We take tremendous pride in the care that we provide for our veterans and the experiences we provide our interns. Employers of our graduates are impressed with our graduates’ abilities in prioritizing work load, problem solving, and critical thinking. Read below to find out what our graduates have said:

"The Bay Pines dietitians made me feel immediately at home with their caring and positive attitudes. I learned more than I ever imagined during the 10 month internship. I know many of my fellow college friends who were completing internships did not have near the quality and amount of experiences that I did. I feel incredibly blessed to be associated with this superior internship! As a current Bay Pines employee, I have felt totally competent with my training and knowledge to perform the daily tasks of being a registered dietitian. I have no doubt that I have the astounding staff at Bay Pines to thank for that fact!"
-Mary B. Morgan, RD (Class of 2008, Bay Pines)

"The Bay Pines Internship has incredibly educated, well-rounded preceptors - each dietitian with her own unique set of assets which provide interns with the knowledge and experiences necessary to become more-than-competent dietitians."
-Kayleen Wichlinski,RD (Class of 2010, Bay Pines)

"The preceptors at Bay Pines are outstanding! The program is well-rounded, with an emphasis on clinical dietetics that includes both acute and long-term settings, out-patient education, and food service. I highly recommend applying to Bay Pines program and consider a career with the VA system."
-Shana Griffin,RD (Class of 2010, Bay Pines)

"The Bay Pines Internship was a great learning experience which provided me with the tools and knowledge to enter the workforce as a dietitian. The support and encouragement given by the dietitians was extremely impressive. It was difficult to move across the country leaving behind my friends and family to complete my dietetic internship. The staff at Bay Pines is so welcoming and eager to make the interns feel like Bay Pines is home. I look back on my internship year and feel grateful for all the friends and colleagues I met during my time there. I highly recommend Bay Pines to anyone looking for a positive learning experience."
-Katherine Merriman,RD (Class of 2008, Bay Pines)

"The dietetic internship at Bay Pines VAHCS offered a wide variety of clinical and administrative experiences. The preceptors were always willing to ensure that interns received the most valuable experiences, throughout each rotation. I am confident that the Bay Pines Dietetic Internship has prepared me toward becoming a Registered Dietitian; and I look forward to beginning my career as a R.D. with Bay Pines VAHCS. I have, and will continue to, recommend the internship to others."
-Lauren Roy,RD (Class of 2010, Bay Pines)

"The Bay Pines Dietetic Internship was one of the most challenging yet rewarding things I have ever experienced. The Dietitians were so wonderful to work with and I owe much of my success to them".
-Stephanie Bassett,RD (Class of 2009, Bay Pines)

"I highly recommend the Bay Pines VA Dietetic Internship. The Bay Pines VA Dietetic Internship has so much to offer with the Long Term Care Facility, the Outpatient programming - including the Diabetes Education, the MOVE program, the management experiences, the DOM, as well as all the different clinical unit rotations. In addition, using electronic medical records is an important skill as many employers are looking for RDs that have experience with electronic medical records. Also, the VA has an excellent reputation which I have been able to carry with me since leaving the internship. Most importantly, all of the dietitians at Bay Pines are outstanding preceptors,each one provided me with a unique and valuable dietetics experience. I will continue to recommend Bay Pines VAHCS Dietetic Internship and I am proud to be a graduate of the program."
-Jennie Lauren Butler,RD (Class of 2009, Bay Pines)

"Choosing the James J. Peters Bronx VA Internship was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The staff and preceptors at James J. Peters VA are wonderful and supportive and truly give you 1-on-1 attention which created a great learning environment. The quality of the clinical rotations within the VA, in combination with the unique and varied community experiences in the New York City metropolitan area, prepared me extremely well for clinical practice".
-Lisa Garback, MS, RD. CDN Clinical Dietitian, Spinal Cord Injury Unit, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY Graduate, Class of 2002 (Bronx)

"I cannot speak highly enough about my internship experience at the James J. Peters VAMC. From the first day in my first rotation, I felt like a valued member of the health care team. The preceptors instill in you the confidence to seek out doctors, social workers, speech pathologists, etc. and your input is truly valued. Moreover, the veteran population is immensely rewarding to work with and incredibly thankful for the care we provide. I continue to use the skills honed during the internship program on a daily basis in clinical practice".
-Margaret Ziegler, MS, RD, CDN Clinical Dietitian, Med-Surg Unit, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY Graduate, Class of 2006 (Bronx)

