Sahiti Palle - Region 10

​Hello everyone! I am Sahiti Palle from Region 10. I am currently completing the URI coursework along with the Sodexo Dietetic Internship. The simultaneous timing of the coursework and internship has helped me connect theory with real-life clinical practice. I really appreciate how each assignment is carefully planned to align with our rotations.
 
I am currently in my clinical rotation. I have completed the basic rotation and have now started the intermediate level. Every day brings new learning opportunities. I have worked with a wide range of cases, including diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, renal conditions, oncology patients, and patients with swallowing difficulties.
 
One experience that had a strong impact on my learning was working closely with the speech therapy department. I had the opportunity to observe a Modified Barium Swallow study and was involved in the examination while viewing the test through fluoroscopy. This helped me better understand the physiology of swallowing and identify where swallowing difficulties occur. This experience reinforced the importance of teamwork in providing safe and effective nutrition care.
 
I have also gained valuable experience working with patients requiring enteral nutrition support. One patient in the rehabilitation unit previously had a nasogastric tube placed, but repeatedly pulled it out, increasing the risk of complications. After speech therapy assessed the patient, they recommended him pureed diet, but oral intake remained below 25% for nearly a week. During multidisciplinary rounds, the team reviewed the patient’s intake trends, medical condition, and safety concerns, and it was decided that PEG tube placement would be the most appropriate long-term nutrition support option.
 
I also had the opportunity to observe the PEG tube placement performed by a gastroenterology surgeon. The surgeon explained each step of the procedure and emphasized the importance of proper placement. Observing the procedure helped me connect the medical intervention with our role as dietitians, which included selecting appropriate tube feeding formulas, determining feeding rates, and monitoring tolerance and potential complications. This experience strengthened my understanding of how nutrition interventions directly impact patient care and outcomes.
 
Overall, I am truly enjoying this program. While we learn Medical Nutrition Therapy in theory, applying it in real clinical situations has been extremely valuable. Managing patients over time has shown me that real-life cases are not only more complex than textbook examples, but also require ongoing coordination and adjustment based on the patient’s evolving condition, response to treatment, and overall needs. I am grateful for the strong support from dietitians, preceptors, and the program director. I look forward to moving into the advanced rotation, continuing to grow professionally, and making even a small positive difference in the lives of the patients I work with.

---