Silas Fontenot -Region 6

Hi, I’m Silas Fontenot, and I am a Sodexo dietetic intern. Going from the classroom to the internship was very nerve-wracking. I only recently discovered my passion for nutrition and helping others, so I had a lot of self-doubt and imposter syndrome creeping in. But after attending orientation in September, I felt so much more reassured. I knew I had made the right decision and that I was exactly where I needed to be. Being around the staff and other interns for those four days gave me a huge boost of confidence and the kind of support I know I’ll need to get through the rest of this journey.

I am currently in my second week of my clinical rotation, and I could not be happier about the way things are going.  One of the most encouraging parts of this internship has been the incredible support from the hospital staff. From day one, I was welcomed with open arms and treated like a valued member of the team. The dietitians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals were not only kind and approachable, but genuinely eager to teach. Whether it was walking me through a patient chart, explaining their thoughts on a nutrition intervention, or sharing their own experiences, they made every effort to help me learn and grow.

One moment that truly stuck with me during my clinical rotation so far involved a patient with severe wounds who was struggling to meet his protein needs. As a vegetarian, he found the hospital menu limiting and unappealing, which made it difficult for him to get the nutrition his body desperately needed. I watched as the dietitian I was shadowing took the time to understand his preferences and brought him a selection of vegetarian canned foods that she went out and bought for him.

His demeanor changed drastically when she walked into his room with the bag of food. His face lit up with gratitude, and I could see how deeply he felt cared for—not just as a patient, but as a person. That moment reminded me that nutrition isn’t just about numbers and lab values; it’s about empathy, creativity, and meeting people where they are. It was a powerful lesson in the impact we can have when we listen and respond with compassion.
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Overall, I’m having a great experience with the Sodexo dietetic internship. The variety of rotations, the support from preceptors and staff, and the chance to really grow as a future dietitian have made this journey so worth it. If you’re thinking about applying, I’d definitely recommend it. It’s a challenging program, but you’ll be surrounded by people who want to see you succeed, and that makes all the difference.

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