Janine von Retzlaff is a senior dietitian at Hollywood Private Hospital in Perth. She’s fascinated by the how and why of a healthy diet and in her spare time, she loves music festivals and AFL games. To her friends, she’s simply the organiser of amazing holidays and social get-togethers.
What do you love about your job and why?
Every day at work is completely different from the last. There are always new challenges or problems to solve and I love finding new and innovative ways to do this. Luckily my boss allows me the freedom to be creative when coming up with solutions or new ideas.
Why did you become a Dietitian?
It is well known that if you follow a healthy diet it will have a positive effect on your health in the long run, however, I was always curious as to why … and how. I had always loved chemistry and am fascinated by how nutrients, chemical compounds and microbes interact with the human body, so dietetics seemed like the obvious choice.
Do you have a favourite quote or phrase?
There is no such thing as “can’t”. (Frank Guy – my father).
What is something about you your colleagues don’t know?
I should really wear glasses but I’m too stubborn to get them!
How do your friends describe you?
The “organiser”. My friends know that I love planning big group holidays and social events. I think secretly I want to be an events co-ordinator in my next life.
What do you do in your spare time? Any hobbies?
See live music and go to music festivals, I’m a big fan of AFL (go Eagles!) playing tennis, planning holidays, studying philosophy and languages. I don’t own a TV so I read a lot.
What is something you want to achieve this year?
To actually stick to the budget I set myself at the start of the year. Oh, and finish the computer programming course I started!
