Hello! My name is Lisa Huang, a native New Yorker and an intern in region 3 (NYC). Sodexo has placed me to do my clinical nutrition management, clinical (basic, intermediate, advanced, staff relief), patient services, and concentration rotations in Brooklyn, New York. So far, I’ve completed my clinical nutrition management rotation and am more than halfway through my clinical rotation. My site has been great; filled with amazing staff, preceptors, and managers.
My first week of clinical practice was a little nerve-wracking, but I’ve slowly built up more and more confidence over the weeks to speak to patients. Unlike our DPD programs where we learn 1 disease state at a time, you’ll rarely see a patient with just 1 disease condition. An average patient will have at least 3 co-morbidities, making your assessment important to best help your patient. I’ve been exposed to a wide variety of disease states in just my first month and it has been an extremely positive experience to be part of a multidisciplinary team here at SUNY Downstate.
Aside from tremendous career opportunities, what attracted me to Sodexo’s dietetic internship is an intern’s ability to put a personal touch to it. This is made possible through a concentration and community site(s) of your choice. In addition to my clinical hours (Mon-Thurs), I’m also clocking hours at an eating disorder private practice every Friday. I’m on track to do a transplant concentration via leadership with SUNY’s transplant RD very soon. It was extremely cool to hear what past interns have done with their concentration during the application process, and now I’m here putting my own spark on it. I wasn’t initially interested in transplant while I was in school but since being at SUNY Downstate, I’ve become more interested in clinical specialties and decided to jump at this rare opportunity.
My advice to incoming interns is to keep an open mind, your interests might change and that’s okay, that’s why you’re here. If you make a mistake, that’s okay -- you’re still learning, and your preceptors will understand. Ask questions, connect, and do your best.
My first week of clinical practice was a little nerve-wracking, but I’ve slowly built up more and more confidence over the weeks to speak to patients. Unlike our DPD programs where we learn 1 disease state at a time, you’ll rarely see a patient with just 1 disease condition. An average patient will have at least 3 co-morbidities, making your assessment important to best help your patient. I’ve been exposed to a wide variety of disease states in just my first month and it has been an extremely positive experience to be part of a multidisciplinary team here at SUNY Downstate.
Aside from tremendous career opportunities, what attracted me to Sodexo’s dietetic internship is an intern’s ability to put a personal touch to it. This is made possible through a concentration and community site(s) of your choice. In addition to my clinical hours (Mon-Thurs), I’m also clocking hours at an eating disorder private practice every Friday. I’m on track to do a transplant concentration via leadership with SUNY’s transplant RD very soon. It was extremely cool to hear what past interns have done with their concentration during the application process, and now I’m here putting my own spark on it. I wasn’t initially interested in transplant while I was in school but since being at SUNY Downstate, I’ve become more interested in clinical specialties and decided to jump at this rare opportunity.
My advice to incoming interns is to keep an open mind, your interests might change and that’s okay, that’s why you’re here. If you make a mistake, that’s okay -- you’re still learning, and your preceptors will understand. Ask questions, connect, and do your best.
