Spotlight on: Christina Palao, P.Dt., IBCLC
Clinical Dietitian
Christina is a clinical dietitian based out of Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital in beautiful Lunenburg, NS. Her areas of work are vast and include both inpatient and outpatient counselling. Christina works with the Diabetes Education Centre and is a part of the Seniors’ Community Health Team.
Christina is also an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and provides breastfeeding support to families through the South Shore Collaborative Breastfeeding Network. She is also a fitness instructor specializing in group fitness.
What is your favorite place to find new recipes?
Is it bad that I open google and type “Best (insert food item) recipe” and pick the one with the most stars?! I love reading cookbooks (even though I love eating more than cooking) and am always on the hunt for new Instant Pot recipes- my favorite kitchen tool!
If you weren’t a dietitian, what would you be?
A full time fitness instructor. I wouldn’t mind turning my side hustle into a full time gig. Teaching Zumba on a sunny beach sounds nice.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?
Finding balance. Covering many areas (inpatient, outpatient, and community) can be taxing to make schedules jive and stay on top of tasks and charting. I’ve had to learn to prioritize and put some things off until another day without feeling guilty about it.
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What do you love most about your job?
I love that I live in rural NS and have the pleasure of being jack of all trades. I work with every walk of life from infant to end of life care and everything in between. I love that no day is ever the same and I am constantly learning new things.
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What has been the proudest moment in your career?
Becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. It’s not very common for dietitians to obtain this certification (even though we have all the pre-reqs!). It was a long, hard process, especially obtaining the clinical hours, but it is some of the most rewarding work that I do.