Barbara McCarthy

Investigation and Compliance Officer, Department of Health and Wellness

 

In the field of dietetics Barbara redirected her focus from an interest in maternal and child nutrition to gerontology to seek employment opportunities. The change in direction proved to be a strong area of interest for her. Barbara worked as a consultant in a variety of long term care facilities in other provinces where she then came full circle by returning home to Nova Scotia where she accepted a management position. 

 

As geriatrics became a very strong interest and the field was evolving, Barbara pursued studies in gerontology through Humber College. After almost 16 years in long term care, she wanted to expand her experience and she also became a care coordinator in both community and acute care. The majority of clients were seniors requiring assistance in obtaining home care resources. 

 

In Barbara’s current role she has incorporated her long term care and home care experiences in a regulatory capacity as an investigation and compliance officer for the Department of Health and Wellness. 

 

Barbara’s experiences have been diverse though always centred on her focus in the senior population. 

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What skill or talent would you most like to have?

The talent I would most like to have is to be a photographer.

 

If you weren’t a dietitian, what would you be?

I would like with work in some capacity in immigration services, possibly teaching ESL. 

 

What amazes you the most about you career choice?

What amazes me the most about my career choice is the range of options within the career. In dietetics one can work in a very specialized area or in a role that requires more transferable skills one example being assessment skills.

 

What is one tip you could share with future/current dietitians?

The best advice I could provide is to remain flexible and open to options within the career and that could provide greater opportunities.

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