Hi, my name is Julie and I am lucky enough to complete my dietetic internship in the beautiful state of Colorado where I was born and raised. Like my previous career, building relationships is an important part of the internship. As l near the half-way mark, I am understanding how important relationships are with the interdisciplinary teams in all my rotations. I have been impressed not only with my preceptors, but with the other teams at Rose Medical who are not directly involved in my training, and how willing they are to invest in developing students and interns.
Recently, I had the opportunity to observe bariatric surgeries. I don’t know if I was more nervous for the surgeries or intruding on the surgical team. I was grateful for how they were all taking time to ensure I was learning as much as possible from the experience. I had similar experiences from the wound care team, nursing staff, and even the outpatient bariatric and nutrition support dietitians.
I found this same level of engagement outside of the clinical setting. During my food service rotation, the entire Sodexo team at University of Denver embraced my role and supported me with their valuable time to ensure my projects would be successful. Along the way, each one of them imparted knowledge on me that has added to my development.
It can be very intimidating to drive relationships with the interdisciplinary teams when you are the ‘newbie’ and are only there for a short time. It may seem easier to stay close to the preceptors and those directly involved in your training. However, if you did, you would be significantly limiting the experience and knowledge needed to be successful in your future career.
I have found the best way to engage with others, especially when you feel unfamiliar or less experienced, is to ask a lot of questions. These questions do not have to be overly insightful or necessary for your development but can simply be used to understand the person and their role better. These individuals have developed the skills to be an expert in their field and often appreciate the opportunity to share the knowledge they have worked so hard for.
By engaging with the interdisciplinary teams in all rotations, interns are developing themselves to be well-rounded dietitians no matter what specialty they land in. Thank you to all who have imparted their time, expertise and passion on myself and other interns, you are truly making a difference.
Recently, I had the opportunity to observe bariatric surgeries. I don’t know if I was more nervous for the surgeries or intruding on the surgical team. I was grateful for how they were all taking time to ensure I was learning as much as possible from the experience. I had similar experiences from the wound care team, nursing staff, and even the outpatient bariatric and nutrition support dietitians.
I found this same level of engagement outside of the clinical setting. During my food service rotation, the entire Sodexo team at University of Denver embraced my role and supported me with their valuable time to ensure my projects would be successful. Along the way, each one of them imparted knowledge on me that has added to my development.
It can be very intimidating to drive relationships with the interdisciplinary teams when you are the ‘newbie’ and are only there for a short time. It may seem easier to stay close to the preceptors and those directly involved in your training. However, if you did, you would be significantly limiting the experience and knowledge needed to be successful in your future career.
I have found the best way to engage with others, especially when you feel unfamiliar or less experienced, is to ask a lot of questions. These questions do not have to be overly insightful or necessary for your development but can simply be used to understand the person and their role better. These individuals have developed the skills to be an expert in their field and often appreciate the opportunity to share the knowledge they have worked so hard for.
By engaging with the interdisciplinary teams in all rotations, interns are developing themselves to be well-rounded dietitians no matter what specialty they land in. Thank you to all who have imparted their time, expertise and passion on myself and other interns, you are truly making a difference.
