Very often in life moments of opportunity come shrouded as adversity. One such for Pinkin Panchal was the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis that her dad received when she was 15 years old. “The importance of nutrition and its impact to the treatment of GI conditions led me to the field of nutrition,” said Pinkin.
Though the illness undoubtedly contributed to moments of stress and uncertainty in her family, arguably the numerous lives that have been positively impacted over the years by Pinkin in the field of nutrition and dietetics and beyond is a testament of the adage, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
A native of India, who immigrated to the United States in 1988, Pinkin has risen through the
ranks and is presently the Program Director for the Rutgers SEBS Nutritional Sciences Dietetic
Internship Program and an Assistant Teaching Professor. Her ties with Rutgers are deeply
rooted. It is the institution that helped shape her nutritional ideals, skills, and perspectives
beginning at the undergraduate level, dietetic internship, culminating with a graduate degree in
clinical nutrition.
Like most dietitians, Pinkin’s foundational experiences began as a registered dietitian in the
clinical setting serving an adult, pediatrics and diabetes population for more than 16 years.
However, her goal was to be part of a faculty imparting wisdom and helping to prepare the minds
and enhance the skills of future dietetic practitioners. She has spent the last 10 years pursuing
that goal. “I have had a great transition from clinical practice to academia, but there were many
challenges! I accepted many teaching opportunities (some with minimal compensation!) to gain
the experience required to achieve my professional goal of teaching in higher education.” And
now, according to Pinkin, a typical day involves fulfilling that dream of planting seeds to impact
the future. “I am teaching interns, evaluating/grading, visiting sites, and maintaining
accreditation requirements and collaborating with colleagues within NJ in the field of dietetics.”
Amidst all those responsibilities, Pinkin serves on the board of the NJAND, specifically as a
member of the Public Policy Team as the Consumer Protections Coordinator. She is also the new
president-elect.
Pinkin credits much of who she is today, the challenges that she has had to surmount, plus her
accomplishments to several people. “My mentors include Gerry McKay, my parents, and my
friend and colleague, Alpa Shah who always believed in me and encouraged me to pursue my
passion and professional goals.”
And as we welcome the latest cohorts of freshly minted dietetic professionals, Pinkin advises, “if
you are passionate about the field of dietetics, enjoy helping others, and like to be challenged,
you will truly find the field to be rewarding! There are endless opportunities to do what you
enjoy about food and nutrition!”
As it is with most Jersey residents, Pinkin says, “my favorite thing about NJ is the melting pot of
diverse individuals and access to amazing beaches and NYC!” To unwind, her activities include
cooking, gardening, and walking.
