Sam Morley - Region 1

During my clinical rotation with the Sodexo Dietetic Internship, I had the opportunity to dive deeper into the connection between lifestyle and chronic disease. One experience that stood out to me was working with a patient newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. As someone passionate about functional nutrition and integrative health, I was excited to merge evidence-based guidelines with personalized, sustainable changes for this patient.
 
With my preceptor’s support, I was able to conduct a nutrition education session that focused not just on blood sugar management but also on stress, sleep, and movement. I guided the patient through how fiber-rich carbohydrates, healthy fats, and consistent meals could support their blood sugar, but I also asked about their daily routine—what they do in the morning, how they feel in the evenings, and what barriers they’ve had in the past with food. That simple conversation turned into a meaningful moment of trust and empowerment.
 
By the end of the session, the patient told me they finally felt like someone “got it.” They weren’t just handed a handout—they were heard. And for me, that’s the heart of this profession.
 
This experience reminded me why I entered the field of dietetics in the first place. It’s not just about the science of nutrition; it’s about meeting people where they are and empowering them to take one step forward. As someone who has personally used nutrition to manage my own health challenges, being on the other side of the counseling table felt full circle.
 
The Sodexo Dietetic Internship has helped me grow in ways I never expected. The support I’ve received, along with the hands-on experiences across clinical and community settings, has given me a strong foundation to be the kind of dietitian who not only understands the science—but also leads with compassion.

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