Vernon Rayo - Region 12

Although currently in my clinical rotation and will be in this setting for some time, I must say that I enjoy this aspect of the internship the most. I already enjoy the science behind why RDs do what they do, but constantly challenging myself with new situations in a clinical setting is something I enjoy also. I love to learn! More importantly, I love to apply what I learn to empower and facilitate lifestyle change. A common thing I heard is that during the clinical rotation one must adjust to various types of preceptors. Although overwhelming to maneuver through the details individuals prefer, it ultimately molds the style you will handle situations. So, absorb everything!
 
So far, my most memorable experience was during my community rotation at the San Diego Foodbank. I merged my background in exercise physiology and nutrition to present on “fueling” tailored to various work positions (e.g., those who lifted heavy boxes vs those who walked down aisles of cars passing handouts vs those who enrolled the elderly for the food drive programs). In my presentation I effectively explained the energy systems in the body and how the macronutrients contribute to different intensities of work. I even switched my role as a dietetic intern for a moment and became a personal trainer teaching how to dynamically warm up for a physically taxing day instead of performing familiar passive stretches.
 
After the dietetic internship and passing my RDN exam, I wish to serve as a clinical dietitian. Additionally, I hope to eventually complete a PhD program in applied physiology or biomedical sciences so that I can uncover the unknown nutrition literature and even prepare future RD2Bes through a professorship.
 
Some words of advice based on my experiences thus far:

1. I am sure you have constantly heard to complete your clinical assignments well before the clinical rotation! However, I found it useful for myself to do them close to/during the rotation. Everything has been so fresh in my mind.
2. No matter how great your educational background is, you do not know everything, and that is okay. You will be constructively criticized a lot, but that is good!
3. Check in on your loved ones! You will be very busy and tired, which may lead to you forgetting the simple things. Although the internship is a VERY big and important part of your career, it is still one aspect of your entire life.
4. Some of you will forget to eat. So, eat! (Maybe that was a me problem)

Hello! My name is Vernon Rayo, a Region 12 intern based in Southern California (Orange County/San Diego). Currently, I am in my advanced clinical rotation and will begin my critical care concentration next month. Completing my concentration will wrap up my internship, and I will be at the final step of becoming an RD!
 
Although currently in my clinical rotation and will be in this setting for some time, I must say that I enjoy this aspect of the internship the most. I already enjoy the science behind why RDs do what they do, but constantly challenging myself with new situations in a clinical setting is something I enjoy also. I love to learn! More importantly, I love to apply what I learn to empower and facilitate lifestyle change. A common thing I heard is that during the clinical rotation one must adjust to various types of preceptors. Although overwhelming to maneuver through the details individuals prefer, it ultimately molds the style you will handle situations. So, absorb everything!
 
So far, my most memorable experience was during my community rotation at the San Diego Foodbank. I merged my background in exercise physiology and nutrition to present on “fueling” tailored to various work positions (e.g., those who lifted heavy boxes vs those who walked down aisles of cars passing handouts vs those who enrolled the elderly for the food drive programs). In my presentation I effectively explained the energy systems in the body and how the macronutrients contribute to different intensities of work. I even switched my role as a dietetic intern for a moment and became a personal trainer teaching how to dynamically warm up for a physically taxing day instead of performing familiar passive stretches.
 
After the dietetic internship and passing my RDN exam, I wish to serve as a clinical dietitian. Additionally, I hope to eventually complete a PhD program in applied physiology or biomedical sciences so that I can uncover the unknown nutrition literature and even prepare future RD2Bes through a professorship.
 
Some words of advice based on my experiences thus far:

1. I am sure you have constantly heard to complete your clinical assignments well before the clinical rotation! However, I found it useful for myself to do them close to/during the rotation. Everything has been so fresh in my mind.
2. No matter how great your educational background is, you do not know everything, and that is okay. You will be constructively criticized a lot, but that is good!
3. Check in on your loved ones! You will be very busy and tired, which may lead to you forgetting the simple things. Although the internship is a VERY big and important part of your career, it is still one aspect of your entire life.
4. Some of you will forget to eat. So, eat! (Maybe that was a me problem)

Hello! My name is Vernon Rayo, a Region 12 intern based in Southern California (Orange County/San Diego). Currently, I am in my advanced clinical rotation and will begin my critical care concentration next month. Completing my concentration will wrap up my internship, and I will be at the final step of becoming an RD!
 
Although currently in my clinical rotation and will be in this setting for some time, I must say that I enjoy this aspect of the internship the most. I already enjoy the science behind why RDs do what they do, but constantly challenging myself with new situations in a clinical setting is something I enjoy also. I love to learn! More importantly, I love to apply what I learn to empower and facilitate lifestyle change. A common thing I heard is that during the clinical rotation one must adjust to various types of preceptors. Although overwhelming to maneuver through the details individuals prefer, it ultimately molds the style you will handle situations. So, absorb everything!
 
So far, my most memorable experience was during my community rotation at the San Diego Foodbank. I merged my background in exercise physiology and nutrition to present on “fueling” tailored to various work positions (e.g., those who lifted heavy boxes vs those who walked down aisles of cars passing handouts vs those who enrolled the elderly for the food drive programs). In my presentation I effectively explained the energy systems in the body and how the macronutrients contribute to different intensities of work. I even switched my role as a dietetic intern for a moment and became a personal trainer teaching how to dynamically warm up for a physically taxing day instead of performing familiar passive stretches.
 
After the dietetic internship and passing my RDN exam, I wish to serve as a clinical dietitian. Additionally, I hope to eventually complete a PhD program in applied physiology or biomedical sciences so that I can uncover the unknown nutrition literature and even prepare future RD2Bes through a professorship.
 
Some words of advice based on my experiences thus far:

1. I am sure you have constantly heard to complete your clinical assignments well before the clinical rotation! However, I found it useful for myself to do them close to/during the rotation. Everything has been so fresh in my mind.
2. No matter how great your educational background is, you do not know everything, and that is okay. You will be constructively criticized a lot, but that is good!
3. Check in on your loved ones! You will be very busy and tired, which may lead to you forgetting the simple things. Although the internship is a VERY big and important part of your career, it is still one aspect of your entire life.
4. Some of you will forget to eat. So, eat! (Maybe that was a me problem)

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