Dr Sue Shepherd is an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian and Accredited Nutritionist who graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Promotion and post graduate Masters in Nutrition and Dietetics. She specialises in the treatment of dietary intolerances. Sue also has coeliac disease herself – she lives and breathes all good tastes gluten free, both personally and professionally!
Sue was diagnosed with coeliac disease whilst undertaking her Masters Degree to become a dietitian. It changed her career path – but she believes only for the better! Since being diagnosed with coeliac disease, Sue has maintained a strong commitment to educating people with special dietary needs. Although only 35 years of age, Sue is recognised internationally as a leading expert dietitian in the area of coeliac disease and irritable bowel syndrome, having completed her PhD research in 2008. She is now a Senior Lecturer for Monash University Department of Medicine and is a senior researcher within the Department of Gastroenterology at Box Hill Hospital in Melbourne. She is a clinical investigator in eight ethics-approved research studies. She is an invited speaker at national and international medical conferences. She has won many professional awards, including Dietitian Association of Australia’s Award for Achievement for Excellence in Contribution to the Profession. Sue has developed a dietary management approach which has revolutionised the management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (low FODMAP diet) – her pioneering research has contributed world-first information, and for which she was awarded the Gastroenterological Society of Australia’s Young Investigator of the Year Award in 2006. Sue was the first non-medical health professional to win this Award, which has had past Awardees including Dr Barry Marshall (Helicobactor Pylori eradication). Sue has also been listed in the 2009 “Who’s Who In the World” publication for her contribution to society for her dietary therapy. Most recently, Sue has been awarded State finalist for Telstra Australian Businesswoman of the Year 2009.
Sue’s passion for promoting good nutrition extends beyond the research field. She has written five cookbooks of which the first three were self-published best-sellers. Her recent book, “Gluten Free Cooking” published by Penguin Books has won the “Best Health and Nutrition Cookbook in Australia” Gourmand (Cordon Bleu) Cookbook Awards. Sue has just released her fifth cookbook, “Gluten Free Kitchen” which has already proven to be a top seller. Fuelled by her absolute belief that a dietary condition is an invitation rather than an obstacle to good eating, her collection of recipes proves that having a dietary condition, such as gluten, dairy or lactose intolerance, coeliac disease, fructose malabsorption or irritable bowel syndrome does not mean having to miss out on the delights and adventures of a good food life. Sue regularly performs cooking demonstrations on stage at food festivals and Expos, showcasing her gluten free and low FODMAP diet delights in an engaging and informative style.
Sue is also the director of a busy private dietetic practice (Shepherd Works), specialising in gastrointestinal nutritional conditions, such as coeliac disease and irritable bowel syndrome, employing ten dietitians. She is the consultant dietitian on numerous medical National Advisory Committees for Coeliac Disease and other Gastrointestinal conditions, including the Coeliac Research Fund, Digestive Health Foundation and Therapeutic Guidelines. Sue has authored over 20 medical journal papers. She is on the Editorial Advisory Board for “Healthy Food Guide” magazine. Sue was the chairperson for the Organising committee for the 2010 Dietitians’ Association of Australia National Conference. Sue has previously worked as the resident dietitian for TV morning program “9am with David and Kim”. She is a regular media spokesperson for print and radio commentary on dietary intolerances.
Sue was also the Event Organiser, and is now consultant for the biggest Gluten Free Food Expo held in Australia. First run in 2006, it broke records at Melbourne Exhibition Centre for attendance figures for a first-time show, with over 10,000 people attending in one day. The Show is run annually, showcasing all great tastes, gluten free from over 100 Exhibitors.
Sue also consults to the whole spectrum of food industry, from food manufacturers, to restaurants, food print media, cookbook authors (including Tobie Puttock’s cookbooks “Daily Italian” and “Italian Local”). Sue provides consultation services to the Food Industry for product and recipe development.
Sue is a passionate, enthusiastic advocate for promotion of good nutrition and good bowels!