Networking with A.S.P.E.N.
As a multidisciplinary society A.S.P.E.N. offers multiple opportunities for networking. This networking can be a valuable resource for:
- Job opportunities
- Clinical information in difficult cases
- Critical reviews of research questions
- Career mentoring
The advantage of networking through A.S.P.E.N. is that there is an assurance that the individuals have an ongoing interest in the provision of high level nutrition care. The members of A.S.P.E.N. have taken an active interest in education both concerning the importance of nutrition and the best practices currently available. There is also a focus on new information, combining both bench research and clinical research to improve the day-to-day nutrition care provided. A.S.P.E.N. membership provides the chance to network with the leaders in nutrition care.
A.S.P.E.N.’s structure allows for networking at various levels of the organization:
The first and most accessible level are the local chapters. Throughout the United States there are chapters of health professional interested in nutrition care. This is an excellent place to begin getting involved. It also a wonderful place to find a readily available mentor that will be able to provide guidance concerning the local nutrition resources. The local chapter is also a great place to find like-minded professional that may have answers to nutrition care questions that arise.
Other valuable networking resource within the A.S.P.E.N. organization are the Interest Sections. These are groups of A.S.P.E.N. members from across the country and throughout the world with a uniting interest that requires a unique focus within the scope of nutrition care. The sections give the interested individuals the opportunity to interact with others that can share their experiences in difficult cases within their special expertise. The section members can provide an understanding perspective on research questions and protocols. The section members also can give definitive guidance on the activities that serve to enhance a professional career within the specialized nutrition field. Each section has a Listserv that connects the members with each other and provide outlets for questions and notices of interest to nutrition care professionals with similar interests.
A.S.P.E.N. meetings provide a foundation for networking. Individuals from a variety of backgrounds and interests come together to share and learn the current state-of-the-art nutrition care. The highlight of every year is the Clinical Nutrition Week meeting, which brings several organizations with a nutrition focus together for a large international forum on nutrition care. The local chapters also have joint multi-chapter or individual local meetings that represent a regional opportunity for networking.