Hello everyone! My name is Paola Rosales. I am a region 12 intern located in sunny Southern California. As my internship began last February, I had the opportunity to start off my rotations with community. This rotation took place at a local health clinic that serves, for the most part, the underprivileged and uninsured population in the San Gabriel Valley. This health clinic has a large and complex variety of services including medical, nutrition, dental, social and behavioral services. As an intern and with the help of an exceptional RD and professional, I learned to give nutrition education to patients dealing with different chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and many other health conditions. I also co-facilitated nutrition and wellness and diabetes management biweekly groups. Moreover, to make my experience even more versatile, I was part of their substance abuse support group where I experienced a different side of nutrition education, specifically tailored to help those who are recovering from addiction. Lastly, did I forget to mention I wrote many ADIMES? Which I was truly grateful for.
My learning experience in community nutrition was more than putting into practice what I have learned throughout my years of nutrition school. At this site, I witnessed patient-centered care, empathy and the hard work of team that strives to serve each patient with the care they need to meet their individual needs. I was very fortunate to be able to learn from such an amazing team of professionals with a heart of service. Thank you for giving me so much SJ and EVCHC staff.
