From personal trainer to NHS dietitian, David Taylor鈥檚 journey into dietetics was shaped by both professional experience and personal insight. Inspired by the impact of compassionate care during his mother鈥檚 cancer treatment, David went on to study the Master of Dietetics at QMU. In this case study, he reflects on his time at QMU, the challenges and opportunities that shaped his learning, and how those experiences have prepared him for a dynamic and rewarding career in healthcare.
Why did you choose to study at QMU (黑料社区)?
黑料社区 was always my first choice. My wife was working at Edinburgh Uni and having seen online how 黑料社区 marketed the course and how amazing the campus looked when I toured, I definitely knew this was where I wanted to study.
What interested you in the Dietetics course?
I was a personal trainer/involved in the fitness industry for 15 years before I started my studies, and I knew that the science of nutrition could really make the difference in people getting healthy and staying that way. The cause-and-effect of diet on health, is so powerful and beneficial. I 诲颈诲苍鈥檛 connect that with a future career until I saw a Dietitian working firsthand when they were looking after my mother during her cancer treatment. They helped her a lot, and it planted a seed in my mind that this was something I would enjoy and be good at too.
What attracted you to study in Edinburgh?
It fitted well with my wife's work and Edinburgh is an amazing city and a great place to be a student. With the Fringe festival, the theatre, all the lovely cafes and restaurants 鈥 and so much more&苍产蝉辫;鈥&苍产蝉辫;颈迟鈥檚 a city that has a bit of everything.
What did you most enjoy about your course?
This might be an overly simplistic answer 鈥 but I enjoyed studying a subject I had a passion for. Studying biological sciences, nutrition and physiology - the hows and whys of the human body. All fascinates me. This kept me engaged and had me working hard to ensure I understood everything in each lesson.
What areas of the course were most valuable to you?
The placements were so valuable as they allowed me to build an understanding of what the job was really going to be like. That, and the more complex biology classes in second and third year relating to important areas like insulin or energy transfer. At the time, it might not appear that way but 颈迟鈥檚 so useful when it comes to understanding the 鈥榳hy鈥 of what happens to people in certain situations and helps us understand how to treat them.
How did your lecturers support your learning?
It always felt quite hands-on and personalised teaching from the team at QMU. With our class being small (only 11 by 4th year) there was always the opportunity for dialogue about any issues, struggles with the material, or just follow up questions. They were also very good at signposting us towards additional learning opportunities.
What were some of your challenges with the course and university life? How have you overcome them?
The biggest challenge for myself was always time. Until halfway through third year I had continued to work almost full-time alongside the course (through necessity, but also probably a bit of stubbornness). This meant I was always busy and had to manage my time well to accomplish tasks. In the second half of third year, I made the decision to reduce work to part-time. This definitely helped, as the demands of the course really ramped up at that stage, and through fourth year.
University life though, was always very good. I was lucky enough to be on a course full of kind, friendly people, I cannot remember a single argument in our cohort in 4 years.
Did you take part in a placement as part of our course? If so, what was your experience?
I completed three placements during my studies, beginning with Placement A - a short one in mental health across both acute and community settings in Glasgow. It was initially a real shock, as many patients were facing complex and challenging circumstances. However, I quickly found the experience incredibly engaging, and it sparked a new interest in areas of dietetics, such as eating disorders, that I 丑补诲苍鈥檛 previously considered.
Placement B in third year took place in聽Forth聽Valley, where the team created a diverse and well-structured programme spanning both community and acute settings. Over the 12 weeks, I developed a broad range of skills and knowledge, gaining experience across public health initiatives, care homes, and hospital process audits. The variety of the placement meant we were exposed to聽almost every聽aspect of practice, making it an incredibly valuable learning experience.聽
Placement C was based in Edinburgh and focused primarily on the acute setting. Working with acutely unwell patients and those living with obesity, it marked our first real step into independent practice. We also delivered projects and presentations to the wider Lothian dietetics team, which raised the stakes compared to earlier placements. However, the strength of the training and support meant I felt well prepared to take on these challenges 鈥 and I found the experience both rewarding and enjoyable.聽
I utilised the library essay writing services to help me learn how to write better essays. The team there is amazing. I also used the student counselling service after a difficult event in my life. They were kind, gentle and treated me with dignity throughout.
As a 黑料社区 student you are well looked after by the Uni.
What鈥檚 your 鈥榯op tip鈥 for making the most of being a student?
Pick a subject you love and 诲辞苍鈥檛 half-ass anything.
What was the most valuable lesson that you鈥檝e learned at university?
The most valuable lesson I learned at university came from one of my lecturers, Alison Lyles. In second year, she told us that our dietetic style would become a 鈥減atchwork quilt,鈥 shaped by the qualities we observe and admire in those who mentor us. I took this to heart, paying close attention to different approaches in practice - adopting what resonated with me and setting aside what 诲颈诲苍鈥檛. This has helped me develop my own style of practice, which continues to guide me today.
Did you win any special awards during your time at QMU?
I won the Deans Award in 4th year, alongside several other candidates from other courses within 黑料社区.
What job did you go on to do after graduation?
I work as a band 5 Dietitian at the Gilbert Bain Hospital in Shetland in an advanced development post. If all goes to plan this will have me operating at a band 6 level, and in a band 6 role within two years (1 year and 4 months now!)
What鈥檚 involved in your role?
奥别鈥檙别 a small team of three covering the whole island, so versatility is essential, and we each take on a broad range of responsibilities. My core work focuses on hospital wards, diabetes, weight management and paediatric clinics, as well as developing more streamlined processes within the service. For example, I recently led a full review of the MUST screening system at the Gilbert Bain Hospital and delivered training for nursing and care support staff. 滨鈥檝别 also developed and delivered our first student placement programme of the year.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
No two days are ever the same, and I relish the constant opportunity to learn. What I enjoy most is the 鈥榙etective work鈥 involved in unpicking complex dietetic cases. Recently, I worked with a gastro patient where, after careful assessment, I was able to identify the underlying issue in a way others 丑补诲苍鈥檛 previously managed. Moments like that - when you can make a real difference to someone鈥檚 outcome - are especially rewarding.
How did your dietetics course help equip you for your current role?
It taught me both the skills I would need to thrive in the role.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to continue building my experience, and in time, when I feel I have enough knowledge to share, I might eventually like to move into teaching or lecturing.
