Featured MHSc Alumna: Cassandra Busuttil
What prompted you to pursue graduate studies?
After completing my undergraduate degree in Nutrition and Food, I knew I had a passion to learn more about nutrition and specifically, dietetics. Pursuing graduate studies would allow me to truly become an expert in this field and attain this higher level of education in an area that I am so interested in. Graduate studies takes your learning to a level that builds on fundamentals you learn in undergraduate studies and gives you the knowledge and expertise that supports your success in the dietetics field.
Why did you select TMU’s MHSc program over other programs?
This program was my first choice because it is truly unlike any of the other program that provides you with the PDEP accredited practicum. Particularly because it focuses on professional practice and advanced nutrition communication skills, which are two of the most important skill sets to apply in a professional setting. Dietitians have a responsibility to interpret and share current nutrition knowledge and tailor this information based on their audience, and this program teaches the foundational skills needed for practical application of this information in everyday dietetic practice. Additionally, this program provides its students with a multifaceted educational experience in which they can pursue so many different areas of dietetics after graduation, both traditional and emerging areas dietitians are breaking into.
What experience and education did you have before entering the program?
I came into this program with two undergraduate degrees – one focusing on public health from Queen’s University, and the second in nutrition and food from TMU. During my first degree is where I learned that I wanted to seriously pursue the path of become a Registered Dietitian. To enhance my learning, I engaged in various volunteer and work experiences that provided me with different dietetic experiences with the goal of learning where my interests, values and skills would best thrive. This included working with different populations (pediatrics to elderly) and in various healthcare settings. From there, I was able to enter the graduate program with areas that I knew I had more of an affinity for to better tailor my learning and practical training experience.
Did you find the program challenging?
I strongly believe that if you are not being challenged, you are not growing! The course content itself was not as challenging for me as it builds on foundational knowledge from your undergraduate degree. However, graduate studies is less structured and we are challenged to manage our time and engage in self-reflection to deepen our knowledge and develop new skills. This is a demanding and busy program, and I have definitely strengthened my time-management skills as a result.
What did you enjoy the most? What was most valuable for you?
Something that I found to be helpful was the program allowed you to self-direct your learning! While the courses provided a syllabus to guide your learning, you were able to tailor your learning to your interests. If there was an area that you struggled more in, you were able to take the time and energy you needed to improve. If there were other areas you were more confident in, then you could spend less time and energy there. Moreover, you were surrounded by a group of incredible graduate students with different strengths – utilize this community! You each have different interests, strengths, and weaknesses. Learn from your peers and allow them to learn from you.
Describe how your nutrition communication skills developed during the program.
Coming out of your undergraduate degree (or perhaps you have taken some time between undergrad and the graduate program), you have learned how to communicate in various settings and likely already have a basic understanding of your communication skills. The graduate program allows you to refine and advance these skills. The program helps you to develop your nutrition communication skills in a way that is unique to TMU. Through workshops, class discussion, expert guest speakers, simulation and practicum, I have been able to learn new ways of communicating, practice these skills in a safe environment and then refine my new skills with the public. This process has been instrumental in my growth and development as a RD. My biggest lesson I’ve learned through the MHSc is that often people think communicating is the act of giving information, however the power of active listening is the key to be an effective communicator!
Describe how your preceptors supported your training throughout the program.
I was lucky to have the most incredible preceptors throughout the program – this includes my practicum preceptors, but also professors and the amazing program coordinators, Megan and Jennifer. No two preceptors will be the same, and that is the beauty of the practicum semesters in this program! You learn different areas of practice, but you also discover how you best learn and grow. The preceptor-student relationship is unique in that you are both professionals – and in some ways, you are learning from one another. Your preceptors are there to guide you, not mold you into a copy-and-paste version of themselves. After working with 2-3 preceptors, I had the realization that I am not a replica of one of my preceptors, but rather I have learned skills from each preceptor that together have helped me to create, build, and grow into my own practice.
Describe your current workplace setting and how the MHSc program prepared you for this role.
I am currently working in a clinical, hospital setting in General Medicine, Surgery, and Mental Health. The program prepared me for this role due to its unique nature of being able to tailor the program content and practical training to my interests. The skills that I developed during the program and that I now use daily include communication (of course!), interdisciplinary collaboration, critical thinking, and time management. The program allows you to build on what you value as a professional and further refine those skills. However, the most important way that the program has prepared me for this role – and I believe for any role in dietetics – is the ability to collaborate, communicate, and work professionally with others. Through interactive class discussions, self-reflection projects, and personal development exercises, this program encourages you to grow into yourself and who you can be as a healthcare professional, which ultimately is invaluable in any workplace setting.
What advice would you offer a student who was considering applying to the MHSc program?
Firstly, volunteer! I understand how demanding and time-consuming volunteering can be, while also perhaps balancing work life, school commitments, socializing, and self-care. However, I believe it is the best thing you can do to not only learn about yourself, but where your interests lie. It will make your experience in the graduate program that much more valuable to your learning and help you become the most successful version of yourself!
Secondly, be kind to yourself and enjoy the journey. It can be so easy to get wrapped up in the end game of the program – becoming an RD, getting a job, etc. I promise you – this time will come! Enjoy being a student and learning, especially in your internships. This is the only time you can truly soak up the knowledge of your preceptors and be a sponge. It is your time to make mistakes and learn from the amazing group of professionals connected to this program. Success is not built overnight – when things feel overwhelming, remember that this is all part of the amazing journey to becoming an RD.
