Today’s statement of concern comes from Mark Rifkin, MS, RD, LDN:
“As a dietitian whose core values include honesty and self-reflection, the AND’s repeated refrain that sponsorships do not affect policy or recommendations to patients not only rings hollow, but totally misses the point.
It’s the *appearance* of impropriety that should be the primary concern; any actual effects would only compound the problem. Any fifth-grader would perceive a conflict of interest in this situation, but Academy leaders insist on repeating what has already been heard, which enables our detractors to point to RDs as untrustworthy. Let’s cease supplying “don’t trust RDs” ammunition to our critics.
Accordingly, the “old guard” of Academy leadership has limited credibility on issues facing the profession in the 21st century. It’s time for a new guard to assume their rightful place as Academy leaders; a new guard grounded in the values of honesty, consumer protection and forthright discussion of sensitive Academy issues.
I look forward to working with Dietitians for Professional Integrity on this and other issues. I also look forward to seeing DFPI members occupy some of these seats of leadership.”
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