Meet a Master of Clinical Nutrition Student: Hailey Zillig
Hailey graduated with her Master of Clinical Nutrition from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine in May 2023.
Hometown:
Dubuque, Iowa
Undergraduate degree:
Iowa State University, Major in Dietetics and Minor in Child, Adult, and Family Services
What initially got you interested in a career in health care?
I have always had an interest in math and science, which enhanced my interest in the health care field. I had a desire to help people but was unsure what area of health care I wanted to pursue.
What made you want to become a dietitian?
When I was a freshman in high school, we had career day at school, and the profession I signed up to go to, the chef, was unable to come. I went to the room next door, where my best friend was, so I would know someone. The professional talking there was a dietitian from Hy-Vee. I had never heard of a dietitian before, and I was intrigued by the importance nutrition has on health.
Who were your mentors at Iowa?
Laurie Kroymann, RD, LD, MBA, has been a phenomenal director and has made a large impact on my development as a student and future dietitian. Laurie is always available to answer questions and encourage her students to achieve anything they set their minds to.
Another amazing mentor I had was Anne Kavars, RDN, LD, one of the clinical dietitians in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Anne has been such a great resource for me, as she has a wealth of knowledge and experience. She has inspired my dream of becoming a dietitian in a NICU.
What was your research?
I participated in a research project that focused on understanding and effectively addressing upstream food insecurity for our obstetrical population. Along with another student in the program, my responsibility was to communicate with the Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, Food and Nutrition Services, and the Upstream Clinic team in order to provide and track the food boxes that were given to those that needed them.
What's next for you?
I have a job lined up to work as a Clinical Dietitian at MercyOne in Dubuque, Iowa. The area that I will cover has not been determined yet, but the hospital is developing a position for me in the NICU as a clinical dietitian.
If you could bust one myth about nutrition for good, what would it be?
The misconception I would bust about nutrition is that there are “good” and “bad” foods. I have a strong belief that all foods, in moderation, are OK. When we narrow our thoughts to “good” and “bad” foods, it limits the variety in our diets. Your health is not defined by an individual meal, but by your diet as a whole.