A Dream Realised: Lim Zi Jie's Journey to Becoming a Dietitian

"I have a dream." These iconic words from Martin Luther King Jr. echo the aspirations of many, including Lim Zi Jie, who envisioned working in a hospital — donning the white robes of a dietitian, managing patients’ conditions, and guiding them toward healthier lifestyles.

That dream first took shape during a secondary school biology class, where Zi Jie discovered her fascination with how the human body transforms food into energy.

"At that time, I was wondering how our human body can be so powerful to help digest our food and use it as the source of energy," she says.

Fueled by this newfound passion, she began researching universities after graduating from secondary school. Her search led her to the International Medical University (IMU), where she found the perfect programme to turn her aspirations into reality. “I’ve compared a few universities, but I found that IMU’s Dietetics with Nutrition courses suit me the best, as IMU can be said to be the best private university for dietetics courses, and the programme structure is conducted by experienced lecturers.”

Zi Jie’s interest in nutrition began in secondary school after a biology class on the digestive system.

Pursuing a Bachelor's Degree at IMU and the Support That Shaped Zi Jie’s Path

Studying at IMU provided Zi Jie with a well-rounded and supportive environment. While the campus was smaller compared to others, it offers all the essential facilities for students to thrive, including an atrium, student lounge, café, e-learning lab, and library. The flexible timetable stood out to her, as it allowed her to juggle academic commitments alongside extracurricular activities and events.

The programme itself was enriched by strong academic support. IMU’s mentor-mentee pairing system allowed each lecturer to guide a small group of students, monitor their progress, and offer assistance with any challenges. “During my internship in my final year, I was struggling with a concept, and my mentor took the time to explain it clearly and share her experiences.”

Additionally, the senior-junior support system at IMU played an essential role in Zi Jie’s journey. She often sought advice from her seniors, who shared study tips and strategies that helped her along the way.

While the campus support systems were crucial to her experience, it was the personal mentorship from her lecturers that truly shaped Zi Jie’s academic and personal growth. Among them, Dr Chen Seong Ting, a senior lecturer in her programme, stood out as a guiding force.

Having had the privilege to work closely with Dr Chen during her undergraduate research project, Zi Jie fondly remembers how she guided her every step of the way. “She is a very supportive lecturer who answered my questions in detail, ensuring I was on the right track.” 

Dr Chen not only encouraged Zi Jie to present her research at the prestigious Malaysia Dietitian Association Conference in 2022 but also played a pivotal role in getting her first research article published in the IMU journal.

Beyond academics, Dr Chen imparted life-changing advice. She always emphasised the importance of being mindful, detailed, and confident — qualities that Zi Jie carries with her to this day. “I’ve been influenced by this lecturer a lot, changing from an extreme introvert to someone who is more meticulous and outgoing.”

Dr. Chen’s guidance also extended to helping Zi Jie explore job opportunities and providing career advice that she still treasures today.

For Zi Jie, IMU's Dietetics with Nutrition programme stood out for its strong reputation, integrated curriculum, and experienced lecturers.

Gaining Practical Experience and Valuable Skills

As part of the Dietetics with Nutrition programme at IMU, Zi Jie was required to complete a year-long dietetic practicum, which provided invaluable hands-on experience across three key areas: food service, community, and clinical settings.

Her journey began at Regency Specialist Hospital in Johor, where she focused on food service management. There, she learned the intricacies of food procurement and the entire kitchen operation, from sourcing ingredients to serving meals to patients. “We had two assignments during that time — creating vegetarian menus for diabetic patients and working on a quality improvement project to enhance the food service.”

Next, her community placement took her to Klinik Kesihatan in Seremban, where she provided outpatient counselling to patients. She and her group also gave a talk on diet control for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) to pregnant mothers, an experience that deepened her understanding of public health nutrition.

Her clinical placement was at Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar in Seremban, a teaching hospital partnered with IMU. Here, Zi Jie managed patients with various acute and chronic conditions requiring dietetic-related services. “All these experiences allowed us to learn how to be competent dietitians, providing the best care by using up-to-date information and recommendations.”

This comprehensive practicum solidified her passion for dietetics, leaving her more determined than ever to pursue a career in the field.

Beyond technical skills, IMU’s environment nurtured the development of vital interpersonal qualities that would prove crucial in her career. One such skill was time management. Zi Jie, as part of a pioneering team, helped launch Malaysia’s first-ever student-led dietetic clinic at IMU during her final year. The experience was demanding, as it required balancing hospital work with late-night discussions about the clinic, but it was also gratifying. “I always enjoyed learning outside of lecture classes, as it helped me strengthen my soft skills and broaden my social circle.”

Another key skill Zi Jie developed was leadership. Taking on the role of group leader during her final year, she guided her team through assignments and projects. “I became more thoughtful and careful, balancing team dynamics while making sure everyone was aligned toward the same goal.” 

Today, Zi Jie is a dietitian at Gleneagles Hospital Johor.

Advice for Aspiring Dietitians and Reflections on a Meaningful Career

For those considering a path in Dietetics with Nutrition, Zi Jie offers some thoughtful advice: passion is key. “It’s important to ensure that you are truly passionate about food, nutrition, and people.”

The programme requires a deep understanding of human physiology and the complex relationship between diet and diseases to provide accurate and effective patient care.

Curiosity and a commitment to staying updated are equally essential. Zi Jie emphasises the need to stay informed about the latest diet trends and research, noting that patients are often well-informed about their conditions. “Sometimes patients know better than us about certain diseases, so make sure you’re ready for that.”

Even activities like reading nutrition labels during grocery trips can contribute to better understanding and offering informed recommendations to patients. For aspiring students, the key is to keep exploring, stay curious, and embrace learning opportunities both in and outside the classroom.

As she reflects on her current role, Zi Jie’s dedication to her profession shines through. Now working as a clinical dietitian in a private hospital, she manages patients with diverse medical conditions, counselling them toward healthier lifestyles. “It’s incredibly satisfying when I persuade patients to make changes and see them progress,” she says, noting that these moments serve as her motivation to continue striving for excellence in her field.

Beyond the hospital, her work extends into the community, where she joins her team in conducting health screenings. Using tools like the body composition analyser, she assesses individuals’ muscle and fat levels and provides tailored advice. These interactions remind her of the broader impact dietitians can have—not just on individuals but on the community as a whole.