Dietetic Internship/Food & Nutritional Services

Dietetic Internship Open House 2012

Wednesday, January 11, 2012
1:30 - 4 p.m.
St. Luke's Hospital
White Home Living Room
101 Page St., New Bedford, Mass.

Meet with internship directors, preceptors and our current intern class.

To RSVP or for more information, please contact:

• Betty Maloof, Internship Director, maloofb@southcoast.org

Select . . . Program Mission Program Goals Graduate Outcomes Monitored for Program Effectiveness About Our Graduates About the South Coast Area -- Program Information -- Accreditation Status Credentialing Process Entrance Date / Program Length Program Fee / Additional Costs Transportation Hours Insurance Medical Financial Aid/Loan Deferments/Scholarships Dress Code -- Admissions -- Requirements Requirements for Program Completion Interviews / Visits Deadline for Application -- Acceptance / Selection Procedures -- Important Deadlines

The Nutritional Services Management Team of Sodexo/Southcoast Hospitals Group invite you to consider our unique program in dietetic education. Our program has the dual advantages of being based out of a community hospital group and backed by the resources of a major food service management company.

Started in 1989 as an Approved Preprofessional Practice Program (AP4), our program is now a fully accredited internship. The program has an emphasis in medical nutrition therapy, with the majority of time spent in direct patient care.

Sodexo has contracted with Southcoast sites for over 30 years, and the senior food service management team has also been extraordinarily stable. Southcoast is now the largest community hospital-based health system in Massachusetts, but has maintained a family atmosphere and remarkable community responsiveness.

Each Sodexo internship is unique in character. The distance-learning option is offered ONLY by the Lexington, Mass., based program.

Clinical experiences at Southcoast include open heart surgery, diabetes, rehabilitation, hemodialysis, critical care, pulmonology, oncology, surgery, bariatric surgery, geriatrics, mental health, orthopedics and gastroenterology. Interns also rotate through long-term care facilities, and gain competency as consultant dietitians in this setting.

Ambulatory nutrition experiences at Southcoast include the cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs, oncology clinic, hospice, one-on-one nutrition counseling, weight management programs, community nutrition classes and the diabetes management program.

Additional community experiences include public schools, community benefit programs and Fall River WIC Program.

Management, administration, and production experiences are also important to our goal of training well-rounded dietetic practitioners. Students gain skills in production planning, cash operations, catering, scheduling labor hours, quality improvement, and budgeting; culminating in a menu special planned, marketed and served to both patients and retail customers.

Classroom training is provided weekly, with "class day" being the time for students to participate in dietitians' meeting, journal club, and classes planned by staff dietitians, physicians, and outside speakers. Professional workshops are also frequently planned into the agenda. Case studies and group participation are used to emphasize "hands-on" practical and applicable learning.

Program Mission

We will produce safe and compassionate dietetics practitioners who will build on the skills gained in our internship to provide evidence-based care in a variety of practice settings. Our graduates will promote and advance the professional of dietetics in caring for and improving the health and promoting the wellness, of the individuals and communities they serve.

Program Goals

1. The Dietetic Internship will prepare well-rounded dietetic practitioners who are comfortable and confident in clinical, community, and management settings.

2. The Dietetic Internship will prepare entry level Registered Dietitians who have a strong clinical knowledge base.

3. The Dietetic Internship program will endeavor to ensure that matched applicants will accept the match, complete the program, pass the RD exam, find employment in the nutrition field and meet expectations of employers.

Graduate Outcomes Monitored for Program Effectiveness

• Target for program completion is 100% for 3 out of every 4 years, or 96% overall.

• Target for first time test takers pass rate on the RD exam is 80%.

• Target for employment within three months of program completion is 80%.

About Our Graduates

Our recent interns have come from James Madison University, Penn State University, the University of Rhode Island, Johnson & Wales University, the University of ConnecticutUniversity of New Hampshire, Boston University Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences and Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy Masters Program.

Although a great number of our students come into the internship directly from college, for others it is a second career. Previous experience of interns include nursing, nutrition research, pharmaceutical sales, real estate, entrepreneurship, food service management and teaching animal behavior.

Recent graduates have started their careers as clinical dietitians, consulting dietitians, diabetic educators, outpatient dietitians, pharmaceutical representatives, in community outreach programs and as food service managers. Approximately 50 percent are working for Sodexo.

Graduates from previous classes remain involved in our program through precepting regular or optional rotations, through presenting at class days and through helping new graduates to make job contacts. We are also fortunate to have 12 of our own graduates on staff at Southcoast Health System.

