Nutrition Diploma Courses. Prospectus 2011/12

Transcription

1 Nutrition Diploma Courses Prospectus 2011/12

2 Welcome to ION and the World of Optimum Nutrition Here at ION we pride ourselves at staying at the forefront of advising people of the benefits of nutrition in optimising their health, ensuring that the advice we give is supported by scientific evidence. Now nutrition is big news as we struggle with epidemics of obesity, diabetes and heart disease, all of which are recognised to have significant dietary components. Although we seem to be losing the battle, at ION we believe it is because we must consider each individual and their lifestyle and dietary habits in relation to their unique biochemical needs. There is no one size fits all solution here. That is what makes nutritional therapy so challenging and rewarding. Our message has been getting out there in many formats including our Optimum Nutrition magazine for over 25 years. Our internationally recognised Nutritional Therapy Diploma Course was one of the first to gain professional accreditation and we offer a wide range of other courses and workshops. Look at our website for more information, or come to one of our Open Days or Taste of Nutrition events to learn more about the range of opportunites we can offer you and whether you want a new and fulfilling career. Val Bullen Principal and CEO Contents FACT FILE 2 NUTRITIONAL THERAPY DIPLOMA COURSE (NTDC) 3 Curriculum Overview 4 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 6 Science Access Courses 7 Learning Resources 8 Education Team 9 Testimonials 11 INSTITUTE for OPTIMUM NUTRITION 1

3 FACT FILE The Qualification The most well-established and widely respected nutritional therapy qualification in the UK Fully accredited by the regulatory body, the Nutritional Therapy Council (NTC) Graduates are eligible to join the Professional Register of Nutritional Therapists The Course Part-time modular course over 3 academic years 9 10 weekends of lectures per year 9 three-hour seminars per year Minimum of 80 hours supervised clinical training with tutor feedback Average of 15 hours home study per week Assessment is by a variety of coursework assignments, end-of-year examinations and observed consultations Entry Requirements A levels in Biology and Chemistry or ION Science Access Course or recognised equivalent qualifications. GCSE Maths and English or equivalent Word-processing skills and access to and the internet Interview with an ION tutor required at one of Our Open Days Student Support Personal tutor who can be contacted by telephone and Specialist Learner Support Manager One-to-one tutorials Dedicated student portal to download notes and keep in touch with fellow students Peer-group support through seminar groups Access to ION reference library, subscription to Science Direct and key journals Training to develop online research skills Administrative staff available Monday - Friday 10am pm and 2.00pm pm to answer any of your questions Career Opportunities Nutritional Therapist in private practice, natural health clinics, integrated medical practices and health & fitness clubs Sports nutrition Nutritional adviser / therapist in large companies Media work writing, radio broadcasting and television Technical advisor for supplement companies Lecturing / Teaching / Healthy cooking workshops Why study with ION? ION has been established for over 25 years Highly respected course with an international reputation A professionally accredited course that allows you to study while still working A range of other facilities through our Membership scheme Experienced tutors who are fully qualified, registered, practising Nutritional Therapists Rigorous, high quality clinical training ensures you are thoroughly prepared for professional practice The ION Teaching Clinic provides real clients for your training, observed and supported by our experienced clinic tutors, all practising Nutritional Therapists A range of courses available post graduation to ensure continuing professional development including an optional mentoring scheme for that initial start-up phase NUTRITIONAL THERAPY DIPLOMA COURSE (NTDC) At ION we pride ourselves on the quality of our Diploma course which is subject to external review, through the external examiner system, and standardisation to meet professional body requirements. The three-year course provides the building blocks of knowledge and skills that are required to become a safe and effective NutritionalTtherapist. The NTDC is fully accredited by the professional regulatory body, the Nutritional Therapy Council (NTC), which means the course has been assessed and formally recognised as meeting the NTC Core Curriculum and National Occupational Standards. As a result, ION graduates automatically meet the criteria for joining the Nutritional Therapists professional register, which is now part of the government-supported Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). The NTDC will first equip you with a comprehensive working knowledge of the components of food and their roles in human biochemistry and physiology. You will go on to learn about the importance of dietary and environmental factors on human health and disease, and the balancing, healing and therapeutic effects of foods and nutrients, based on the principles of Functional Medicine. Functional Medicine is a science-based, holistic, patient-centred approach to assessment, prevention and treatment of complex health problems and chronic disease. It aims to identify the biochemical and physiological imbalances causing health problems in the individual, and address these through nutrition and lifestyle management. The final stages of the course deal with specialist and complex aspects of practice and require you to research, plan and reflect on how you are going to develop a successful career or