Alumni Testimonial: Kristina Bauer
Meet Kristina Bauer, a proud graduate of UC’s Nutrition and Dietetics program and a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. From her early passion for health and advocacy to her impactful work with pediatric patients today, she’s built a career rooted in compassion, expertise, and a dedication to helping families foster healthy relationships with food.
Can you share a piece of advice or inspiration for current students that you wish you had received
A piece of advice/inspiration I wish I had received while at UC is to trust in the value of my education. The education UC provides will prepare you to be more competitive in your field, whether for internships or full-time roles. UC's forward-thinking programs, like the fast-tracked master's degree for RDs, and the strong network it fosters, positioned me and many of my peers, for early career success. Another piece of advice I wish I would have received is to trust my own talents and experiences. The challenges of college, graduate school, and licensing exams can feel extremely daunting, but it's important to remember you've already overcome so much to get here. Remind yourself of your accomplishments—they're proof you're more capable than you think.
Where are you working now and tell us about this position.
I work for Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center now! I work for HealthWorks! a family-based program in the Heart Institute at Cincinnati Children’s for children and teens with overweight or obesity conditions. As a dietitian, my role includes promoting a family-centered behavioral approach with nutrition counseling to help establish healthy eating patterns for my patients.
How did your experience at CAHS in Nutrition and Dietetics prepare you for your current career?
The Nutrition and Dietetics program at CAHS provided a strong foundation through both clinical education and hands-on internship experiences. Interning with CCHMC for my pediatric clinical rotation was especially impactful. This allowed me to solidify my passion for pediatric nutrition counseling. I truly credit the program for preparing me to pursue a career I find both meaningful and fulfilling.
How did internships or practical experiences during your studies impact your career?
My internships in foodservice management and clinical pediatrics greatly influenced my career. While interning in foodservice, I was able to understand the governmental impacts on school food programs and get a better understanding as to why schools offer the foods they do. My pediatric clinic internship solidified my passion for pediatrics and my strong interest in outpatient counseling.
What is your favorite memory from your time at the College of Allied Health Sciences/Nutrition?
One of my favorite memories from my time at CAHS was running the Student Dietetic Association with some of my closest friends and peers during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Keeping students engaged with virtual meetings was challenging, but brainstorming new ways to connect with everyone alongside such a great team is something I'll always remember fondly.