| Bastyr University » Academic Degree Programs » Interviews » Interviews and Profiles | March 18, 2010 |
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Nutrition Student Likes Practicality of Program
Erik Smith, 25, is in the second year of the MS in nutrition program. He earned a degree in environmental science at Western Washington University in 1998. After that, he travelled and worked for a year before enrolling at Bastyr. Why did you come to Bastyr University? I knew I wanted to come to Bastyr because it is the only nutrition program in the country that could give me the type of information I was looking for-about whole foods, therapeutic diets and disease prevention. I found the majority of other nutrition programs to be geared toward training traditional dietitians. Although Bastyr does offer this option, the program enabled me to pursue a slightly different path that resonated more deeply with my career goals. Has the university met your expectations? Yes, in many ways Bastyr has met my expectations. I must admit that the intensity of the biochemistry classes took most students, including myself, by surprise. However, I am so thankful I gained a solid understanding of this realm. It has served as the foundation for many other classes and also for interpreting medical literature. I have made the most of my education here by being proactive and reaping the benefits of the diversity of the Bastyr University environment. I have attended many seminars, volunteered in the community and taken classes in the naturopathic medicine and acupuncture and Oriental medicine programs. I have appreciated that my professors always address where certain nutrients are found in food. This information will allow me to make practical recommendations to future clients. What do you plan to do after graduating? I am very interested in traditional Chinese medicine, so I plan to return to school to pursue a degree in acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Once I finish, I hope to work in private practice and provide community-based wellness education. I feel strongly that my combination of Eastern and Western medical training will give me heightened insight into my patients' health and a greater ability to help them. Interviewed fall 2000. Read more student, faculty and alumni interviews in our academic degree programs section.
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