About the South Coast Area

Fall River, New Bedford and Wareham are communities with a rich heritage and a promising future. Visitors to the area are attracted by beaches, boating and factory outlets. Cultural attractions include the New Bedford Whaling Museum, the Zeiterion Theater, New Bedford Symphony and the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth. Boston, Cape Cod, Providence and Newport, R.I., are all less than one hour away. The cost of living in the Southcoast area is very reasonable.

Program Information

Nondiscrimination Policy:

Sodexo and Southcoast Hospitals Group are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity without regard for race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other basis protected by law. The Sodexo Southcoast Hospitals Group Internship Program provides equal opportunity. There will be no discrimination in the recruitment, selection or training of interns.

Accreditation Status:

The Sodexo Southcoast Hospitals Group is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL 60606, 312-889-5400.

Credentialing Process for Dietitians:

Completion of a didactic program provides the foundation knowledge and skills necessary as a base for "hands-on" learning. The internship program builds on this foundation to provide practitioner competencies for entry level dietetics practice. This internship includes additional depth in nutrition therapy competencies. Successful completion of the internship results in eligibility to take the dietetic registration exam.

At the completion of the internship, the verification statement is conferred, signifying that the intern has completed all program requirements and is eligible to sit for the dietetic registration exam. In addition to dietetic registration, many states have dietetic licensure. Rhode Island licensure is mandatory, Massachusetts licensure is optional.

For further information: http://www.eatright.org/ada/files/STATE_LICENSURE_SUMMARY_7_07_PDF.pdf

Entrance Date & Program Length:

Program begins early in September and lasts approximately 9 1/2 months, or 42 weeks plus 1 week of vacation in late December and early January.

Program Fee:

$7,500 fee, payable in 3 installments.
Program fees are subject to change.

Additional Costs:

Affiliate membership in the American Dietetic Association, at $50/year, is required. Some basic reference books costing approximately $200 are also required. Students are responsible for paying for their own meals.

Living Expenses:

Rental housing is generally available in the area at reasonable rates.

Transportation:

Students are responsible for their own transportation and must have a reliable vehicle in order to participate in rotations at various sites. Car insurance is mandatory in the state of Massachusetts.

Hours:

Students generally work an 8 1/2 hour day during affiliations, usually starting at 7 a.m., 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. Some production and management rotations begin as early as 5:30 a.m. or run as late as 8 p.m. Community programs may also occur in the evenings. Students should plan for an additional 1-2 hours/day for readings and assignments. Most interns are able to accommodate part-time jobs on evenings and weekends into their schedule.

Weekends, Holidays & Vacation:

Weekends are generally not included in rotations. Students have the holidays observed by Southcoast as days off. Thanksgiving and the following Friday are holidays. Religious holidays can be scheduled with the program director. All students will be on vacation from Christmas through New Year's.

Insurance:

Students are responsible for providing their own health and accident insurance. Students are responsible for their own safety during affiliations and travel time. Professional liability insurance is provided by the program.

Medical:

Students are required to have a physical examination prior to the official start of the internship. This examination is provided by Employee Health and is free to the student. Drug testing is required. Immunizations will be updated if not current.

Financial Aid/Loan Deferments/Scholarships:

The Sodexo Southcoast Hospitals Internship does not offer financial aid. It is the student's responsibility to obtain loan deferments; the program director or co-director will provide a letter of verification that the student has been admitted to an ADA sanctioned program. Sodexo offers a limited number of scholarships for which students may apply after being selected for the program.

Dress Code:

Southcoast will provide one white lab coat for each student. Students are responsible for laundering. Usual attire will be business clothes, closed-toed shoes, white lab coat and name tag. While working in production areas, students will wear non-skid, flat shoes, and appropriate casual clothes.

Admissions

Requirements for Admissions:

1. Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.

2. Completion of an ADA-approved Didactic Program in Dietetics.

Requirements for Program Completion:

• Complete 1,200 hours of supervised practice as assigned.
• Complete all general and nutrition therapy objectives.
• Complete graduation requirements in addition to rotations.
• Complete full payment of the program fee.

Interviews & Visits:

You are encouraged to visit the program to help you determine if you wish to apply. Speaking to preceptors and current students, as well as seeing the facility, will help you make this decision.

You are also welcome to call with any questions. Getting familiar with the program always helps with writing your application letter! We may also request a personal interview with you as part of the selection process. Letting us know you're interested increases your chances of being selected!

Deadline for Application:

February 15, 2012, is the postmark deadline for submitting applications.

