Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

The Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (FAND) recognizes Academy members who have distinguished themselves among their colleagues, as well as in their communities, by their service to the dietetics profession and by optimizing the nation's health through food and nutrition.

Being a Fellow signifies not only tenure in the dietetics profession, but also living the Academy's values of:

• Customer focus - Meet the needs and exceed the expectations of all customers.
• Integrity - Act ethically, with accountability, for life-long learning and commitment to excellence.
• Innovation - Embrace change with creativity and strategic thinking.
• Social Responsibility - Make decisions with consideration for inclusivity as well as environmental, economic and social implications.

Fellows are why the public trusts and chooses Academy members as food, nutrition, and health experts. They provide outreach in their communities, within their work settings, and have a greater commitment to continuing professional development, leadership, writing, speaking, policy and advocacy or research.

Academy Fellows receive:

• Entitlement to use the FAND designation in their credential lines, which recognizes professional accomplishments, valuable service to the public and pursuit of life-long learning
• Inclusion in the annual October Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics list of new Fellows
• Ready-to-use templates to promote FAND status to employers and local newspapers
• Use of the Academy Member/Fellow logo
• A Fellow certificate, suitable for framing.

Eligibility Requirements

1. The applicant must be an Active or Retired category Academy member in good standing at the time of application AND have at least five (5) years of Academy membership (any category).
2. The applicant must have provided cumulative service (full or part-time) to the dietetics profession for a minimum of five (5) cumulative years. Full-time employment is defined as at least 35 hours per week for at least 48 weeks per year, whereas part-time is considered to be anything less than that. Employment in the dietetics profession is defined as any position that requires or makes use of your education, training, and/or experience in nutrition or dietetics, including situations outside of "traditional" dietetics practice.
3. The applicant must have demonstrated service to the Academy as a whole, as well as professional achievement by scoring a total of 100 or more points in three or more of the following: making a significant contribution to the profession by utilizing special skills and/or knowledge in clinical, community, or long-term/extended care practice; consultative or private practice; policy/advocacy; education; research; and/or administration/organizational leadership; obtaining certification through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) in an area of specialty; co-authored three or more publications with lead authorship on at least one paper in a referred scientific journal; or providing volunteer public service; speaking experience at state and/or national level, with the ability to communicate expert knowledge to a broad audience.
4. Two (2) sponsorship letters describing how the candidate meets the eligibility criteria from both an Academy Active category member (one letter) and external peers or Academy organizational units (e.g. DPG, MIG, affiliate, district) (one letter).
5. The Academy reserves the right to revoke the FAND recognition if a Fellow is found to be in violation of the Academy/CDR's Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics.
6. Member documents five (5) cumulative years of employment in the dietetics profession (maximum of 25 points toward 100 required to become a Fellow).

The online application process entails submission of two sponsorship letters and documentation of required attributes in a variety of specified areas, as well as a one-time fee of $200 ($75 upon applying and $125 upon acceptance). Those who already have the FADA credential may bypass the FAND application process and obtain the new FAND designation by paying a one-time fee of $200. Please consult the Frequently Asked Questions or e-mail the Academy with questions.

View the list of current members with a FAND designation.

FAND Application