Getting to know your dietitian, Farran Gordon.
We wanted to give you the opportunity to get to know another of Active Ability’s amazing and extremely dedicated dietitians Farran Gordon, so we’ve asked her a couple of questions so that we can share her answers with you.
Why did you become a dietitian and what has led to your passion for disability?
I have seen first-hand the incredibly positive impact food can have, not just on physical health, but also on improving an individual’s mental state of mind and outlook on life. Unfortunately, I have also seen the devastating impact that food obsession can have on an individual, whether it be related to mental health or disability, and knowing that I can help improve that person’s quality of life is what led me to this profession, specifically in the disability sector.
Do you have a memorable experience of assisting a client to achieve their goals that you’d like to share?
The experience that stands out the most to me would be supporting a client with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). Because of their disability they were on a strict puree and thickened fluid diet. The client was underweight and slowly becoming more malnourished; lacking energy, constantly feeling unwell, becoming more and more sedentary over time and unable to complete his chosen daily activities. During our time together, I was able to support him to change the food that he was eating; not necessarily the amount but rather the types of food, resulting in an intake that was more energy and protein dense, providing him with more of the energy and nutrients that he needed. Within a month of working together, the change that resulted from his dietetic support could be seen by everyone. The client was brighter, bubblier, had more energy and his personality was shining through again. He began to gain weight, eventually reaching his goal of a healthy weight, and was no longer deficient in certain nutrients. This resulted in the most amazing transformation to his function. Seeing this incredible change just shows the difference that someone’s nutrition and dietary intake can make to their life!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I like to bake, hang out with my friends, go for walks and play with my puppy.
What is your favourite food?
My favourite food is definitely sushi or dumplings – they are so versatile and have so many different fillings and flavours.
In another life, if you weren’t a dietitian, what do you think you’d be doing?
When I was younger, I always wanted to be an actress – but if I’m being realistic, I probably would have become a social worker or a pastry chef.
What is one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you? Do you have a hidden talent?
I think people are always surprised when they learn I am from South Africa, but my hidden talent may be my ability to put on a very convincing Irish accent.
What is your favourite movie, book and holiday?
Movie: The Blind Side
Book: Carly’s Café
Holiday: Santorini, Greece
Thanks so much to Farran for sharing more about herself with our community – we hope that you’ve enjoyed getting to know her! If you’d like to arrange services with Farran or another of our therapists, please contact us today!
Farran provides Active Ability’s dietetic services in the Eastern Suburbs, lower North Shore and Sutherland Shire of Sydney. Specifically, Farran provides services in North Sydney, Watsons Bay, Bondi, Coogee, Maroubra, Little Bay, Rosebery, Redfern, Glebe, Concord, Burwood, Hurstville, Kogarah, Sans Souci and Sylvania.