Research-what are our options?

takes at least 4 years of higher education to become a State Registered Dietitian during which time students are taught, guided and led by example through their university and training placements. For most of us, these years include hard work, commitment and effort. Research forms an essential element of this training, whether it is in learning how to evaluate other people's published research findings, or to translate these findings into clinical practice or even to undertake a simple research project ourselves. Such skills are essential criteria for State Registration and are not desirable or optional extras (Dietitians Board, 2000). In theory, at least, this makes newly qualified dietitians potentially among the most research-capable members of our profession. They join the ranks of the profession fresh from evaluating and interpreting the research of others and often having carried out their own research as part of a final year project. As such, their skills should be valued, but after qualifying, what happens next?