Katie Kennedy, MNutr RD
Company Dietitian Dr. Schär UK and Ireland
1. How would you define the Dr. Schär Institute with hashtags?
#DrSchärInstitute #celiacdisease #glutensensitivity #irritablebowelsyndrome #glutenfree #expertise #experience #international #specialistknowledge #professional #trustworthy #quality
2. Why did you come to the Dr. Schär Institute?
I have been a registered dietitian for over 23 years and worked for Dr. Schär for 15 years. I joined the company after enjoying varied NHS dietetic roles, specializing in gastroenterology, primary care and pediatrics. I was excited to join a company that employs dietitians around the world and is committed to maintaining high standards of product quality and nutritional value. Dr. Schär invests heavily in medical research to support the diagnosis and treatment of gluten-related disorders, a rare and noble commitment amongst food manufacturers, which further encouraged me to join the company.
From the Nutrition Service department at Dr. Schär. I worked at the intersection between specialized knowledge in the world of nutritional medicine and the development of practical solutions applied to products. One of the key projects was the creation of the Dr. Schär Institute, an initiative that was born with the aim of exchanging up-to-date information between doctors and dietitians-nutritionists specializing in the field of gluten and cereal-related disorders (GCD).
The Dr. Schär Institute was created to provide rigorous and up-to-date information to healthcare professionals, supporting both the diagnosis and clinical management of patients. Since then, we have remained committed to reducing existing knowledge gaps and providing content based on scientific evidence, with the aim of improving the quality of nutritional advice and care in the context of gluten-free diets.
3. What is your area of responsibility at the Dr. Schär Institute?
My current role covers multiple areas, including the provision of product development insight, marketing and regulatory support, writing and commissioning medical press articles, supporting consumer and healthcare professional events and planning content for the Dr. Schär Institute platform. My favorite task is attending consumer/patient events and being able to personally interact with gluten-free consumers and answer their diet and health questions.
4. What is one of your personal highlights while working at the Dr. Schär Institute?
There have been many highlights during my career at Dr. Schär. In particular, the development and roll-out of the Dr. Schär Quality Commitment - led by the nutrition services team in collaboration with our research and development colleagues. The tangible, measurable targets for ingredient and macronutrient levels within Schär products ensure that high standards in nutritional quality are maintained.
5. Why are gluten-related disorder (GRD) diagnostics and therapy important to you?
Celiac disease is a hugely underdiagnosed condition. In the UK, it is estimated that around 500,000 cases remain undiagnosed and therefore untreated - leaving patients at risk of serious long-term health complications. As the only treatment for celiac disease is a life-long gluten-free diet, dietitians are pivotal to the management of this condition and I’m proud to play a role in this area.
6. Bridging the Dr. Schär Institute and Schär, what is your favorite Schär snack?
My favorite Schär snack has to be the Melto - a chocolate snack classic!
Find out more about how the Dr. Schär Institute and Schär products are connected here.
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