As a young girl I remember my
mother telling me 3 things-“eat your breakfast”, “do on to others as you would
want them to do on to you”, and “never take advantage”. As the days of the internship continue to pass
I think of the lessons I learned from her often. I always eat my breakfast and
I always apply the Golden Rule. However, living the life of an intern, “never
take advantage” does not quite apply. During a dietetic internship, interns are
presented with many opportunities within rotations to take full advantage. The
past few weeks alone have been packed with several opportunities for my
internship partner Rory and I to do just that…
·
IFIC:
International Food Information Council, Washington, D.C., Technology Rotation-
My internship partner and I spent 3 weeks with IFIC, enjoying several opportunities
related to the rotation. IFIC is a nonprofit organization that communicates
science-based information about food safety and nutrition to professionals and
the public. While working with IFIC we were able to take advantage of attending
various conferences related to nutrition and public health. Our first week
included attending the National Obesity Prevention Conference, while our last
two weeks included the National Food Policy Conference and the National Frozen
Food Conference. While attending the
National Food Policy Conference we were able to hear Tom Vilsack, Secretary US
Department of Agriculture engage conference attendees as the Keynote Speaker. While
at the National Frozen Food Conference we learned that frozen foods are a great
choice for consumers packed full of nutrients; the food was pretty tasty too!
·
OSSE: Office
of the State Superintendent of Education, Washington, D.C., Community Rotation-
Rory and I spent 1 week with OSSE during our school lunch rotation.
Although short, it was very impactful. We learned first-hand the role of
dietitians in overseeing, planning, and implementing school lunch programs. We spent a day with Revolution Foods, a
company that provides meals to several Washington, D.C. public and charter
schools. We also had the chance to go back to school and participate in a
school field trip with John Eaton Elementary! We visited historic Rockland
Farms in Poolesville, MD. A farm-to-school grant enabled fourth grade students
to visit the farm as they learn about farming, nutrition, and colonialism. While
at the farm visitors learned about free range farming, planting and harvesting,
composting, and the importance of rich soil for nutrient dense fruits and vegetables.
What a great way to combine nutrition education with history curriculum!
·
IDF: Independent
Dialysis Foundation, Glen Burnie, MD, Community Rotation-
I spent an amazing 3 days with IDF. Although short, I learned a great
deal about medical nutrition therapy in renal care. Dietitians in renal care
work closely with patients to educate them on how to transition to a renal diet;
but, more importantly understanding what it means to their quality of life. While
rotating with IDF I had the opportunity to attend a journal club presentation regarding
“Patient
Health Beliefs and Factors Associated with Adherence to Low-Phosphorus Diet.” The
presenter, John Williams, MS, RD, LDN did an excellent job reviewing the
research article, highlighting pertinent information regarding factors that
influence or limit patient’s adherence to a low phosphorous diet. The food was pretty impressive too!
The
opportunities available to take advantage of within the dietetic internship are
too many to list in just one blog entry! Rest assured that each one is just as
valuable and important as the next. Opportunities afforded to dietetic interns
enhance the dietetic experience and offer insight as to how nutrition knowledge
is applied in the real world. So remember to always eat your breakfast, apply
the Golden Rule, and always take advantage!
