An MPH will serve us well

hey everyone!
Im in outpatient peds this week, and the clinic that I'm with is a low-income population. Most of the kids are on WIC, a lot are spanish speaking, and im pretty sure everyone is medicare. Anyways, I feel like for the first time in this summer rotation, I have found the public health aspect (rather than the strict dietetics aspect) of our program really useful. Ive sat in on multiple talks about infant formulas, talked to a lactation consultant about breastfeeding vs. formulas, heard a lot about the healthcare reform ideas, and mostly I have talked a lot about WIC. The pediatritians in the office write the "WIC prescriptions" for the baby formulas, and most of them consult the RD if the baby needs to be on any hydrolyzed-type formula. The RD has also taught me a lot about the changes to the WIC packages which will reduce the amount of formula that moms get if the baby is breastfeeding + formula feeding. She said they are trying ot cut back on "los dos"- which is the clinic's term for "topping the tank" when moms breastfeed then "feel like" the baby didnt get enough, so shove a few more ounces in the mouth of formula. Basically taking away all of the satiety clues, etc, that are brought about through exclusive breastfeeding.

Ive also learned a lot about the changes to Enfamil formulas (the NC WIC formula). The Lipil (basic formula) now has a prebiotic in it to emulate that which is in breast milk and is now called Enfamil Premium. The Enfamil Nutramigen, which is the elemental formula used with cow milk allergy, now has a probiotic in it which is supposed to help the gut to heal from the inflammatory response caused by the cows milk allergy. So obviously we all advocate that breast is best...but if the mom wont do it, its important that we stay on top of the formulas. And this RD really knows her stuff.

She does counseling on obesity and FTT, as well as is at the call of all the residents in the peds programs. She does a lot of their education, making sure that they know all of the formulas so that when mom asks the pediatritian (as every mom does...) about formula or feeding then they know the answer, or they have her to pull into the room. She has a really cool job, and its been interesting to have heard a lot about WIC from our program and be able to discuss the changes with her. So my point is that there are jobs out that which would combine clinical with a little public health, and I think we would all be perfect for those type positions!