Katy's Story

My path has been a long and winding one with many false turns and back-tracking. I always wanted to help people lead healthier lives because I experienced difficulties with being overweight for most of my life. I initially thought that path would lead me to medical school or physician assistant (PA) school, which I pursued during my undergraduate career at Michigan State University. Outside of my academic studies, I became a group exercise instructor during my undergraduate career. In retrospect, this was the fork in the road I would return to in order to find my true path.

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After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Molecular Science, I worked for 5.5 years in the Michigan Medicine Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory while trying and failing at getting accepted to PA school and medical school. I decided to get a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology at Eastern Michigan University to improve my medical school application. Spoiler alert: I still did not get into medical school! However, my education at EMU steered me towards becoming a registered dietitian (RD). I applied to the University of Michigan School of Public Health on a whim... and I got in! 

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I back-tracked to that fork in the road and chose my current path. During my education at U of M, I provided nutrition education to kids with Project Healthy Schools and to the community at my local YMCA. I also got involved with the American Diabetes Association and supervised the dietetic staff at Camp Midicha in Michigan and Camp Carolina Trails in North Carolina. Additionally, I expanded my experience in the fitness industry by working as the group exercise student coordinator for the U of M Rec Sports department.

I have since completed my Master of Public Health in Nutritional Sciences, finished my dietetic internship at Michigan Medicine, and became a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). In September 2021, I started working in the Michigan Medicine Bariatric Surgery clinic. This role gave me further experience in weight management. It was not the right fit for the long-term though. Through networking and my involvement with Camp Midicha, I received an offer to join the Michigan Medicine Pediatric Diabetes clinic. I graciously accepted that offer and switched into that clinic in December 2022.

The biggest thing this long, winding journey has taught me is that everything will work out in the end. The road to your final destination may not be apparent at first but it will eventually reveal itself. I truly believe (almost) everything happens for a reason.