i was able to interview Dr. Fullmer last week so that we can get to know her a little bit better. here's what i learned:
What made you want/decide to become a dietitian? (Was there any specific event or interest? Did you consider doing something else instead?)
Dr. Fullmer always knew that she wanted to go into the health field. She started college as a pre-physical therapy student. When she took a nutrition class and loved it she decided to get her Bachelor’s degree in nutrition. She completed a Master’s in Dietetics and completed a 6-month qualified experience in Salt Lake that she set up as her internship experience..
What is your favorite part of being a dietitian?
She loves what she studies and loves what she learns. She enjoys that nutrition is so applicable to life and just thinks it’s a very interesting topic.
What is your least favorite thing about being a dietitian?
The lack of respect dietitians sometimes get. Most people don’t know what we really do. They don’t understand the knowledge that we have and the amount of education and credentialing that it takes to be a dietitian, and therefore don’t give us enough credit and put enough trust in our recommendations.
What would you say is the biggest challenge dietitians today? Why?
Again, a lack of respect. It will be difficult to educate people on what and who dietitians truly are and get the respect we deserve. Struggles with reimbursement go along with that and Dr. Fullmer stated that, that is the key to our future, especially in the clinical area of dietetics.
What is your favorite class to teach here at BYU? Why?
She loves all of her classes! She enjoys teaching everything from her Clinical classes to her Research Methods class. She really enjoys the dietetics students and the fun interaction she gets to have with them.
Is there anything else you’d like to do in dietetics, aside from teaching at BYU?
There really isn’t anything else she’s rather do. She’s been teaching for 25 years and really enjoys it. She was looking at medical school but teaching at BYU came up as an option and she decided it was a great opportunity and took it!
What other jobs in dietetics have you held (besides teaching here)?
She had a private practice for a time doing nutrition consulting, etc. and also has a job working with long-term care facilities, and worked in home health care.
If you could give your students/interns any piece of advice for the future, what would it be?
“Just have more confidence in yourself, don’t be afraid to work hard, and don’t burn any bridges.” (Write that one down folks-good advice!)
hope you learned something new about our amazing professor...i know i sure did!
