Alex Shink
March 4, 2024

Alison Tierney, MS, RD, CD, CSO.

1. What's your practice focus and what kind of clients knock on your door ?

I specialize in oncology nutrition, guiding cancer survivors to lower recurrence risks through plant-based nutrition and lifestyle medicine. Clients committed to proactive measures seek my support. While nutrition, particularly plant-focused, is central, I also address various lifestyle medicine pillars of health.

2. Tell us about yourself. 

Passionate about nutrition from athletics, I pursued becoming a registered dietitian, specializing in oncology after witnessing cancer's toll on my family. My personal battle with cancer solidified my dedication. Empowering patients to lead vibrant lives motivates me daily.

3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.

One patient's journey stands out - a patient diagnosed with stage 4 tonsil cancer and given a bleak prognosis of 6 months. This incredible patient left no stone unturned, honed in on his nutrition and whole person health. Through intensive nutritional support during treatment, he lived well beyond the expectation. Over the next 4.5 years, his resilience and spirit taught me invaluable life lessons.

4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?

Balancing multiple roles is a constant challenge in private practice. Managing marketing and business tasks alongside patient care can be overwhelming. Outsourcing to virtual assistants helps, but as my practice continues to expand, refining workflows has become crucial to maximize my client support.

5. What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a private practice today?\

These would be my pieces of advice:


  1. Identify your unique expertise and target audience. Specializing in a specific area helps you stand out and attract clients seeking your particular services.
  2. Prioritize Self-Care and Efficiency: Maintain a healthy work-life balance by setting boundaries and delegating tasks when possible. Invest in systems and tools to streamline administrative processes, freeing up time for client care and practice development.
  3. "Believe you can and you're halfway there." ~Theodore Roosevelt

6. Where can people find you?

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