business in nutritional therapy. It is a very demanding but rewarding three years! Course Outline Year Modules 1 Personal, Professional anda Academic Development 2 Clinical Practice 1 3 Clinical Practice 2 Clinical Analysis Schematic diagram to show the course structure Nutritional Biochemistry Disordered Physiology Phytotherapy Researching Nutrition Physiology Functional & Diagnostic Tests Practice Management The Nutritional Therapy Diploma Course is a modular course. Each module is a distinct learning unit and is assessed individually. There are various types of assessment, for example: essays, case studies, literature reviews, group and individual presentations, assessed consultations and written examinations. There are two levels of study which reflect the first two years of a degree (levels 4 and 5). The cost of the NTDC is currently 3,750 per year, with a variety of payment plans available. 2 INSTITUTE for OPTIMUM NUTRITION INSTITUTE for OPTIMUM NUTRITION 3

4 Curriculum Overview Year One The Year One Curriculum aims to provide the knowledge and skills required to form a sound basis for the study and practice of nutritional therapy, including an introduction to Functional Medicine and how it forms the basis for our analysis of health and our nutritional treatment programmes. The main focus of your year 1 studies will be food and nutrients and their role in human physiological and biochemical systems and in maintaining health. At the same time we offer teaching and support in developing the required level of academic skills to study at degree level. At the end of Year One, during the summer break, you will attend a two-day Clinical Skills Workshop in the ION Teaching Clinic, which will prepare you for clinical practice in year two. Personal, Professional and Academic Development This module ensures that all students develop the underlying skills required to study nutritional therapy at Higher Education level. This module is led by our specialist Learner Support Manager and includes academic writing skills; researching nutrition using libraries and online resources; assessing the credibility of information sources; referencing skills; and avoiding plagiarism. You will start your personal development planning by compiling a Personal Development Portfolio (PDP) which includes developing reflective practice, an essential requirement for an effective practitioner. Nutritional Biochemistry This module explores the relationship between the nutrients we consume in our diet, and the roles they play in the biochemical structure and functioning of the human body. Nutrients form the basis of a complex web of interconnected biochemical pathways, and the balance and interaction of these pathways determines how well the body functions, and ultimately our state of health. The module introduces the key biochemical pathways and builds an awareness of the multitude of factors which affect the nutritional value of food. It provides an understanding of how our diet, and the nutrients it contains, can impact on our biochemistry and our health, respecting our biochemically uniqueness and the differing nutritional needs of individuals. Physiology The Physiology module builds on the Nutritional Biochemistry module, developing your understanding of how cells, and the tissues and organs they form, function and respond to each other and their environment. We emphasise the dynamic, integrated nature of organs and systems, looking at the physiology of the body as a whole, understanding that the effects of one organ can significantly influence the functioning of others and how this relates to health. The module also looks at physiological changes that take place daily and across the life cycle, such as sleep and aging. Clinical Analysis This module is designed to establish a systematic method of analysing an individual s health in relation to his/her diet and lifestyle, incorporating Functional Medicine principles. You will use paper case studies to establish competence in the analytical method and the planning of treatment strategies in preparation for real client consultations in Year 2. Drawing on information gained from lectures, seminars, anthropometric testing, reading and research, you will be able to formulate individualised nutritional protocols to address client health issues. Year Two Year Two is strongly geared towards nutritional therapy practice. Not only do you start seeing clients in the Teaching Clinic, but the lectures and teaching focus is also on clinical nutrition. Key elements of Year 2 study include the understanding of disease processes and health problems; functional and diagnostic tests; and the practicalities and challenges of therapeutic dietary modifications. Clinical Practice 1 This first clinical practice module is concerned with the application of clinical analysis skills and Functional Medicine principles to real clients in nutritional therapy consultations. By giving and observing consultations in the Teaching Clinic, under supervision of clinic tutors, you will develop your practitioner skills and build your confidence as a therapist, with the emphasis on safe, effective practice. You will develop your skills over the duration of Year 2, demonstrated by achieving a range of clinical competencies linked to the National Occupational Standards for nutritional therapists. The module also includes an introduction to pharmacology and drug-nutrient interactions which must be considered when devising nutritional programmes. Part of the assessment for this module is the Clinical Skills Weekend, in which you will give a consultation to a specially-trained actor who will simulate a challenging client case, and observe 5 of your peers do the same. Disordered Physiology This module explores what happens at a biochemical and physiological level in health problems, and how imbalances