The Nutritional Supplement

Which Course(s) did you graduate from at CNELM and when did you graduate? (also put here course you are still taking)

I completed the Personalised Nutrition MSc in 2018 and I am currently completing the NTPD.

What did you do before doing this course?

I studied computer science and worked as a software engineer in the private and government sectors in Greece and the UAE.

What made you decide to embark on this course of study and what attracted you to CNELM?

My father had died at the age of 50 years from heart disease. Since then I was self-studying to understand chronic illness and its root causes. I discovered the Functional Medicine paradigm which inspired me as it unravelled the significance of nutrition in health and disease. I decided to retrain as a Nutritionist and start a new career. After a lot of research, I chose CNELM for its high quality education and innovative degree programmes. CNELM’s vision to integrate personalised nutrition into healthcare services particularly resonated with me. I had great enthusiasm and enjoyed my studies at CNELM.

What was your first role after graduating?

After graduation I started working as a health coach and dietary educator, educating clients with cardiometabolic illnesses. In 2019, I joined CNELM as co-module leader of the MSc Personalised Nutrition and Chronic Illness Module.

Where has your career taken you so far?

I am now also co-module leader of the Level 5 Applied Pathophysiological Reasoning Module at CNELM and planning to setup a clinic specialised in cardiometabolic disorders.

Which part do you think has been the most rewarding or successful?

My work at CNELM is particularly rewarding giving me the opportunity to support students while being involved in academic work which I greatly enjoy. Being a ML is an excellent way to keep up with the science and scientific advances, helping me maintain the balance between academia and practice. In addition, the culture at CNELM is outstanding, which is reflected in the way students are treated, the integrity of its management and staff and the quality of education.

If you were graduating now, would you do anything differently?

I am happy with my progress so far; I don’t think I would do anything differently.

Is there anything you wish you’d known before finishing your studies that you might have prepared for differently?

I remember in particular that I always had limited time for my family. Both my studies and personal life were dealt in a rush. I chose the 1-year study format which was very demanding. If I was to do it again, I may have chosen to take one module at a time. This would have also allowed me to enjoy my studies more.

What or who has most inspired you in your work?

The functional medicine paradigm has motivated and instigated enthusiasm in my work as it focuses on addressing the root causes of disease rather than managing disease. The patient and their health history throughout life are central in the process of identifying these root causes. FM is based on the premises that the biological functions of the body are interconnected, focusing on the whole organism.

A number of health practitioners have inspired me through their work in integrative healthcare. One of them is Dr Mark Hyman who uses the Functional Medicine matrix as a construct for getting to the root of disease, recognising that disease does not occur in isolation and the tremendous impact of nutrition and lifestyle both as triggers of disease and as therapeutic agents.

Do you have any tips, hints, things you’d have done differently...?

I wouldn’t have changed much as I believe my experiences have helped me grow. However, looking back, I realise that during my studies I neglected self-care and exercise. The excuse was that I didn’t have time. We all know we should exercise more, and we feel the only way is to do it 100%. But there are easier solutions than a gym membership. We can keep a little more fit even when we are busy. We can find 15 minutes a day to move.

One more thing that comes to mind is isolation. It is easy to become isolated while studying, especially when you do an online course. I would encourage students to setup working groups and meet in their groups weekly. This helps receive support, benefit from one another by exchanging ideas, refining understanding through discussion, sharing diverse perspectives and holding one another accountable. Last but not least, sharing struggles and communicating can make us stronger and happier.