Back to where it all began

You know those times in life when everything falls into place all at once and you’re left being decently confident of what you’re meant to do in life? Well, I’m pretty sure that has just happened to me in the past week. Now that I have you all curious, I’ll proceed to my story. J

For the past ~3 weeks, I have been in outpatient bariatrics and have absolutely loved it. I like inpatient, I really do, but my passion for preventative healthcare has been revived this fall. Even though OP Bari is comprised of a lot of rules and more “black and white” nutrition recommendations, I really enjoyed the experience. Being able to counsel and educate individuals who are pondering and/or in the midst of making lifestyle changes is encouraging and it was great to see how some patients’ lives are completely changed through weight loss. I am able to see much more clearly just how multi-faceted the “obesity epidemic” is in our society and how debilitating this disease can be to an individual’s health and well being. I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to work alongside my preceptor to help change lives. Side note: I was also able to observe surgery (a roux-en-y gastric bypass) during this rotation. Yes, I was in the OR. In scrubs. Awesome, I know.

So, aside from being able to be involved with patients on a less acute, more personal level, I have also been pondering my path for next year, as I know that June will be here before I know it. Recent classes, conversations, etc., have all confirmed to me that my skill set, personality, talents fit best in a community nutrition setting, which is ironically where this 5+ year journey began in the spring of my junior year of high school. I left the two-day Iowa Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (IAND) conference today revived and excited for the future of my profession, particularly as our society as a whole combats health crises and complicated food systems. Programs promoting community gardening for kids and encouraging greater vegetable consumption are current areas being implemented and are areas in which I can see myself flourishing. Additionally, pursuing a master’s in public health (MPH) has also been in the back of my mind for some time, especially given that I am currently connected to the University of Iowa College of Public Health through my internship at UIHC. And, every day at work confirms that I love HyVee and want to stay there.  Oh, and, last but certainly not least, I am incredibly blessed to have found a church that is passionate about serving the local community, one through which I am able to be encouraged, find community, and also serve others. All these factors combine to make me desire very much to stay in Iowa City.

That being said, the past week has provided me with many networking opportunities, covering grad school options, possible TA/GA opportunities (which would mean my grad school would be paid for or substantially reduced in price. And, I would get to teach again!), career opportunities once I complete my internship, etc. Encouraging times, to be sure. God has truly answered my prayers for direction and I am excited for what the future holds.  I’m thankful for what God has placed in my path and for the peace I feel in making these decisions. Nothing is for certain, and I know that doors could be closed. However, at least I know where to direct my efforts. At least for now.

My production/catering rotation begins on Monday! I’m excited to be reunited with my former kitchen worker self.  I’ll be sure to provide an update… once I remember how to find my way down to the kitchen. J

It has begun!

          Today is a special day. First, it marks my second week of being a resident of Iowa City. More on that in a minute. Second (and definitely more importantly), today would have been the 100^th birthday of culinary great Julia Child. I credit my Julia obsession to my life-long (as in, she knew my parents before I was born and babysat me) friend Pat. I’m a definitely a Julia fan: I’ve looked through her cookbooks, read her autobiography, and even characterized her during a historical wax museum I participated in during high school. So, cheers, Julia! You’re still the best.

          Now back to Iowa City. In short, I absolutely love it here! The combination of active lifestyles, numerous trails/parks and sidewalks, academia, and one of the nation’s top 3 teaching hospitals create an environment in which I am blessed to find myself. Most areas are within walking distance, including the artsy ped (pedestrian) mall downtown (definitely lots of places I want to visit there!) I do have to drive to work, to the nearby Coralville Hy-Vee, but it is worth it. J It is times like these that I am ever reminded of God’s providence and faithfulness. He knew this would be a good place for me. Oh, did I mention that there is a great PCA church here? Truly, God is good.

        In regards to the internship itself, it is slowly sinking in that is kind of a big deal (excuse my casual language) to be a dietetic intern. Last week, we were assigned our computers, pagers, keys to our intern office, etc., and also given our rotation schedules. The first two weeks of the internship are orientation, which means that we’ve received lots of training on the hospital’s charting system, policies, safety, taken pre-test exams, attended lectures on nutrition topics, homework, etc. I’m thankful that I know most of the content that we have covered and am grateful to have had such a wonderful undergrad dietetic program at Olivet. Still, however, I’ve been reminded of how serious –especially in the acute setting at UIHC-the dietetics profession can be. As much as I hope to rotate in the different ICUs (including a NICU), I’m also reminded of just how ill these individuals are. And how much I need to know in order to help them. But, I guess that’s why I’m here. I have ten months mentoring before I’m on my own, so I’ll definitely be taking advantage of it and learning all that I can from this experience.

        On Monday, we begin our graduate courses (and also take our first competency exam), with rotations starting on Tuesday. I’m excited, but also a little intimidated, to start out in GI surgery, but know that it will be okay. I have some assignments to complete prior to beginning the rotation, and I’m definitely going to be brushing up on GI in Krause. I must admit, though, that I am glad to be studying again. Guess I’m a hopeless academic.
       On a related note, I am beyond excited to be a part of such a group of wonderful fellow interns. I’ve already had opportunity to get to know many of them outside of class, which is great. It’s been interesting to compare our undergrad programs, and it’s also been nice to be back in a group that understands what on earth I’m talking about. However, I’m afraid I’m probably still the science nerd of the bunch. Some things never change. J

        I do promise to try and keep this updated at least weekly. My roommate and I are still trying to decide whether or not it is worth it to pay for internet, so my computing is a little limited, which I’m finding is a good thing in many ways. Communication may suffer a bit, however. On the flip side, though, I get to spend time at my new favorite coffeeshop-the Iowa City local business Java House-which is always a good thing. Anyway, I will do my best to keep all of you updated. Also, feel free to email/text or in any other manner contact me. I truly love hearing from all of you.

Now for that enteral nutrition homework due tomorrow…