Outlook into Outpatient

Today I was able to experience my first look into outpatient clinical dietetics, and while it started out slow, I can see why people like this setting but I don't see myself liking it long-term. So far, I can't say that the outpatient setting is the type of environment where I see my self in the future, but i greatly respect the RDs that commit daily.

My experiences today where minimal. About 80% of the scheduled patients were no-shows and the ones who did come, barely showed interest in their education or spoke no English. I could also see myself getting tired of the uncertainties and the receptiveness of seeing the same disease over and over again. 100% of today's patients where being educated on weight loss, diabetes and hyperlipidemia, and while these disease are frightfully relevant, I would grow tired of the same education day in a day out.

I will be spending the rest of the week doing outpatient and I hope I see something that changes my mind about outpatient dietetics.

Last Nutrition Class

Today was the last undergraduate nutrition class I will ever have, it is a bit sad considering how hard I worked to get here. On a happier note, my first rotation as a dietetic intern will be teaching an undergraduate medical nutrition therapy course this summer. So while I wont be sitting in class taking notes and considering job focuses, I will be lecturing and helping other students aspire to love MNT as much as I do.

Let the hard work/learning/socializing begin!

It's official, Match Day for dietetic students has passed and interns have been placed into their well-deserved spots.

Does this mean that Facebook stalking has begun? Yes it does.

It seems that the Fall 2011 dietetic interns at the University of Houston are all equally wonderful, friendly and overachievers (which is how they got to UH) I am very eager to meet everyone in person and begin this exciting time in our lives together. Cheers to 2011 and the events that have yet to unfold

Happy RD Day!

Happy 2011 Registered Dietitian Day!!

American Dietetic Association’s Top Ten Reasons Why Consulting with a Registered Dietitian Can Benefit You

1. You have diabetes, cardiovascular problems or high blood pressure. An RD serves as an integral part of your health-care team by helping you safely change your eating plan without compromising taste or nutrition.

2. You are thinking of having or have had gastric bypass surgery.
Since your stomach can only manage small servings, it’s a challenge to get the right amount of nutrients in your body. An RD will work with you and your physician to develop an eating plan for your new needs.

3. You have digestive problems. A registered dietitian will work with your physician to help fine-tune your diet so you are not aggravating your condition with fried foods, too much caffeine or carbonation.

4. You’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant. A registered dietitian can help make sure you get nutrients like folate, especially during the first three months of pregnancy, lowering your newborn’s risk for neural tube or spinal cord defects.

5. You need guidance and confidence for breastfeeding your baby.
A registered dietitian can help make sure you’re getting enough iron, vitamin D, fluoride and B vitamins for you and your little one.

6. Your teenager has issues with food and eating healthfully. A registered dietitian can assist with eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia and overweight issues.

7. You need to gain or lose weight. A registered dietitian can suggest additional calorie sources for healthy weight gain or a restricted-calorie eating plan plus regular physical activity for weight loss while still eating all your favorite foods.

8. You’re caring for an aging parent. A registered dietitian can help with food or drug interaction, proper hydration, special diets for hypertension and changing taste buds as you age.

9. You want to eat smarter. A registered dietitian can help you sort through misinformation; learn how to read labels at the supermarket; discover that healthy cooking is inexpensive, learn how to eat out without ruining your eating plan and how to resist workplace temptations.

10.You want to improve your performance in sports. A registered dietitian can help you set goals to achieve results — whether you’re running a marathon, skiing or jogging with your dog

For Solid Nutrition Advice, Consult a Registered Dietitian

MDACC - Round 2

During the first few years of my undergrad career, I worked at one of the greatest medical hospitals on this planet, MD Anderson Cancer Center. Since acceptance into DI, I have been researching rotation sites that I believe will benefit me the greatest. I can't help but come back to MDACC every time I research a new site.

At MDACC, I worked mostly in the food service department of nutrition, taking food orders and educating patients on their diet restrictions trying to lightly educate them in the process. I loved my job and stayed here for nearly 2 years before moving on. I spent a brief stent in the ICU checking patient tube feeing products and verifying orders, this was my first look into clinical nutrition.

I am trying to go back to MDACC because I believe I could learn so much from the RD's. I have reached out to several and attempted to find information on why MDACC is not currently accepting interns. Hopefully I will hear back from the director of Clinical Nutrition and have some light shed on my chances.

Exciting Rotation Update!!

Very exciting news.. I was asked by my MNT professor to help her research and teach the senior level Medical Nutrition Therapy course during the course of the summer. It has never been done. It is very exciting and I am honored she chose me. I would love to teach higher education nutrition in the future so this is a great opportunity for me.

I also get to petition out of research.. meaning I will graduate 1 month earlier.

Exciting news!

Hey Union, Get It Together!

I have been in contact with the dietitian for the Houston Texans for about a year now. I recently asked her about the possibility of interning with her next season during the Texans preseason. Only problem... collective bargaining. Let's pray that NFL plays, it could be one of the coolest rotation sites available for anyone interested in sports nutrition. Fingers crossed!

Oh, and I would have to ask my director to check and determine whether this would even work as a rotation. Anything is possible.