Ciara completed the Dietetic Internship (DI) at The University of Tennessee. The DI is in conjunction with the Master of Science in Nutrition graduate degree. The DI program aims to provide an experience component in dietetics which culminates in registration eligibility. The experience provided Ciara with the clinical application of knowledge learned through her Didactic Program in Dietetics and undergraduate curricula. Emphasis was placed on the integration of knowledge and experience leading to a strong capacity to solve problems. As Ciara gained experience, increased responsibility for professional practice was given. Individualized study was stressed to give Ciara experience in integration of knowledge from many areas of study. An interdisciplinary approach assisted Ciara in development of innovative solutions to increasingly complex problems. This included an increased understanding of self and one's role as a member of the comprehensive health care team. Preceptor evaluation and student self-assessment contributed to this understanding in relation to meeting the life-time goals of a dietitian. The DI program provided flexibility for individual interests through individual enrichment, “personal choice” experiences.
The focus of the DI Program was clinical and community. Students completing the DI program possess the knowledge and performance requirements necessary for entry-level practice in the dietetic profession. Each student completed a 30 week experience, including a 5-7 week staff experience which provided an opportunity to integrate and apply knowledge and skills at a staff level. At completion of the DI program the graduate will be eligible to sit for the RD exam.
Ciara spent 12-17 weeks in Clinical rotations that included Cardiac, Cancer, General Clinical, Diabetes, Renal Dialysis, Pediatrics, Metabolic Support, and Long-term Care. The Community/Public Health area of the DI was 5-10 weeks and included the Health Department and WIC, Fitness and Wellness Centers including bariatric patients, Mobile Meals, the UT Ag campus and out-patient counseling including Pediatric GI and Eating Disorders. Ciara spent 4 weeks in Foodservice Management and 4 weeks in Personal Choice. Ciara chose to spend one week working with Julie Burns in Chicago, working with the Chicago Blackhawks and Julie's organic meal delivery program called "Eat Like The Pros". Ciara spent a week at the University of Notre Dame working with Sports Dietitian, Erika Whitman, and spent two weeks at the University of Oregon, working with Sports Dietetian, James Harris. Ciara's two week Mini-Staff Experience was spent at UT Medical Center, working in Metabolic Support and Trauma with Susan Brantley and Leah Kittle. Ciara also spent two weeks at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center for her Staff Experience, working with Kerri Brown.
