The purpose of the Outstanding Dietetics Student Award program is to recognize the emerging leadership and achievement of students in ACEND-accredited and approved dietetics education programs and encourage their participation in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Idaho State University selected three students for this award: one from the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), one from the Dietetic Internship in Pocatello, and one from the Dietetic Internship in Meridian. Faculty, preceptors, and students assisted with the selection.

All students were recognized at the Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Meeting, April 19th – 20th 2018 in Sun Valley. 

The Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics awards each ODSA a one-year membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Criteria

• Member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Students must be members by January 1st of the year in which they would receive the award. Student enrolled in ACEND-accredited dietetics education program (CP, DI, DPD, DT).
• Demonstrated academic achievement as documented by letters from program faculty or preceptor.
• Demonstrated leadership and professional potential; e.g., honors, student dietetic association activities, community service activities, etc.

 

Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)

Andrea Jeffery

How did you become interested in nutrition?

Everywhere around me I see the impact that food choices have on people’s lives. People have fallen so far away from nutrition and been lured into unconscious eating habits that they don’t even understand, not realizing the impact this can have on their long-term health. I want to teach, demonstrate, and communicate all aspects of food and nutritious, healthy, lifestyle choices to as many people as I can. It’s my way of changing the world.

What has been your favorite experience from your dietetic program and/or internship so far

For three semesters, I was the Career Path Intern for the Dietetic Department at Idaho State University. Through this, I experienced many different opportunities that have opened my eyes to a diverse picture from a faculty viewpoint. I created grocery store plans, developed shopping lists from class recipes, shopped and set up prep areas for the Foods lab, as well as shopped for Experimental Food, and any other needs of the department. I had the chance to work with a research professor and assist for her with research. I marketed for the department at various career and major/minor fairs. I enjoyed the pleasure of watching and working with the ACEND process for re-accreditation of the department. I was able to proof read the documents that make up the binder and assisted the faculty during the site visit.

I have pursed a long-distance internship because it will broaden the range of my experience and open new opportunities. With my internship I have the opportunity to work in additional locations in several states. I love meeting the people involved in dietetics. I thank the preceptors for giving of their time and expertise to help us continue our educational process.

Once you become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, what kind of work would you like to do? 

Short term, I am working on strengthening my knowledge of nutrition. I look forward to the continuation of my knowledge during my internship. When I have obtained my RD qualifications, I plan to work as a dietician in the corporate world of wellness. I want to work with individuals who are motivated to take action to improve both their health and the health of their families.

In time, I would like to be a life coach incorporating my love of nutrition into a more balanced life plan involving the positive psychology of success and motivating people to go from good to great. I would like to help people achieve to their best potential by creating accountability and providing knowledge and encouragement to help them make the shift. I love to help people feel great through positive life choices.

What words of wisdom would you share with students who are interested in pursuing Dietetics? 

The field of dietetics is growing. There are many opportunities to find the best niche for anyone looking to major in the field. It is an exciting time to be learning and involved in the field of nutrition.

 

 

Dietetic Internship in Pocatello

Stephanie Fisher

How did you become interested in nutrition?

I have always had a passion for food and helping others. When I learned that a career in Dietetics would allow me to pursue both, that is when I became interested in nutrition.

What has been your favorite experience from your dietetic program and/or internship so far?

My favorite experience from the internship has been working with the various interdisciplinary teams and learning how each discipline works to help their patients. My favorite disciplines that I was able to shadow were Speech Therapy and Wound Care.

Once you become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, what kind of work would you like to do?

I would love to work in a clinical setting, either in a hospital or outpatient with diabetes management. I also really enjoyed the Long-Term Care setting and I would definitely be interested in a career there as well.

What words of wisdom would you share with students who are interested in pursuing Dietetics?

Be as open-minded and flexible as possible when going into the internship. There are so many different personalities to work with and as soon as you start feeling comfortable and confident, you move to a new rotation. Different facilities do things their own way, so be open to their ideas and criticisms, that is how you will grow. There will be hiccups along the way, try not to get worked up and just go with it, you can do anything for nine months! Also, ask questions! Most preceptors are glad to share their knowledge and are willing to help you expand yours.

 

Dietetic Internship in Meridian 

Rebecca Naldo

 

How did you become interested in nutrition?

My interest in nutrition stemmed from my lifelong love of food. I grew up watching The Food Network and experimenting in the kitchen with my dad. After a field trip to a heart health museum I became hooked on the relationship between food and health. The rest is history.

What has been your favorite experience from your dietetic program and/or internship so far?

While rotating through a dialysis center, I had the opportunity to assist my preceptor with a presentation on kidney nutrition in a fifth grade class. I enjoyed it immensely. It was interesting to see a side of dietetics that is not often discussed.

Once you become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, what kind of work would you like to do? 

I prefer preventive care to curative care. As such, I am drawn to the public health side of nutrition. I particularly enjoyed my WIC rotation, but would be interested in pursuing anything public health related.

What words of wisdom would you share with students who are interested in pursuing Dietetics? 

Create a community. Surround yourself with peers, mentors, friends, and family. You’ll need all the encouragement, guidance, and love you can get.