can result in symptoms and disease. Health issues are discussed from a Functional Medicine perspective, identifying the range of factors that can contribute to health problems and ways of determining the underlying causes in individual cases. Nutritional approaches to managing these health problems and supporting the clients are also discussed. Functional and Diagnostic Testing This module runs alongside the Disordered Physiology module. Testing is an important element of Functional Medicine practice, as it helps identify underlying biochemical and physiological imbalances, providing a clearer understanding of the precise nature and causes of an individual s health problems, facilitating more accurate targeting of nutritional interventions. Year Three The final year of studies focuses on honing clinical skills and the study of more complex health problems such as cancer and chronic fatigue. Students are encouraged to deepen their learning by further developing their skills of research, critical thinking, evaluation and reflective practice. Students are also required to outline their plans for after graduation, in order to prepare for a future career as a nutritional therapist. You will complete and submit your portfolio and have a final clinical assessment consisting of an oral presentation of a case analysis. Clinical Practice 2 This module follows on from Clinical Practice 1. It provides progression from simple, safe clinical practice to being able to deal with all eventualities in clinic, demonstrated by achieving a range of higher level clinical competencies. This includes dealing with clients with complex health problems or specific personal / cultural issues, making use of the full range of tools at the practitioner s disposal, and recognising when it is appropriate to refer clients to other healthcare practitioners. This module also continues integrating and guiding reflective practice so that it can be used as an ongoing development tool beyond the course, in the professional sphere. Researching Nutrition This module requires students to develop an in-depth understanding of how research is carried out and how to critically analyse and evaluate research studies. This is a very important skill for anyone entering a complementary therapy profession. You will critique a research paper and write a literature review. Phytotherapy This module is designed to give the student an in-depth understanding of the broad range of bio-active compounds found in plant foods, and an appreciation of the increasing body of research evidence to show that plant foods, plantderived supplements and herbs have significant therapeutic effects. Application of these nutrients and herbs to clinical situations through dietary and supplement recommendations is explored. 4 INSTITUTE for OPTIMUM NUTRITION INSTITUTE for OPTIMUM NUTRITION 5

5 Practice Management When you graduate, you will probably be looking to set up in business as a self-employed therapist. This module aims to prepare you for your start-up. It provides an introduction to business planning and auditing, and encourages you to think pragmatically about how you intend to build up a business. Course Structure The course is divided into three years of study. Year One and Year Two each consist of 10 lecture weekends and 9 seminars, and the final year has 9 weekends and 8 seminars. Home study is assigned and may include essays, reports, reflective assignments and clinical case studies. From Year Two you will add observed clinic sessions to your study time, when you come into the ION Teaching Clinic to learn how to conduct consultations. The course provides opportunities to practise consultation skills via workshops and role-play with other students and in simulated situations, before you conduct your first real consultation. A key element of the course is the seminars. As part of a seminar group of students, you will meet with your tutor for three hours each month to cover key elements of the curriculum. Seminars involve communicative activities and group work, with students being encouraged to work together and take turns to present work. We also set practical seminar homework assignments, such as investigating the contents of foods through food labels, keeping a food diary and trying out elimination diets. Seminars are a very valuable time in which areas of the syllabus, which cannot be covered in lectures, can be explored in an interactive environment. Each seminar includes a set of seminar learning outcomes essential for completion of the course. Seminars are also an opportunity for students to get to know each other better and to share ideas and experiences. ION students come to nutrition from a wide range of backgrounds, and everyone s specialist knowledge or individual experience is valued. Seminars are held during the week preceding lecture weekends. Saturday seminars take place at the lecture venue in central London, while all other seminars are held our Richmond facility. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Academic qualifications Applicants must normally demonstrate a broad general education including: 1. Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) Maths and English 2. A Levels or similar qualifications (Level 3) in biology (or human biology) and chemistry. If English is your second language and you do not have Level 2 English, then you need to hold a qualification such as IELTS 7.0 or its equivalent. If you do not have such a qualification, you can arrange to come to ION and sit a one hour written English test. Non-academic criteria Students must also have: 1. Appropriate motivation and commitment to studying, and a minimum level of interpersonal skills. 2. ICT literacy students must be able to word process, have Broadband access to the internet and an account. 