The faculty believes in providing opportunities which develop and enhance the professional growth of the intern. Membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) is required. As a matter of policy, interns are also encouraged to participate in professional meetings, conventions, projects, etc. The following activities are highly encouraged:
- Intern memberships in local, state, and national professional organizations;
- preparation, display, and presentation of professional-related exhibits, essays, poster presentations, etc.;
- participation in National Nutrition Month activities; and
- attendance and participation at any function in which new knowledge or the quality of professionalism is enhanced.
In promoting the above philosophy, interns are required to attend at least one professional meeting and turn in a summary through D2L. They are highly encouraged to attend others when possible, particularly:
- Oklahoma City District Dietetic Association meetings (OCDDA);
- Conventions of the Oklahoma Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (OkAND meets twice annually, in the Fall and the Spring); and
- Food and Nutrition Conference and Exhibits (FNCE), the annual convention of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (held each fall).
The faculty encourages interns to also attend other nutrition-related meetings and seminars, which are offered at times other than those, which require the intern to be in scheduled experiences. Approval to attend conferences, seminars, etc., which conflict with routine academic schedules is to be arranged through the IP Director after securing initial approval from the preceptor at the respective affiliation site.
