Jacqueline Birtwisle (nee Boorman) has worked extensively as a State Registered Dietitian in both NHS and private health care settings. Her work in the NHS as a specialist SRD in Gastroenterology, led to her involvement with the British Society of Gastroenterology in producing UK guidelines for the management of irritable bowel syndrome. This published in 2000 in the journal Gut 2000;(Suppl II)47:ii1-ii19.
Since her accreditation as a Sports Dietitian in 1992, she has become a leader in the field of applied nutrition for people involved in exercise and sport at all levels. Her private practice, established in the summer of 1998, includes providing individual and family nutrition counselling as well as group seminars. Her motivational talks and workshops have inspired many people to take action - be that to lose weight, address dysfunctional eating or reach their personal health or sports performance related goals.
Jacqueline has worked with the British Olympic Association (BOA) since 1997 when she was able to put her clinical training to good effect in her role as consultant SRD to the British Olympic Medical Centre. The medical centre treats many of our current and future champions and is run using a multidisciplinary approach incorporating medicine and sports science to the benefit of the athletes.In 1999 she was the BOA's HQ Nutritionist at the Gold Coast Training Camp in preparation for the Sydney Olympic Games.
She continues to be a member of the Sports Nutrition Advisory Group of the BOA and is consultant dietitian to British International Rowing. Since December 2001, she has been working with UK Athletics on their World Class and Potential Programmes. She was formerly involved with GB Short Track Speed Skating and with the Amateur Swimming Association on their Junior Olympic Diving Programme. Her work with squads involves planning, delivery and evaluation of a nutrition education service in addition to individual consultations.
In addition to working with Olympic athletes, her portfolio of clients include Microsoft UK, Wimbledon F.C, the Royal Ballet and the London Contemporary Dance School.
Jacqueline is regularly asked by the media to comment on popular diet and nutrition topics and their implication on health or sports performance. She works closely with journalists to ensure that accurate and fair information is given to the general public. Her most recent appearances include a weekly slot as nutrition expert for the Independent on Sunday 'Reality' Magazine, Mail on Sunday's 'You' Magazine, Regatta Magazine, BBC Radio 5 Live, Granada Breeze, BBC World Service and Radio 4.