Alumni Spotlight: Louis Wu, RD, JD student, MS '13

Meet Louis Wu - From Pediatric Dietitian to Columbia Law Student

Law Student at Columbia Law School

Louis Wu, MS’13, has built a career at the intersection of nutrition, healthcare, and now law. Originally from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Louis completed her undergraduate studies in Biological Sciences at the University of California, Irvine before pursuing her master’s degree at the Institute of Human Nutrition (IHN).

After graduating from Columbia IHN in 2013, Louis spent eight years working as a pediatric dietitian, helping children and families navigate complex nutritional needs. During that time, she developed a deep commitment to advocating for patients within the healthcare system.

Over time, Louis began to ask herself a bigger question: how could she better advocate for patients in what she describes as a fragmented U.S. healthcare system? That question ultimately led her to her next step—law school. Today, Louis is a law student at Columbia Law School, pursuing a path that will allow her to combine her clinical experience with legal expertise.

Q&A With Louis

Is there a memory that stands out from your time at IHN? 

"The day that the then Director, Sharon Akabas, lectured on the importance of soft skills and the art of talking to people."

What brought you to your profession?

"After working as a pediatric cietition for 8 years, I asked myself how I can advocate for my patients better in the fragmented US healthcare system. Law seems to be the logical next step. I also found it interesting that it's almost unheard of for a dietitian to transition into an attorney."

What skills are essential for success in the law or nutrition-counseling fields today?

"For both, the ability to work with difficult people, to de-escalate a given situation, teamwork, and a good work ethic."

What areas of growth are you seeing in the legal field today?

"Cross-discipline cooperation and how to use generative AI responsibly."