The future is looking healthy.
Fourteen Samford University School of Public Health students received their dietetic internship (DI) certificates at a Dec. 16 ceremony, taking the next step toward their careers as registered dietitian nutritionists.
Dietetic intern Myesha Crum, who also completed an M.S. in nutrition, opened the ceremony by reading the 2022 class scripture, Philippians 2:3-4, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Samford President Beck A. Taylor encouraged the interns to do the same, serving as “Christ’s hands and feet in the world” and embodying integrity, compassion and respect.
“Integrity is the hallmark of a Samford education,” Taylor said, noting that the DI class will tend to the needs of their clients’ minds, bodies and souls. “You have what it takes to accomplish your goals. Compassion and service to others is a cornerstone of what you’ve learned at Samford. You will earn the respect of others … and know this: You’ve earned my respect and that of your fellow students and faculty.”
Samford’s dietetic internship aims to produce entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists who are resourceful leaders, effectively serving the nutrition needs of diverse populations.
The internship itself is a 16-month post-baccalaureate certificate program with a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised practice experiences and coursework to prepare interns for a career in nutrition.
Keynote speaker Tammie Brown completed her dietetic internship in 2020, while also graduating with a Master of Public Health. She became a registered dietitian in 2021, after which she built the nutrition department for her private practice, Restoring Bodies Fitness & Nutrition Services, where she serves clients ages 50 and older.
“Our profession is one that brings hope to many,” Brown said. “I implore you to remember that you have specialized in food and how it can be medicine for the body and soul. I pray you stay passionate about your unique skills and advocate for your livelihood in the medical profession.
“Our profession brings hope to many, but we must bring hope for ourselves, as well. So today, I am asking you to step up to the plate and join me and many other dietitians in changing the trajectory of what healthy looks like. It looks delicious and nourishing.”
The 2022 Dietetic Internship class includes: Heather Bacon, Katie Brasher, Emma Grace Benton, Myesha Crum, Selena-Maria Ellis, Cierra Hoskins, Adeline Johnson, Ashley Kelley, Virginia Ozment, Sarah Frances Phillips, James Price, Katherine Scherry, Caroline Trott and Madison Wunderlich.
“As I have gotten to know these interns over the past year and a half, I have been able to see how each one of them is passionate about using their gifts to help others,” said Amy Cameron, dietetic internship instructor and director. “Whether caring for patients in the ICU, working with picky eaters or providing nutrition care for moms, each of these students is uniquely gifted to care for the nutrition needs of their communities. I could not be more excited for and proud of them! It has been a blessing to get to know each intern and be a small part of their academic journey.”
Learn more about Samford’s Dietetic Internship here.
