Who is Hazel Clarke, the Registered Dietitian?
Hazel Clarke is a UK-based consultant dietitian, not a conventional nutritionist, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and a patient-centered approach. The distinction between a dietitian and a nutritionist is crucial, with dietitians being a regulated profession with specific clinical training. Clarke’s career is marked by a deep-seated passion for gastrointestinal health and plant-based diets, which led her to establish her private practice, HC Dietetics. Her work is grounded in extensive clinical experience gained through her time in several of the UK's leading NHS trusts.
The Journey of Hazel Clarke: From NHS to Private Practice
Clarke’s professional journey began with a solid academic foundation. Following her studies, she gained valuable experience as a research dietitian at King's College London, where she contributed to published research on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). This research background provides a unique, scientifically-informed perspective to her clinical work. Her time in the NHS, including stints at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, allowed her to work with individuals managing complex and severe gastrointestinal conditions. This hands-on experience, coupled with her academic research, forms the bedrock of her expertise. In 2022, she transitioned into private practice, founding HC Dietetics to offer personalized care with a focus on her specialized areas.
Educational and Professional Credentials
Hazel Clarke holds several key qualifications that solidify her expertise:
- BSc Human Nutrition: Manchester Metropolitan University.
- MSc Human Nutrition (including sports nutrition): University of Chester.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics: King's College London.
- FODMAP Training: Completed specialised FODMAP dietitian training at King's College London, equipping her to help individuals with IBS manage their symptoms effectively.
- Professional Registration: She is a Registered Dietitian with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and a full member of the British Dietetic Association (BDA).
Specializing in Gut Health and Plant-Based Nutrition
Clarke’s practice is built upon a dual specialization in gastrointestinal health and plant-based nutrition. This combination is particularly valuable as many people with gut issues, like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), struggle to navigate plant-based eating without causing flare-ups.
For gut health, she offers evidence-based guidance for a wide array of conditions, including:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
- Pancreatitis and pancreatic enzyme insufficiency
- Diverticular disease
Regarding plant-based diets, her approach is informed by both professional knowledge and personal experience, as she has followed a vegan diet for over a decade. She guides clients on how to adopt and maintain plant-based diets safely, ensuring nutritional adequacy while managing their underlying health conditions. She actively challenges the misconception that people with gut issues cannot thrive on a plant-based diet.
Comparison of Clinical vs. Research Experience
Hazel Clarke's career features a blend of hands-on patient care and academic inquiry, which enriches her practice. Here is a comparison of these two facets of her expertise:
| Feature | Clinical Dietetic Experience | Research Dietetic Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | NHS Trusts (Imperial College, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Liverpool) | King's College London |
| Focus | Providing direct, personalised nutrition support to patients with complex gastrointestinal conditions | Contributing to peer-reviewed studies, particularly on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) |
| Objective | Helping individual clients achieve better health outcomes and symptom management | Advancing the broader understanding of dietary impacts on gut conditions through scientific inquiry |
| Application | Translating the latest evidence into practical, actionable advice for patients | Generating new evidence and insights that inform dietetic practice |
Published Work and Public Contributions
Beyond her one-on-one client consultations, Hazel Clarke is committed to educating a wider audience. She is a published author in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to the scientific community's understanding of gut health. Furthermore, she is a regular writer for professional industry publications, such as CN Magazine and NHD (Network Health Digest), where she shares her expertise on gastrointestinal health and plant-based nutrition. Her involvement in public health initiatives and speaking engagements, such as at VegfestUK, further highlights her dedication to improving public understanding of nutrition. She is a respected voice in her field, and her work is characterized by compassion and evidence-based guidance.
Conclusion
Hazel Clarke is a highly qualified and experienced UK-registered consultant dietitian who has carved a niche for herself in the specialized areas of gut health and plant-based nutrition. Through her private practice, HC Dietetics, and her previous roles within the NHS and King's College London, she provides scientifically-backed, compassionate care to those with complex gastrointestinal issues, including IBS and IBD. Her advocacy for plant-based diets, combined with her clinical and research expertise, makes her a valuable resource for anyone seeking evidence-based guidance on dietary management for improved gut health. For more information on her work, you can visit her website at hcdietetics.com.
