peer review and to openly discuss issues and ideas with a colleague is invaluable to us.
Leigh O’Brien and Liz Beaglehole are New Zealand Registered Dietitians with current annual practicing certificates. They are participants in the New Zealand Dietitans Board Continuing Competency Program.
The Continuing Competency Program ensures that dietetic practice is sound and follows current evidence based practice. This is achieved by participating in continuing education events, having a recognized mentor to set goals and discuss practice with, participating in peer review and being involved in other professional development activities.
Leigh O’Brien and Liz Beaglehole are members of the New Zealand Dietetic Association, which offers its members great professional development opportunities such as
- an annual conference,
- subscription to the ‘Nutrition and Dietetics Journal’ a joint publication between Dietitians Association of Australia and the New Zealand Dietetic Association
- Special Interest Groups
- Updates and information relevant to dietetic practice
- NZDA website with a members only section www.dietitians.org.nz
- Sharing best practice guidelines and many other resources
- Networking opportunities and contacts between dietitians around New Zealand and the world
We are also members of the Christchurch Branch of the NZDA, and Leigh is the current President for this Branch.
Leigh and Liz have personal mentors who have been approved by the New Zealand Dietitians Board. These mentors assist us in remaining focused on our goals, providing their support and passing on their knowledge.