Cubicle Contemplations…posted by our Dietetic Intern, Heather G.
When people generally think of dietitians they picture them in scrubs or lab coats patrolling hospital floors and admonishing patrons for that snickers bar (Why Wait?) in their hands. However, the last two weeks I’ve gotten to see a completely different side of dietetics which has been invaluable to my growth as a nutrition professional.
Surequest Systems Inc, a software and management business combines both clinical and foodservice in the food management programs they install and operate. The software can be found in long-term and chronic-care facilities across North America, providing a system that can manage recipes, menus, inventories and food costs. They are also capable of providing you with recipes and menus depending on your needs, leaving the customer to focus on production and food safety.
While with Surequest I experienced several different parts of the business. I spent time with RD’s working on recipe development, recipe quality control, menu planning, and assisting with any manager calling to request help with their system. I was also able to input my own recipe into the system and modify it based on different ingredients and textures required in various facilities.
I also spent some time with the marketing and sales department. These professionals are responsible for getting the product information to interested groups and any organization that could potentially benefit from implementing this software into their current foodservice operation. With them I was able to create an entry that would be included in their company blog found on the website, as well as conduct a phone survey about a training promotion email that had been sent to current customers.
In just two short weeks I was able to experience a combination of both foodservice and clinical activities without ever really hitting a clinical or foodservice floor. I also had a hand in some business and marketing activities, which were the most enjoyable part for me. It was interesting and a very good learning experience for me, particularly as it combined clinical and foodservice knowledge and added in technology and business skills.
Overall, I’m very appreciative of all who helped me learn this system and leave knowing that I learned a lot but I haven’t learned close to all that Surequest has to offer.
Posted in:Automating Foodservice, December 2010
