Mary Manter - Region 1

An important part of being a dietetic intern during a clinical rotation is collaborating with the interdisciplinary healthcare team. I recently had the opportunity to attend a modified barium swallow study alongside the speech-language pathologist and radiologist, and it was an incredibly valuable experience.
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Observing the exam in real time helped me better understand how swallowing function directly impacts nutrition recommendations, texture modifications, and overall patient safety. Working closely with the SLP reinforced how essential communication and collaboration are when caring for patients with dysphagia. Each discipline brings a unique perspective, and when those perspectives come together, patient care is stronger and more effective.

I’m grateful for the chance to learn from other healthcare professionals and to see how teamwork truly enhances clinical decision-making. Experiences like this continue to shape my growth as a future RDN and highlight the importance of collaboration in providing high-quality, patient-centered care.

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