Ashley Onyemechi - Region 9

​Hello everyone, I am Ashley Onyemechi and I am a current dietetic intern from Wichita, Kansas, Region 9. I started the internship in September 2023 and finished my master’s degree in December 2023 from Murray State University.

It's hard to believe that seven months have already flown by since I started this internship journey. Reflecting on this period, I'm filled with a sense of gratitude for the invaluable experiences and growth opportunities that each rotation has offered.
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I started with clinicals, and it was a very stressful and rewarding time. My preceptors were extremely knowledgeable and helped walk me through the process of critical thinking when it came to the Nutrition Care Process. My favorite thing about clinicals was going to rounds with the interdisciplinary team. I love being a part of team and it was interesting to see the role nutrition played in this process. My other favorite thing about clinicals was being pushed to really use my skills. In the moment it may feel like a lot but everything I learned in my undergrad was applied during my rotation and helped me to work through each patient’s case.
 
In the foodservice rotation, I undertook a project aimed at enhancing food signage during meal period to help students easily identify dietary preferences, allergy prevention, and nutritional needs. By introducing improving signage during the meal periods students and faculty members had a decreased instance of cross contamination that contributed to allergy flare ups.  I am currently halfway through my community rotation at WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), I've been deeply inspired by the impactful work of our team in empowering women and families to make informed nutrition choices. From conducting engaging nutrition education presentation for children to observing countless personalized counseling sessions, every interaction has opened my eyes to the importance of fostering community partnerships and delivering culturally sensitive nutrition education. Food service and Community have both been my favorite rotations.
 
Beyond the tangible outcomes, these experiences have profoundly shaped my professional growth and outlook. I've learned the importance of empathy and effective communication in building rapport with patients and clients, as well as the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in delivering comprehensive care.  This is something that was super hard for me in the beginning but with practice I have become more comfortable in interactions with not only patients but team members.
As I eagerly anticipate my specialty rotation, I carry with me a sense of purpose and passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of others through nutrition. Each rotation has provided me with invaluable insights and skills that I am eager to apply in my future practice. I am grateful for the guidance and support of my preceptors who have contributed to my learning experience.
 
In closing, I am excited to continue embracing new challenges and opportunities for growth, confident in my ability to contribute positively to the field of nutrition and make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of individuals and communities. Here's to the next chapter of this incredible journey!

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