The 33-year-old returned to practice with Medway Community Health earlier this year after a two-year break.
Charlotte explains: “My mum has diabetes and when I was a teenager, I was overweight and because of this I started researching food and diet and how these impact our weight, health and wellbeing. It was then I knew I wanted to be a dietitian, doing a job where I could help others.”
After graduating from the University of Surrey in 2013, Charlotte secured her dream job but after eight years, she decided to take a career break to spend time with her young children.
She said: “I wanted a break – the balance wasn’t right for me and at the time my children were younger and needed me more. But there came a point last year when I realised I wanted to return to practice. I phoned my previous supervisor to suggest I return as a part time assistant. I’d been the safeguarding lead previously and I wasn’t sure I wanted that level of responsibility again. But she said I was too good for that! They needed me back as the experienced dietitian they knew me for – the team has supported me every step of the way.
It's simple to return to practice
“I love being a dietitian. I always have. And I spent five years at university studying hard and investing in myself to get where I am today. I realised I didn’t want to waste all that learning.
“For anyone interested in returning to practice I would say, don’t let the paperwork put you off, it can be simple and you will have support. Come back and do the job you love.”