In order to graduate, interns capable of meeting the expected IP outcomes, the Department, the Program, and sponsoring facility preceptors promote the following philosophies:
- Program experiences should emphasize the concept of the dietitian as an active member of the health care team and as the nutrition expert for the public;
- An in-depth academic background in the medical and behavioral sciences is essential for interns to meet established competencies;
- Successful practice is dependent upon development of successful written and oral communication skills;
- Interns, as future practioners, must rely on the research literature as an important basis for current information in nutrition and dietetics;
- Interns should be exposed to a wide variety of dietitians and health professionals who serve as quality role models to aid in professional development;
- Interns should be appropriately mentored by faculty and preceptors in order to fully develop their professional potential;
- Ethical behavior is an absolute requirement at all times, in all settings;
- Interns must be exposed to evidence-based “best practices” of care in all areas of nutrition/dietetics;
- Dietitians must be educators of health professionals and the public as well as patients/clients;
- Faculty and preceptors are present to guide the dedicated intern in pursuit of Knowledge, to open doors and avenues along which the intern may travel; the educational process is an interactive one in which both intern and faculty share the responsibility for learning;
- A well-educated, competent dietitian is qualified to define and subsequently recommend appropriate measures for nutritional support of individuals and groups;
- Interns need to develop management skills in order to be effective change agents and to assume positions of leadership, regardless of area of practice; and
- Participation in professional organizations and activities is important for developing leadership skills, growing professionally, and maintaining competence.
