5 minutes with Dr Megan Rossi

Briefly, tell us about your background and career up to this point?

Born and raised in Cairns, Australia, my passion for gut health led me to the UK in 2015, specifically to work in the Diet and Gastrointestinal Health group led by Professor Whelan at King’s. This was shortly after completing my PhD in gut health at The University of Queensland, to which I was fortunate to receive the Dean’s award for its contribution to science.

I have been a dietitian for over a decade, and alongside my research, continue to practice at The Gut Health Clinic as I not only enjoy the diversity, but I believe it keeps my research relevant.

Some of my career highlights to date have included meeting HRH Princess Anne, who presented me with an award from the British Nutrition Foundation and being the recipient of the Young Australian of the Year in The UK 2020 award presented by the Australian High Commissioner.

What is a typical day like for you? How did this change due to COVID-19?

The fact that every day is different is what I most enjoy about career. Although most of my work has moved online due to COVID restrictions, one day I can be talking to industry discussing supplement provision, the next I’ll be learning how little I know from basic scientist about biochemistry or talking to patients about their digestive health.

Do you have any current projects that you’d like to tell us about?

My new book, Eat More, Live Well, has just been released! I’ve been working on this book for the past two years, following my first book Eat Yourself Healthy, and it’s something that I’m really proud of. My ultimate goal is to provide a trusted source of information on gut health and nutrition to help people separate the fact from the fads. Using the right balance of science, practical advice, menu plans, quick hacks and gut-loving recipes, I really hope my books continue to make a meaningful difference to people’s lives.

What do you do with your time outside academia?

I went into research to make a difference, but I quickly became frustrated that, despite the incredible research that was being done, it was the unfounded and potentially dangerous fad nutrition myths that were being fed to the public. I often see extremes in my clinic, with some people too scared to eat because they’ve spent money on invalid food intolerance tests, while others overdosing on herbal supplements in order to ‘boost’ their gut health. This misrepresentation of the gut and the concerning trend towards generic, over-simplified recommendations are risking people’s health. So outside of academia I run @TheGutHealthDoctor, where I use my social platform to communicate the science in an easy-to-digest way (no pun intended!) and work to empower people with the knowledge to make informed, evidence-based decisions about their health.

What are you most looking forward to in 2022?

Spending more face-to-face time with my research team. I have really missed the in-person connection- our best research proposals have come from in-person brainstorming. I am also looking forward to reopening more of our study recruitment which have been delayed because of COVID.

What advice would you give to yourself to your 18-year-old self?
I would encourage my younger self to believe in your abilities, stay true to your values and don’t be afraid to pursue your ambition. It doesn’t happen overnight, but if you’re passionate and put in the hard work together with a strong team, you can achieve anything. And, of course, always listen to your gut!

QUICK-FIRE...

Favourite way to start the day?

With my frothy cashew latte! Only takes a few minutes to make (none of this soaking a straining of cashew faff!) and not only contains the gut-loving prebiotics from whole cashews and dates. For those who have my book, Eat More, Live Well, recipe is on page 300. For those who don’t, blend together cashews, dates and black coffee and wahlaaaa!

Who inspires you most and why?
Oprah Winfrey. An embodiment of women empowerment, her sheer determination and strength to overcome many challenges inspire me to never give up, even when things might get tough.

Favourite scientist:

Rob Knight. The Knight Lab is doing ground-breaking microbiome research.

Netflix recommendation:

The Queen’s Gambit – I binge-watched the series when Christmas was cancelled in 2020. And I haven’t trusted myself to go back on Netflix since!

You'd spend an hour cooking...

My fermented wheaten bread! The microbes do most of the work, I just have to mix a few things together and sit back and relax while the microbes transform the ingredients into a flavour-filled dough ready for the oven.