Private practice is one of the most rewarding, and challenging spaces to work as a dietitian. It offers autonomy, flexibility, creativity, and the opportunity to build meaningful, long-term client relationships. But it also places you in a role many dietitians were never fully prepared for: Business owner. Decision maker. Leader. Problem solver. And often -…
Reducing admin burden without compromising clinical quality If you’re a private practice dietitian, chances are this feels familiar. You finish a full day of consults of complex presentations, emotionally demanding conversations, detailed care planning and then the real work begins. Clinical notes. GP letters. Reports. Compliance requirements. And somehow, all of this is expected to happen after client…
Private practice dietetics is often described as “best of both worlds” — autonomy, flexibility, meaningful client work. And while all of that can be true, it’s only part of the picture. What’s talked about far less is the internal load that comes with private practice: being the clinician, the business owner, the decision-maker, the advocate, the…
If you’re thinking about starting private practice as a dietitian – or you’re already a few steps in – there’s a good chance you’ve had at least one moment of thinking: “Why does this feel so much harder than I expected?” You’re not imagining it. And there’s nothing wrong with you. Most dietitians graduate with…
As a private practice dietitian, the start of a new year often brings reflection, goal setting, and big questions about direction. What do I want to focus on next? What should I grow? What no longer fits? So often, we’re encouraged to “follow our passion” when setting business goals. And while passion absolutely has a role in…
As 2025 comes to a close, I’ve been spending time reflecting on what it truly means to build something that lasts – for clients, for teams, and for the profession. This year marked 18 years of running a thriving private practice business. Eighteen years of learning, adapting, leading, questioning, refining, and staying deeply committed to…
As the year winds down, private practice dietitians face a challenging yet crucial decision: Do we need to put on our own oxygen mask first? How much stress and financial strain can we tolerate heading into another year? Has 2024 been a year of pure survival mode for your business? Before you close the doors…
Hiring new graduates into your private practice can bring energy, fresh perspectives, and enthusiasm. But when it comes to setting service fees, many private practice dietitians fall into the trap of lowering fees for new graduate clinicians. While it may seem like a fair approach, reducing fees can create significant challenges—for the practice, the clinician,…
How many times have you heard something like this: “You need five years of experience before you can…” Be a paediatric dietitian Work with eating disorders Enter private practice Open your own clinic Offer supervision support Pivot into a leadership role But here’s the thing—this rigid five-year rule? It’s outdated. Everyone’s path as a dietitian…
As dietitians, we’re all in this profession for the same reason: to help people improve their health and well-being through nutrition. But what happens when a crucial part of the healthcare system is broken, and we’re unable to provide the care we know our patients need? That’s exactly what’s happening with the disconnect between public…
Entering the world of private practice as a new dietitian can be both exciting and daunting. For many emerging dietitians, the transition from academic learning to real-world application often feels overwhelming, with significant gaps between what we learn in university and what is required to succeed in private practice. This is where the The Elevate…
Running your own private practice as a dietitian can be an incredibly rewarding experience. You get to be your own boss, make a real difference in your clients’ lives, and shape your business to reflect your values and vision. But let’s be honest—it’s not all rainbows and smooth sailing. The isolation, the decision fatigue, and…
Starting a dietitian-led private practice is a wild, exhilarating and daunting adventure. At almost the exact moment, you feel like everything’s ticking along smoothly, and you can breathe again; you’re suddenly met with the question, “Should I expand my team”? When to hire help in your dietitian business can be one of the biggest (and…
How to balance motherhood and business as a private practice dietitian When I recently posted the challenges of balancing motherhood and business as a private practice dietitian, the response was profound and resonated with so many working mums. After running my businesses for the past 16 years while juggling the demands of family life and…
How to shift from clinical dietetics to private practice One of the most fulfilling aspects of running my private practice dietitian business’ is when I get to hire a new team member. I especially love hiring dietitians new to private practice and eager to work in this incredibly rewarding, fulfilling, and flexible environment. But to…
Something I’ve been hearing a lot over the past few weeks, and what I tend to hear at the start of most years is, “Jodie, I feel so overwhelmed”. Overwhelmed by expectations, pressure and urgency to do everything perfectly right now. To set new goals, reflect on the previous year and figure out how to…
How to fall back in love with your business Venturing into business can feel a lot like the start of a new relationship; you can’t wait to spend all your time together, your heart races at the novelty of every new experience, and days and nights are consumed by thoughts of the future. In the…
In theory starting your own dietitian private practice is straightforward – apply for a Medicare provider number, choose a practice management software, get insurance, secure your first client, and you’re in business, right? Well, in reality, running a successful business is more complicated. Maybe things start off strong, but you quickly find yourself pulled in…