Personal Statement For Uc Davis

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To Linda Grey White and the UC Davis Medical Center Dietetic Internship selection committee:

At the of end my freshman year of college, I learned the hard way that the freshman 15

weight gain was not just a saying. I knew that I had to make a change, but the only aspect I

understood was exercise. During my upper division classes while completing my degree in

Human Physiology, I was briefly introduced to nutrition. I wanted to learn more about how the

body utilized nutrients in different metabolic and diseased states, so after I graduated, I began

my second degree in nutrition. With my very first nutrition class, I knew that this was my passion

and that dietetics was the career I wanted to pursue. My interest in clinical dietetics led me to

explore the UC Davis Medical Center Dietetic Internship (UCDMC DI). The numerous clinical

opportunities and variety of pediatric rotations in a teaching hospital setting will prepare me to

be a successful dietitian.

I grew up around clinical settings and have always felt comfortable in medical clinics.

This was reinforced through my work as a Patient Dining Specialist at Providence St. Vincent

Hospital. I have developed my skills in communicating nutrition information, understanding the

application of medical nutrition therapy, and becoming familiar with healthcare software such as

EPIC and Hospitality Suites. I have encountered patients confused by being placed on a

therapeutic diet, and have applied my education to explain to them how nutrition relates to their

health. In one particular example, I assisted a diabetic patient by explaining what food items

were lower in carbohydrates to create a meal that would be satisfying. He continued to use the

information to make better choices on his own. Experiences such as this have strengthened my

communication skills both with patients and professionals, and I look forward to utilizing these

skills as a dietetic intern.

I enjoy working with different populations and particularly the pediatric population. I have

been volunteering with children in my community for several years and plan to do so throughout

my life. At a nonprofit organization that provides health and social services for homeless youth, I

worked with many different cultures and backgrounds. I was able to organize and lead a
cooking class for a few of the residents at the nonprofit organization, focusing on key nutritional

facts they could implement. My experience with developing and teaching nutrition material is an

asset I will bring to the internship. The diversity of interactions provided me with perspective and

understanding that is valuable in a hospital environment. I will be comfortable with the diversity

of patients at UCDMC because of my experience working with different populations.

I explored inpatient clinical dietetics by volunteering at Doernbecher Childrens Hospital

on the pediatric oncology floor and fell in love with the experience. I learned to empathize with

patients and was able to be a distraction from the hardships of their illnesses. This experience

increased my interest in pediatrics. An internship program with a variety of pediatric rotations, in

addition to a well-rounded experience, will allow me to further explore my interest. After

completing my internship and gaining experience as a Dietitian, I plan to pursue a Masters

Degree to enhance my understanding and practice as a pediatric Dietitian. UCDMC DI will allow

me to accomplish this goal while insuring that I have strong experience in the many specialties

within dietetics.

While at Doernbecher, I also observed interdisciplinary healthcare teams. I admired the

working relationship between the different physicians, nurses and dietitians to optimize the

patients treatment and care. This is the type of environment I want to be a part of and will

experience at the UCDMC. These teams not only require people who are self-starters but also

leaders who are excited to be contributors to the team. I am one of these leaders. My peers

elected me President of the Oregon State University Nutrition and Dietetics Club where I lead a

team of officers that plan, organize, and host events such as National Nutrition Month and

Professional Development on campus. I understand the importance of being professional as I

am responsible for representing the club publically and professionally. Faculty members have

also recognized my leadership and organization skills. I was offered a paid position as technical

assistant to one of the nutrition professors where I am responsible for creating market orders

and purchasing ingredients for food laboratories. My experience and understanding of food
production and purchasing will be valuable in the food service rotations. My strengths in

organization, planning, and time management allow me to maintain my busy schedule. At times,

I over schedule myself because I enjoying working in multiple settings and take on

responsibilities above what is expected of me. I consistently work on committing to what I have

time for and being aware of my limits. Every day I work towards maintaining my work-life

balance. As an intern, I will be able to continue to address this by communicating with

preceptors in order to not over commit.

Through my broad experience in clinical, foodservice, and community nutrition, I know

that the UCDMC DI, with its variety of clinical rotations, is my best match. The numerous

rotations that include many pediatric opportunities will develop my clinical skills and allow me to

deeply explore my interest in pediatrics. I appreciate the length of the program and look forward

to each rotation and the experience it will provide to make me a highly qualified professional.

After my visit to UCDMC, I know that I will thrive in the program and my skills in leadership,

organization, planning, time management, and communication will be an asset. This programs

attention to accepting interns who exemplify leadership and teamwork makes me the right

candidate. My strong background and performance in science, experience with patient care,

and leadership roles have prepared me to think critically, provide exceptional patient care, and

be a strong team member. I will be a graduate that reflects the strengths and qualities of the

UCDMC DI program.

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