3. Absence of health problems or other issues which would prevent applicant from being capable of, or fit for, clinical practice Science Access Courses Like other Higher Education courses, the NTDC requires prior learning up to at least A Level standard (level 3). You will need A levels or equivalent in both biology and chemistry. If you do not have these qualifications, but are keen to study at ION, we offer specially tailored Science Access courses, which guarantee a place on the NTDC when completed successfully. The Science Access Course consists of three modules: Biology, Human Anatomy & Physiology, and Chemistry. The course concentrates on aspects of these subjects that are particularly relevant to nutrition. You can study one, two or all three modules, depending on your particular requirements, through attendance courses, distance learning or a combination of the two: Full Science Access Course (FSAC) The FSAC is an attendance course delivered over nine lecture weekends, three per module. Each of the nine lecture weekends consists of a two-hour seminar on the Friday evening, and six hours of lectures on both the Saturday and the Sunday at our teaching facility in Richmond, Surrey. You can take nine months to complete the course from October to June (Option 1), or six months from January to June (Option 2). Distance Learning Science Access Course (DLSAC) Our new Distance Learning Option utilises online learning materials with tutor support. ION has developed high quality e-learning resources to enable students to study from home without compromising on the quality of the learning experience or support. However you will need a good Broadband connection and be able to organise your own time effectively in order to complete the course in this format. To provide the highest level of support and to help students maintain motivation and discipline, we recommend a scheduled programme for distance learning, running concurrently with FSAC option 1 or 2 (starting October or January). Once you have paid the fee you have access to the material for one year. Accelerated Science Access Course (ASAC) A more intensive study schedule for students who are too late to join the FSAC or DLSAC. You can start study from April with distance learning resources, and then attend lecture weekends from June to August. There are two weekends for each module, so 6 weekends in all. For applicants who have studied science previously but need to pass ION s entry exam to demonstrate their knowledge is up to date, there are two further options - a self-directed study option and a three-weekend revision course in September: Revision Science Access Course One weekend of lectures in September for each module. This is for students who have studied science before, but their prior study is not quite adequate or up to date, or who would like a refresher course before sitting the entry exam. In addition to the weekend lectures, you receive all the learning materials from the Independent Study Packs. Independent Study Packs (ISPs) This form of study is intended for those who already have some science background. Study packs for each module consist of: Study skills DVD & presentation slides, syllabus, core textbook, workbook, reading list, learning outcomes, tutor support by and sample examination paper. Examinations for ISP students are held at regular intervals throughout the year. At least one month is recommended for the study of each module with ISPs. 6 INSTITUTE for OPTIMUM NUTRITION INSTITUTE for OPTIMUM NUTRITION 7

6 Summary of Science Access Courses available, all of which are modular and prepare students for the Entry Exams for the NTDC. and the Research Co-ordinator at ION, who run regular workshops for students on research and referencing, produce reference tools, and are available to answer students learning related questions. Full Science Access Course (FSAC) Option 1: 9 weekends from October to June (one a month) Full Science Access Course (FSAC) Option 2: 9 weekends from January to June (about two a month) Distance Learning Science Access Course (DLSAC): October to June or January to August (can be started later, but minimum 6 months recommended). Accelerated Science Access Course (ASAC): Combination of distance learning (starting from April) and six weekends (two per module) from June to August. Revision Course: Three weekends in September and ISP learning materials Independent Study Pack (ISP): Home study with text book, workbook, guided reading and practice questions. Our academic staff will help you to choose the best option for you, when you attend your application interview which is held at our Open Days. STUDENT SUPPORT At ION we understand the importance of effective student support. Although the qualification requires only part-time attendance, the resources available to you ensure that you feel fully embraced by the course, with a personal tutor and fellow students to communicate with when you need to. All our tutors are professionally qualified and know exactly what is required in terms of academic knowledge and personal support to help you succeed. Your tutor leads your seminar group, provides and telephone advice for you, keeps an eye on your progress, and provides one-to-one tutorials for individual encouragement. ION promotes equality, diversity and inclusion. We therefore welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, and are committed to supporting students with disabilities and learning difficulties. Our Learner Support Manager is able to provide learning strategies to meet your individual learning needs and help you get the most from your studies from the very outset of the course. Whatever your learning needs, we make every effort to help you develop the skills you need to be successful in your studies. LEARNING RESOURCES Students studying at ION have a wide range of learning resources available to them, most of which are available from your home PC. Hard copy library service ION maintains a reference library at Richmond which contains a wide range of books on human biology, food, nutrition, health, medicine and study skills. The library provides a quiet workspace which students can book to consult the library resources and use the online facilities. A list of the books available in the ION library can be viewed remotely by students through access to the library database. Subscription services Science Direct ION subscribes to the College Edition of the Science Direct Health and Life Sciences Collection of Elsevier peer-reviewed journals. This provides students with access to relevant peer-reviewed content of over 900 full-text journals going back to 1995 and most Elsevier online books. Students have access from their home PC via a personal login and password. