Dr Rebecca Healey
MBBS BSc MSc ANutr
When I began working as a junior doctor, I was struck by just how many of the conditions I saw on a daily basis may have been preventable, and often manageable, with simple dietary and lifestyle measures. I began to realise that modern medicine had become a firefighting exercise, and that to fully address the growing chronic disease epidemic, the emphasis needed to rest on prevention. This meant addressing the root causes of each presenting illness, paying attention to nutrition, environment, lifestyle and genetics, not just medication alone. I became more aware of the importance of nutrition in the hospital setting, an area often neglected in day to day practise, and in medical education. I also realised the noticeable benefits good nutrition could make to patients’ recovery from infection and surgery. I went on to study a masters degree in human nutrition part time, completing this in 2019.
Having myself experienced first hand the challenges of maintaining health in a busy life, and the nonspecific symptoms that stress and poor nutrition can cause, I fully understand how overwhelming it can feel to get on top of our health. This overwhelm is often compounded by all the additional challenges and expectations of modern day living. However, I have also seen and experienced the hugely beneficial results of overcoming these challenges. I am passionate about teaching others the benefits that even seemingly minor dietary and lifestyle changes can make to energy levels, mood, sleep, and general wellbeing, as well as assisting in the management of a number of conditions, such as Type 2 Diabetes, digestive issues, fatigue and stress.
I now divide my time between hospital medicine and nutrition, regularly attending research and training events in order to keep up to date. I have also provided health and wellbeing coaching for the Cheshire and Wirral division of the NHS National Diabetes Prevention Programme.
My Background
My path to healthcare began with an interest in health and wellness while working in finance (2001-2009), sparked during a work secondment to Sydney. During this time, I was introduced to integrative medicine – the combination of traditional medicine, lifestyle medicine, and evidence-based complementary therapies. I felt that this was the future of healthcare – incorporating attention to physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual wellbeing as of equal importance in understanding and treating the root cause of disease.
I continued to work in the city, taking on the role of first aid officer for my employing organisation, as well as completing a diploma in nutrition. With time, the interest grew to become more than just a hobby. I went on to train in medicine in 2010, qualifying as a doctor with Hull York Medical School in 2016. During the first two years of my medical studies, I also worked as a part time nursing home carer. This taught me the vital importance of good communication, trust and rapport in all areas of patient care.
Throughout this time, I have worked in a number of different specialties within hospital medicine. I have maintaned professional development in the complementary health and wellness field throughout, gaining additional qualifications in health coaching and medical acupuncture along the way.
Professional Memberships
- General Medical Council: Registered Medical Practitioner
- Association for Nutrition: Registered Associate Nutritionist
- Member of the UK Health Coaches Association: Certified Health Coach
- Member of the Nutrition Society
- Member of the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM)
- Associate Member of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine
Qualifications
- University of Chester 2019: Human Nutrition MSc (Distinction)
- National Society of Health Coaches 2017: Health Coach Certification (Distinction)
- Hull York Medical School 2016: Medicine MBBS (Hons)
