Work Title: Clinical Dietitian University of Iowa Health Care
What is your current role, and what area of nutrition or dietetics do you work in?
I work as an registered dietitian in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
What drew you to this area of practice?
I always had a feeling I would find my place in pediatrics. Early on, my interest in nutrition calculations and tube feedings sparked my curiosity about the NICU. But it was the mentorship and hands-on experiences I gained during the Master of Clinical Nutrition program that truly solidified my passion. Those experiences showed me the intricate role of the RDN in the NICU and deepened my love for this incredibly resilient and unique patient population. Supporting some of our smallest and most vulnerable patients during such a critical stage of life is both inspiring and rewarding.
How did the University of Iowa Master of Clinical Nutrition program prepare you for your work as a registered dietitian?
Between coursework and hands-on experiences, the Master of Clinical Nutrition program prepared me well for my role as a registered dietitian. The program provided a strong foundational knowledge that I was able to apply directly in supervised clinical practice. Just as valuable were the diverse clinical rotation opportunities and the chance to learn from more than a dozen preceptors across a variety of patient populations. Each preceptor offered unique perspectives and approaches, which helped me shape my own practice style and gave me confidence as I began my career as a registered dietitian.
What aspects of the program were most valuable in preparing you for your current role?
This program gave me countless tools that I will carry with me throughout my career. One of the most valuable was the trust and confidence the MCN faculty and staff placed in me, which helped build confidence in my own abilities. The connections I built with faculty, preceptors, and peers are another meaningful piece that I will carry with me as I begin my career. Lastly, the wide variety of clinical and community experiences allowed me to explore different areas of practice and ultimately discover the niche I am most passionate about.
What has been the most rewarding part of your career since graduating from the program?
One of the most rewarding moments since graduation has been passing the RD Exam and experiencing the overwhelming support from the dietitians around me. Not only has the NICU team reached out to congratulate me, but fellow dietitians across UI Health Care have also shared their excitement and encouragement. Their support has reinforced my confidence and reminded me why I chose this profession.
What advice would you give to prospective students considering the Master of Clinical Nutrition program?
The biggest piece of advice I would give to prospective students is to trust the process and believe in your ability to grow. Coming into the program with limited exposure to nutrition coursework, I was nervous and unsure of what to expect. But with the support of faculty, preceptors, and my peers, I was able to bridge that gap and build the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. This program taught me that confidence is built over time and that leaning on those around you is an important part of that journey. Most importantly, remember that success in this program is not defined by what you know at the beginning, but by your work ethic, willingness to learn, and the attitude you bring each day.