Work title: Clinical Registered Dietitian
What is your current role, and what area of nutrition or dietetics do you work in?
I am an inpatient Clinical Dietitian at a regional healthcare system. I am primarily responsible for the Stepdown/Cardiac floor, but frequently cross-cover for Neurology, Oncology, Surgical, ICU, Pediatric, and NICU populations.
What drew you to this area of practice?
Being hospitalized can be a very overwhelming and frightening experience for patients. As an RD, I get to listen to patient’s experiences, offer support, and empower them to set achievable goals that gives them a sense of control over their condition.
How did the University of Iowa Master of Clinical Nutrition program prepare you for your work as a registered dietitian?
Every preceptor I had was excellent at what they did and served as valuable resources throughout the program. I was given independence to grow, but always felt supported. My work was thoughtfully reviewed, and areas to improve were opportunities for discussion rather than criticism. I left the program feeling confident and ready to step into my role as a registered dietitian.
What aspects of the program were most valuable in preparing you for your current role?
Having choice in my clinical rotation preferences was a major advantage in shaping my career path – the breadth of options, from NICU to the bariatric clinic, gave me exposure to nearly every corner of the field. In my daily practice, unfamiliar populations rarely catch me off guard because of the strong foundation I built as a student.
What experiences outside of the curriculum enhanced your education?
I pursued a variety of internships as an undergraduate student, from food science applications to nutrition marketing for a major food commodity board. These learning experiences deepened my appreciation for how versatile a nutrition background can be. I also volunteered (and still do!) for the Iowa Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, where I’ve formed many valuable connections and work to address modern challenges faced by dietitians.
What has been the most rewarding part of your career since graduating from the program?
The most rewarding part of my job will always be the true impact we make on patients’ lives. Even a brief interaction with a patient can make all the difference. It’s especially meaningful to see patients encouraged by the progress they’ve made, even when the steps are small.
What advice would you give to prospective students considering the Master of Clinical Nutrition program?
Take advantage of the culture of learning embodied by team members at UI Health Care. As a student, you are encouraged to participate as part of the care team – for example, my preceptor in the Burn Unit had me present on patients’ nutrition progress during interdisciplinary rounds. Ask to observe other professionals in action; I got to observe a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (performed by a speech-language pathologist) and a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. This is your time to learn – make the most of it!
Anything else you would like to add
Throughout your internship, remind yourself of this: you know far more than you think you do! Take the program one day at a time, and you’ll be amazed with how far you’ll come.