Application/Selection/Acceptance Procedures

Computer Matching:

All complete computer matching information, including computer matching dates with deadlines, is on the ADA/CADE Website at www.eatright.org/CADE/content.aspx?id=186&terms=computer+matching+calendar

Application Phase

• This program is using the on-line centralized internship application, DICAS, which may be accessed at https://portal.dicas.org, e-mail DICASinfo@DICAS.org. DICAS will be available after December 1, 2011, for the Spring 2012 Match. The on-line application must be completed for our program by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on February 15, 2012. The fee to use DICAS is $40 for the first application submitted and $20 for each additional application.

• When completing the application form, applicants must include the name and contact information (specifically an e-mail address) for each reference. This will trigger an e-mail message requesting completion of a reference form. The form will be completed on-line. Students submitting more than one application will need to use the same individuals as references for each application.

• Applicants who apply to internships using DICAS will be asked to complete a personal statement. Questions to be addressed in the personal statement include:
  • Why do you want to enter the dietetics profession?
  • Discuss experiences that have helped to prepare you for your career.
  • What are your short-term and long-term goals?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses or areas needing improvement?
  • 1,000 word limit.

• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be sent to:
  DICAS - Transcript Dept
  PO Box 9118
  Watertown, MA 02472

• Applicants must also register online for computer matching at www.dnddigital.com and select dietetic internship priority choices by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on February 15, 2012. There is a $50 computer matching fee.

• There is also a $50 application fee due to the internship by February 15, 2012; please make check payable to Sodexo and send to:
  Betty Maloof, MS, RD
  Internship Director
  Southcoast Hospitals Group
  St. Luke's Hospital
  101 Page St.
  New Bedford, MA 02740
  maloofb@southcoast.org
  508-997-1515 x 3961

Computer Matching Phase

• Applicants are responsible for notifying D&D Digital, in writing, of a decision to withdraw from the matching process if circumstances will prevent them from accepting a match that may occur.
• Applicants are responsible for telephoning D&D Digital if they cannot access the D&D Digital Internet site to view their personal matching results on Notification Day.

Appointment Phase

• Applicants who receive a computer match DI appointment are responsible for accepting or rejecting the match by telephone or fax by 5:00 pm (of the program's time zone) on Appointment Day.
• Applicants who submitted a Declaration of Intent to Complete form with their DI applications must obtain a signed DPD Verification Statement from their DPD Program Director and official transcript documenting completion of the bachelor's degree before they may begin the DI.

Important Applicant Responsibilities

Participants in the computer matching process are expected to adhere to the results of the match and accept a match that may occur. It is unethical to decline a match in order to pursue appointment to another program.

Programs with open positions will be posted on the D&D Digital Web site the day following Appointment Day. Applicants who do not receive a computer match must not contact any program with open positions until the day following Appointment Day. In addition, please do not ask your Didactic Program Director to inquire about programs with open positions until the day programs with open positions are posted. This allows the DI programs time to confirm acceptance from their matched applicants and determine the process they will use to fill open positions.

Important Timeline:

• February 15, 2012: Applicants must register online at www.dnddigital.com, pay the $50 computer match fee by credit card and enter their contact information and Dietetic Internship preferences by 11:59 pm Central Time February 15, 2012.
• Applicants who have registered for the match by February 15, 2012, can reorder Dietetic Internship priority rankings; however, no additional internships can be added to the list. No changes in DI rankings may be made after 11:59 pm Central Time on March 28, 2012. If you make other arrangements and will not be able to accept a match that may occur, you must notify D&D Digital in writing of your decision to withdraw from Dietetic Internship matching by March 26, 2012. The $50 matching fee is not refundable.
• Sunday, April 1, 2012, through April 2, 2012 (Appointment Day): Applicant matching results will be posted on www.dnddigital.com from 6:00 PM Central Time. This is the ONLY source of notification for applicants. Each applicant will receive either ONE MATCH or NO MATCH after Log In. All applicants who receive ONE MATCH will find the matched DI program name and contact information to accept the matched appointment. The MATCHED DI program is planning that the MATCH will be accepted.
• Tuesday, April 3, 2012: matched applicants must contact the DI Program by 5:00 p.m. (time zone of the program), to confirm acceptance of the match. Please contact program director Betty Maloof, MS, RD by telephone 508-997-1515 x 3961 or fax 508-961-5166 or maloofb@southcoast.org. After this time, the program is under no obligation to hold the opening for the matched applicant.
• Wednesday, April 4, 2011: Names of Dietetic Internship programs that did not fill their class and authorized release of their name will be posted on www.dnddigital.com. Applicants who did not match and Dietetic Internship
• Directors with openings may contact each other.

Thank you. We look forward to hearing from you. Please call us if any of these instructions are unclear.

Betty Maloof, MS, RD
Internship Director
maloofb@southcoast.org