About Emma: Accredited Practising Dietitian
Emma Keenan: Specialist Dietitian and Nutritionist
BAppSc, MDietPrac, APD
Owner
Hello there! I’m Emma, and I go by she/her pronouns. I’m an Accredited Practising Dietitian and a member of Dietitians Australia and I’m committed to helping individuals to enhance their health while steering clear of nutrition myths and misconceptions. You won’t find restrictive diets, calorie counting, trendy food trends, or rigid food rules in my approach, as these concepts are deeply rooted in diet culture and at odds with scientific evidence. Instead, I recognise the importance of food in promoting our health and the role it plays in enriching meaningful moments in our lives.
My philosophy revolves around promoting natural and intuitive eating, a method that reconnects you with your body and allows you to savour all types of foods without guilt. My areas of expertise include gastrointestinal nutrition, gut health, mental health, disordered eating, and eating disorders. I’ve pursued additional training in these areas and continuously stay updated with the latest scientific research. My ultimate goal is to empower clients to enjoy a diverse and delectable diet that nurtures their physical health, mental health, and social connections.
When I’m not practising as a dietitian, you’ll find me exploring the local markets, experimenting in the kitchen, indulging in art, immersing myself in museums, relishing dining experiences with friends, strolling along the beach, dog sitting, paddleboarding, practising pilates, or yoga, embarking on journeys or adventures in my van. I love to visit markets and grocery stores when I travel - it’s an excellent way to immerse myself in different cultures and explore the intriguing and delightful foods that people around the world cherish.
Living in Melbourne offers the incredible advantage of having diverse food experiences right at our doorstep. We’re fortunate to reside in this vibrant city, where people from all corners of the globe share their culinary traditions and delights with us.
University Qualifications
Master of Dietetic Practice, La Trobe University
Bachelor of Applied Science, La Trobe University
Continuing Professional Development
Gut Smart: Nutrition and IBD for Dietitians
‘Quality, Safety and You’, NDIS Quality and Safety Commission
Supporting Safe and Effective Meals, NDIS Quality and Safety Commission
Supporting Effective Communication, NDIS Quality and Saftey Commission
Introduction to Disability and Inclusion for Dietitians, Dietitians Australia Centre for Advanced Learning
Monash University 'Low FODMAP Diet for IBS' online training course for health professionals
Gastrointestinal Nutrition for Dietitians, Dietitians Australia Centre for Advanced Learning
InsideOut: The Essentials: Training Clinicians in Eating Disorders
InsideOut: Dietitian Essentials: Treatment of Eating Disorders
Modulife CDED Expert Training
Professional Memberships
Dietitians Australia, Accredited Practising Dietitian APD190848
Dietitians Crohn’s and Colitis Australian Network (DECCAN)
Crohn’s and Colitis Australia
St John’s Ambulance First Aid and CPR Training
Dietitians Australian Interest Group Member: Mental Health, Diabetes, Gastroenterology, and Eating Disorders
Dietitian Supervision Resources Australia (DSRA): Engaging in regular supervision
Australia and New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders
Accredited Practising Dietitian FAQs
What does it mean to be an accredited practising dietitian?
An Accredited Practising Dietitian, or APD, is a healthcare professional who has completed university-level education and specialises in the field of medical nutrition therapy.
Dietitians possess expertise in the realm of food and nutrition, particularly when it comes to managing health conditions that have been medically diagnosed.
It's important to note that Accredited Practising Dietitians are the sole Allied Health Professionals acknowledged by Medicare to provide of medical nutrition therapy.
What is Dietitians Australia?
Dietitians Association of Australia serves as the professional organisation representing dietitians in Australia.
Their responsibilities encompass overseeing and administering the accreditation process for dietetics within the country.
They establish the Code of Conduct that outlines the standards for the ethical and professional conduct expected of Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs).
Furthermore, they delineate the scope of practice for APDs and provide avenues for addressing complaints and collecting feedback.
Dietitian or Dietician: A Brief History and Role Clarification
Originally, in 1600, the term "dietist" denoted individuals who received formal culinary education and graduated with proficiency in diet and culinary preparation.
Subsequently, in 1845, "dietician" emerged as a replacement for "dietist."
In 1899, "Dietitian" was adopted as the title for healthcare professionals, including physicians, who specialised in nutrition and dietary therapy for medical purposes.
Regrettably, over time, the term "diet" has been distorted by the weight loss industry, leading to the misconception that the primary role of dietitians is related to weight management.
This misperception often results in a lack of understanding of the broader expertise and capabilities of dietitians. Many dietitians, myself included, do not equate weight with health. Why? There is no scientific evidence to support the notion that a specific weight corresponds directly to a particular medical condition.
What qualifications do dietitians have?
The dietetic profession like any recognised health profession is evidence-based and informed by science.
To be a dietitian in Australia you will have to undertake a science-based undergraduate degree and a Master of Dietetic Practice.
Core subjects may include:
Chemistry
Biochemistry
Anatomy
Physiology
Pathophysiology
Research and statistics
Chemistry of food and cooking
Community and Public Health Nutrition
Nutrition Counselling Skills
Dietitians are clinically trained to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy for:
Coeliac disease
Gastroenterology
Wound healing
Cardiovascular
Diabetes
Malnutrition
Aged care
Oncology
IBS
Cystic fibrosis
Traumatic brain and spinal injuries
Burns
Infectious diseases
Allergies
Kidney transplants
Paediatrics
Eating disorders
Once qualified dietitians are required to undertake a minimum of 30 hours per year of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Many dietitians will go on to specialise in areas of interest to them.