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition ION students have access to the full-text content and archive of the premier peer-reviewed journal in the field of clinical nutrition, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, through ION s institutional subscription. Students have access from their home PC via an institutional login and password. Instruction and Support Early in the NTDC course, students are given instruction in the IT skills required to find and evaluate research information from databases and search engines such as PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar. They have the opportunity to practise these skills with the help of ION staff, who guide them through a series of exercises showing how to access research from peer-reviewed publications. Ongoing support is provided by the Learner Support Manager EDUCATION TEAM PRINCIPAL AND CEO Valerie Bullen MSc, BSc, CBiol, PGCE, FHEA Valerie came to ION from the University of Westminster, where she was Principal Lecturer in Biomedicine and Complementary Therapies within the School of Integrated Health. Valerie has been lecturing in health sciences for over 20 years, specialising in psychoneuroimmunology and cancer biology. She is an inspirational and entertaining lecturer and became a University Teaching Fellow for her excellence in teaching and learning. Valerie is also a practising complementary therapist. She has designed many courses, including the degrees in complementary therapies at the University of Westminster where, as the Associate Head of the School of BioSciences, she was responsible for the quality of their course provision. Valerie brings to the Institute her extensive experience of course design and quality assurance processes to ensure ION remains at the forefront of the education training of nutritional therapists. COURSES MANAGER Nigel Hinchliffe BSc, DipION As a biochemist, Nigel followed his degree with research into antioxidant enzymes at Cambridge University. He studied at ION after spending six years living and teaching in South Asia and Spain. Inspired by Mediterranean cuisine and Eastern approaches to health and medicine, he was drawn to Nutritional Therapy as it combined his interests in science, food and health. Since graduating from ION in 2000, he has worked as a Tutor, Programme Leader, Curriculum Manager and is now Courses Manager at the Institute. Nigel is also a qualified yoga teacher and yoga therapist, and is currently completing a Masters degree in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health at the University of Bristol. As Courses Manager, he is responsible for developing and enhancing the range of courses offered at ION, and works closely with the Science Access Course Leaders and NTDC Programme Leaders to ensure that content and teaching are of the highest standard and meet all professional regulatory body requirements. 8 INSTITUTE for OPTIMUM NUTRITION INSTITUTE for OPTIMUM NUTRITION 9

7 LEARNER SUPPORT MANAGER Jane Henson BA Hons, PGCE, MA (Education) Before joining ION, Jane worked for many years in schools and colleges, teaching English and Drama, and as an A Level English examiner. In her role as Learner Support Manager, Jane works as an integral member of the education team, developing students study skills and supporting students when their needs fall outside the normal roles and responsibilities of the Seminar and Year tutors. These might include learning difficulties, language difficulties and extenuating personal circumstances. Jane will also arrange appropriate support for students who are struggling with specific modules or areas of the curriculum. RESEARCH CO-ORDINATOR Claire Braysher BSc, DipION Claire is responsible for developing the ION research base ensuring that our work is evidence based. She leads the Researching Nutrition module on the NTDC programme and supports students throughout the course in developing their skills of finding and analysing relevant scientific information. Claire has a degree in Microbiology and for most of her professional life has worked in the scientific information industry, managing the production of medical and veterinary research databases. She graduated from ION in 2004 and has carried out the Research Co-ordinator role since CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Carmel Buckley BSc Carmel trained full-time for three years at the University of Westminster, graduating with a degree in Nutritional Therapy in She joined ION s Teaching Clinic in Carmel is responsible for developing clinical training and leads the teaching and assessment of clinical practice modules in Years 2 and 3. In addition to her role at ION, Carmel also sees clients in her private practice. SCIENCE ACCESS COURSE LEADER Rhian Jones BSc, PGCE Rhian co-ordinates and lectures on the Science Access course. This role involves supporting and guiding the lecturers so that all students receive the highest standard of educational delivery and maximizes their learning