Analisa Podgorski 11/13/12 Career Plan

After four years of coursework completed at the University of Tennessee, I plan to graduate in May 2013, with a Nutrition Science major, Foodservice and Restaurant Management minor, and a pre-med concentration. Ultimately, I would like to become a medical doctor and work as a radiologist. However, after I graduate, I plan take a year to earn my RD by attending a dietetic internship and then sitting for the registration exam. Therefore, my internship options are limited to programs lasting one year or less. My first choice of dietetic internships is located in Florida. Because I am not attached to Knoxville or even Tennessee, I am open to new places and environments. I like warm weather so I would feel comfortable in Florida. Mayo School of Health Sciences (MSHS) offers an eight-month Dietetics Internship at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. The program provides comprehensive knowledge and skills that enable practitioners to provide complete nutrition services. However, the program is not without its drawbacks. The disadvantage of this program is the small class size. A class of only three interns is very competitive for me to be considered as a potential candidate. Another internship that interests me is located at Medical University of South Carolina, the South's oldest medical school in Charleston, SC. This internship prepares eight to ten interns to become Registered Dietitians. This internship is comprised of over 25 rotations in 15 different healthcare settings under the supervision of 30+ qualified preceptors, lasting for approximately ten months.

Analisa Podgorski 11/13/12 However, the disadvantage of this program is the large cost. The total amount of tuition and fees is $17,000. As I will be a recent college graduate, this amount is especially daunting and will probably require me to take out loans in order to pay for tuition, rent, and other living fees. My final choice for an internship is located in Atlanta, Georgia. The Emory Hospitals Dietetic Internship Program is a challenging nine-month postbaccalaureate program. Rotations, classes and other learning experiences are designed to prepare interns for a career in dietetics. The internship provides interns with the skills necessary to function as entry-level dietitians and to compete effectively in the rapidly changing job market. Additionally, the program's emphasis is in clinical nutrition and nutrition therapy. This clinical focus will definitely help me in the medical field. However, the disadvantage of this program is its popular location. Atlanta gets the majority of applicants because it is an energetic, fun place to live for young adults. This will decrease my chances of obtaining a spot in the program. All in all, I would most like to attend the Emory Hospitals Dietetic Internship Program. First, this program focuses in the clinical aspect of nutrition, which will prepare me for the rigorous course work of medical school. Second, its close enough to my family and hometown of Columbia, Tennessee. The price of tuition and fees is much lower than the Charleston internship and Emory Hospital accepts more interns than the Mayo Clinics three interns per class. Earning my RD before medical school will empower me to teach patients the importance of nutrition in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Analisa Podgorski 11/13/12