Alison Evert, MS, RDN, CDCES, FADCES, has spent her career redefining nutrition education and health care access.
A Washington State University alum, Evert earned her bachelor of science in clinical dietetics through WSU’s new coordinated undergraduate program, which offered her the opportunity to sit for the Registered Dietitian (RD) exam after completing her degree in four years. Her clinical rotation in Yakima sparked Evert’s appreciation of the health care challenges facing rural communities and the importance of access.
After graduation, Evert secured a job in Bellevue’s Overlake Medical Center, defying expectations that western Washington hospitals favored University of Washington nutrition graduates.
“I called my WSU supervisor on Christmas Eve and told her, ‘I have a surprise present for you!’” Evert recalled.
Evert began her career in inpatient care but soon discovered a love of outpatient nutrition and diabetes education.
“I fell in love with diabetes education because it’s a team-based approach,” Evert said. “It’s a combination of several education topics such as healthy eating, being active, using medications, behavioral health, and more.”
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) can spend quality time with patients, she explained, using their longer appointments to complete thorough assessments and connect with them on a more personal basis. These insights then allow the full care team to make more informed decisions.
Evert’s mentor, a registered nurse and one of the nation’s first certified diabetes educators, inspired her to earn her own certification.
Evert went on to spend 17 years at UW Medicine, where she led efforts to embed dietitians as well as diabetes care and education specialists within primary care clinics—an innovative and nationally-recognized model that increases health care access to these services. Her leadership in this effort earned her the 2025 Outstanding Educator in Diabetes Award.
Evert’s work to reduce barriers to care didn’t stop there. She also helped expand access to care utilizing telemedicine to provide nutrition and diabetes education visits. Virtual consultations offer the opportunity to deliver services at a distance, thereby reducing barriers to medical care such as travel, childcare, and more.
Her career reflects her belief that dietitians are vital members of a cohesive health care team and encourages aspiring RDNs to embrace their expertise and role.
“My hope is that dietitians recognize how smart they are and share their knowledge with their health care teammates, because they’re a valued team member,” Evert says.
