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Overview
Clinical dietitians provide assessment, treatment and counseling to patients with nutrition-related issues.
Registered Dietitians at The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre (TOHRC) help patients manage nutrition to support their rehabilitation and overall health. They work closely with the health-care team to make sure each patient gets the right nutrition to fully participate in their therapies.
Outpatients receive assessment, monitoring and education so that they can better manage their medical condition with specific diets and improved eating patterns.
How we help
Our registered dietitians offer a range of services to support your health during rehabilitation, including:
- Nutrition assessments – Identifying patients at risk of malnutrition based on eating habits, medical conditions, age, weight changes and lab results.
- Personalized nutrition plans – Creating and adjusting diets to help maintain or improve health.
- Education and counseling – Teaching patients and families how to manage medical conditions through specific diets and improved eating patters.
- Support for outpatients– Ongoing monitoring and guidance to help manage nutrition at home.
Education and training
Registered dietitians are the most qualified professionals to provide advice about nutrition and diet. The practice of dietetics is the assessment of nutrition, nutrition-related conditions and the treatment and prevention of nutrition-related disorders.
In Canada, the title “Registered Dietitian” is protected by law, meaning only those who meet strict education and licensing requirements can use it.
To become a registered dietitian, a person must:
- Complete a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition.
- Finish a year-long accredited dietetic internship.
- Pass a national registration exam.
- Become a member of The College of Dietitians of Ontario.
Registered dietitians are regulated health professionals under the Regulated Health Professions Act and are licensed by the College of Dietitians of Ontario. This ensures they meet high standards for safe and effective care.
Unlike the title “Registered Dietitian,” the term “nutritionist” and other related titles is not protected by law in Ontario and can be used by anyone, regardless of training.
Resources
Dietitians of Canada
Provides trustworthy information on food and nutrition.
EatRight Ontario
This service provides easy-to-use nutrition information to help you make healthier food choices.
Referrals
To see a registered dietitian at TOHRC, a referral from a physician is required. Patients are first assessed by a physiatrist (a doctor who specializes in rehabilitation), who may then refer them to Clinical Nutrition if needed.
Physicians can send referrals by fax using either:
- A standard physician’s consultation request form, or
- The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre Consultation Request Form.
Fax referrals to Rehabilitation Centre Admitting: 613-733-8336.