Hi everyone! My name is Megan McKee and I’m a dietetic intern at the Baltimore/Washington DC campus. I’m also doing the combined Master’s program with the University of Rhode Island. Since starting this internship in September, I have learned so much! I started out in my food service rotation, which was a very educational experience for me. I did not have much experience in a kitchen, and especially in a kitchen that serves so many people! I got a really good understanding for how important it is for RDs to know what the kitchen is doing because it really affects patient nutrition. At the end of my food service rotation I was able to plan a squash-themed lunch and talk to customers in the café about the benefits of butternut squash!
My concentration is Medical Nutrition Therapy because I would really like to work as a clinical dietitian following graduation. I recently began my advanced clinical rotation and I am really enjoying it! I love being in the clinical setting and figuring out how to help patients with complicated disease states. It can be really challenging at times, but it is so interesting! I have learned so much more about various diseases and what advice to give to patients. I really enjoy clinical because it is rewarding to know that there is a way for me to help patients during a tough time. Nobody enjoys being in the hospital, but if you show kindness to your patients they really appreciate any assistance you can offer.
One thing that was difficult at first about clinical is that there is not that much time to do in-depth diet educations. At first, I really wanted to give my patients as much information about their diet as possible. I quickly realized that my patients seemed a little overwhelmed and confused. I have now realized that it is best for the patient to give them the vital information and to recommend seeing an outpatient RD for a more in-depth education with goal setting.
I feel so fortunate for everything that this experience has taught me in the first 4 months! I look forward to learning even more and seeing more aspects of the nutrition field during my Long-Term Care and Community rotations!
My concentration is Medical Nutrition Therapy because I would really like to work as a clinical dietitian following graduation. I recently began my advanced clinical rotation and I am really enjoying it! I love being in the clinical setting and figuring out how to help patients with complicated disease states. It can be really challenging at times, but it is so interesting! I have learned so much more about various diseases and what advice to give to patients. I really enjoy clinical because it is rewarding to know that there is a way for me to help patients during a tough time. Nobody enjoys being in the hospital, but if you show kindness to your patients they really appreciate any assistance you can offer.
One thing that was difficult at first about clinical is that there is not that much time to do in-depth diet educations. At first, I really wanted to give my patients as much information about their diet as possible. I quickly realized that my patients seemed a little overwhelmed and confused. I have now realized that it is best for the patient to give them the vital information and to recommend seeing an outpatient RD for a more in-depth education with goal setting.
I feel so fortunate for everything that this experience has taught me in the first 4 months! I look forward to learning even more and seeing more aspects of the nutrition field during my Long-Term Care and Community rotations!
