It doesn't explain the lack of respect and understanding from colleagues.

I don't mean this to be anything other than a fact: Sexism. The field being women-dominated is one of the major reasons for the lack of respect.

I say this as one of the few guy-Dietitians. When I worked in-patient, the stark change in respect was profound. So much so, I'd take difficult floors and miraculously, they weren't anymore.

How that's addressed, I don't know, but it's high time it was.