potential. Rhian also works within ION s teaching clinic as a tutor. Rhian has a teaching background and achieved a certificate in education 15 years ago, which she has combined with her commercial experience working in business over the years. Rhian is also a fully qualified nutritional therapist and practises part time out of a private GP surgery. She runs a successful weight management clinic and specialises in working with patients with eating disorders and eating distress. DISTANCE LEARNING COORDINATOR Adam Thornton BSc Adam co-ordinates the Distance Learning Science Access Course, and is Year 1 Programme Leader for the NTDC. Adam was originally educated in New Zealand as a Personal Trainer where he lived and worked for five years. His ongoing studies in exercise science and his experiences as a life-long vegetarian led to develop a strong interest in nutrition and ultimately to reading for an honours degree in Nutritional Therapy at the University of Westminster. Adam s natural curiosity in biochemical mechanisms in health has resulted in his specific field of interests being metabolic dysfunctions and nutrigenomics as well as his original love of sports nutrition. TESTIMONIALS Antony Haynes, DipION, practises in Harley Street and is co-founder of Nutri-Link Ltd At the very first weekend at ION in 1990 I knew Nutritional Therapy was for me and have never looked back. After graduating I became a tutor and lecturer at ION. I later established a clinic in Harley Street where I have been successfully practising for 18 years and have seen over 11,500 patients. I have been fortunate enough to have 2 books published by Harper Collins The Insulin Factor (2004) and The Food Intolerance Bible (2005). Since 1994, I have attended seminars put on by The Institute for Functional Medicine. As well as maintaining my clinical practice and teaching role, I am Head of Technical Services at Nutri-Link Ltd, which I co-founded in 1998 a company that provides the highest quality post-graduate education, as well as practitioner dedicated nutritional supplements. Dawn Waldron BA, MSc, DipION The ION course gave me good nutrition knowledge and important skills for a lifelong exploration of health and healing. After graduating I gained valuable experience working in an integrated health practice as well as practicing from home. I was delighted when ION invited me to become a tutor and spent 5 years teaching and lecturing while seeing a few private clients. Last year I published a charity cook book and added life coaching skills to my CV. All this was a prelude to becoming a full time practitioner working with people with critical health issues. It hasn t been easy - it still isn t - but it s immensely rewarding. You never stop learning, that s for sure. My advice? Nutrition is a big field, find a niche and work within it. Victoria Webb-Hockfield BSc (Hons), MSc, MA, DipION, MBANT I graduated from ION in 2003 and now work full-time in Solgar s technical department, answering questions from consumers, practitioners, nutrition students and journalists on all aspects of nutrition and supplementation. My role includes giving lectures and seminars to nutrition colleges, including ION, on behalf of Solgar. In addition to this I am writing Solgar s Gold Training Course a correspondence course designed for those working within health food stores, covering the anatomy and physiology of the main body systems, plus an introduction to nutrition and the use of herbs. I also run a private nutritional therapy practice at The Verulam Clinic in St Albans, seeing clients with a wide range of health conditions. Charlotte Watts DipION NTCC mbant practises in Brighton, also writing and TV nutritional work, co-founder of Positively Slim I made a very sudden decision to study at ION after what seemed like an epiphany to change my life in the direction of a subject I had become keenly interested in. I devoured the exciting new knowledge right from the Science Access Course and was continually amazed that these were facts wholly unknown to the average person nutritional knowledge seems so fundamental to life! I became an ION tutor where helping others gain these insights was very rewarding. Studying nutritional therapy has given me a career about which I am passionate and opportunities to spread this knowledge throughout many accessible media online, books, magazines and TV. Everyone eats and I truly believe that positive and healthy food choices are at the root of much potential social and ethical change. Lisa Patient DipION, Tonic-Nutrition for Life The DipION course provided me with excellent training and a good knowledge base which gave me the confidence to set up my own practice, Tonic. I am based at a GP s Medical Centre in South London and specialise in weight loss, metabolism and digestive problems. It is fascinating to work alongside the 10 INSTITUTE for OPTIMUM NUTRITION INSTITUTE for OPTIMUM NUTRITION 11

8 medical profession. I also practise as a generalist in the ION Professional Clinic and enjoy giving talks on nutrition to charities and businesses. Being a Nutritional Therapist is a challenging and rewarding career. The variety and complexity of cases is enormous and you learn something new every day. Ian Marber DipION, founder of The Food Doctor group On graduation from the ION Diploma Course in 1999 I joined a busy practice in Harley Street. This allowed me to gain valuable experience in many areas of nutrition before establishing my own practice. My work includes preventative nutrition in areas such as cardiovascular health, children s nutrition and, in particular, food allergies, effective weight management and digestive problems. This, plus my books, columns, clinics and Food Doctor work keeps me fully occupied AVALON HOUSE 72 Lower Mortlake Road Richmond Surrey TW9 2JY Company No Registered Charity No