Island life might seem idyllic, but when it comes to nutrition and healthcare, working in remote settings presents a unique set of challenges. Food security, supply chain disruptions, and the impact of climate change all influence how dietitians practice in these environments. So, what does it take to be a dietitian on an island in the middle of the Atlantic?
To help us explore this, we’re joined by Sarah-Jane Mattinson, a registered dietitian whose career has taken her from the UK’s NHS to some of the most isolated places in the world. After a decade working in Oxford across a range of specialties, she took on the role of the sole dietitian on St Helena, a British Overseas Territory with just over 4,000 residents. Now based in Bermuda, she continues to navigate the complexities of island dietetics, from managing food availability challenges to addressing the unique health needs of local populations.
Sarah’s experience offers a fascinating insight into how dietitians adapt their skills to remote settings, balancing clinical care, public health initiatives, and the realities of food supply limitations. From running pop-up cafés to support people with chronic conditions to working within small healthcare teams, she has had to be resourceful in ways that many dietitians never encounter.
Show Notes
Sarah-Jane Mattinson:
Instagram: @dietitian_in_the_triangle
Island Nutrition:
Website: https://www.islandnutrition.bm/
Instagram: @islandnutritionbda
Facebook: Island Nutrition
Bermuda Dietitians Association: Website: https://www.bermudadietitians.com/
Instagram: @bermudadietitians
Facebook: Bermuda Dietitians Association