Dietitians often face complex challenges regardless of area of practice. This interactive roundtable session introduces systems thinking as a powerful framework for understanding and addressing complex adaptive challenges in nutrition and dietetics. Systems thinking provides a roadmap for dietitians on how to leverage interconnections and resources across organizations, sectors, and the natural world and to implement effective programs and policies.

Through guided small group activities, attendees will use practical systems thinking tools, including the "5 Whys," systems maps, and causal loop diagrams to map a shared adaptive challenge from multiple perspectives. Each group will examine the same challenge revealing how interconnected elements create feedback loops, unintended consequences, and opportunities for interventions.

This session will create a collaborative learning environment where diverse professional perspectives converge. Participants will leave with concrete tools for analyzing complex problems, identifying strategic intervention points, and designing multidimensional solutions that address root causes in their own areas of practice. Whether participants are addressing food insecurity, chronic disease prevention, sustainable food systems, workforce development, or organizational changes, systems thinking offers a pathway to more effective, sustainable solutions.