"The variety of rotations allowed me to work with different populations and age groups, preparing me to handle any situation as a professional. I felt the preceptors were truly invested in my education. They provided the perfect balance of guidance and independence that enabled me to build confidence in my decision-making, counseling, and teamwork skills."
-Jamie Halcom, MS, RD Clinical Dietitian, Primary Care Clinic, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY Graduate, Class of 2008 (Bronx)

I highly recommend this combined Master's/Internship program! I firmly believe I am where I am today because of it. I have a fantastic job that I love and it is due to the study skills, analytic research and work ethic I learned through this program. Don't think twice about applying.
-Sarah Kruger, MS, RD, BS May 2003 Michigan State University, MS January 2006 Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland)

The VA program is amazing at showing you things you never thought you could do. There are some character building challenges along the way, but it is so worth it. You'll get back twice what you put into it, so have fun and work hard.
-Diane Lewis, MS, RD, BS December 2003 Idaho State University, MS January 2006 Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland)

Take advantage of your research opportunity.
-Megan Rizzi Reynolds, MS, RD, BS May 2004 Kent State University, MS January 2006 Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland)

The Louis Stokes VA Dietetic Internship is the greatest! The variety of rotations, projects, and experiences fully prepared me to begin my career as a clinical dietitian. We were challenged to develop and hone our clinical skills and had fun at the same time! Once you've worked in the VA system, you'll never want to go anywhere else! I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in the best dietetic internship and Master's degree program.
- Sheryl B. Wehner, MS, RD, BS May 2004 Michigan State University, MS January 2006 Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland)

The Louis Stokes VAMC internship program provided a strong base for advancement in endless directions within the field of nutrition. This program is well-rounded, with an emphasis on clinical dietetics that includes both acute and long-term settings, out-patient education, research, and food service. Prior to starting my search for an internship, I was not interested in pursuing an advanced degree. However, after receiving a master's degree from CWRU I now realize how much of an advantage I have over my peers within the field who did not further their formal education.
- Elizabeth Chrencik, MS, RD, BS August 2005 St. Louis University, MS January 2007 Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland)

The Louis Stokes Cleveland VAMC Dietetic Internship was the best place to obtain clinical training as a dietetic student. I obtained an in depth clinical experience and excellent communication and leadership training. Amongst my colleagues, I feel very competent and prepared for my career as a Registered Dietitian. Please extend my thanks and gratitude to all the Staff.
- Rochanda D. Mitchell MS, RD, BS May 2004 Fisk University, MS May 2006 Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland)

The internship prepared us MUCH better than people coming out of other internships. The experiences that we received and the rotations were a great way to prepare us. I also like how we got so much outpatient and counseling experience. Talking to people from other internships and so forth I think that we have a much superior program and I'm so happy that you accepted me into the program 2 years ago! (I can't believe it was that long ago already) I loved how all of the dietitians were great teachers and were glad to help us learn. I also enjoyed having the combined program with CWRU because between the VA and CWRU I've made lots of great professional contacts and have expanded my network of contacts. I think that the combination of UH, VA and CWRU has made for some wonderful experiences and awesome dietitians that we've been able to meet and learn from.
- Jennifer Martin, MS, RD, BS May 2006 Michigan Sate University, MS January 2008 Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland)

The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Dietetic Internship provides students an excellent opportunity to learn a well-rounded skill set in a learning-centered atmosphere. My experience from this internship program prepared me for diverse positions - from writing orders for nutrition support in leading hospitals in the Texas Medical Center to positions in school food service administration to private consulting
-Teresa (Kiser) Lane, MS, RD, LD, Food Service Dietitian, Klein Independent School District, Houston, 2001 MEDVAMC Internship Graduate (Houston) 

Houston VA internship provides one with a very strong clinical background to be able to excel in any position after graduation. The program is well respect among VA staff members across the nation and recognized that interns will come out of the program ready to work.
-Awbrey Lovrien-Moore, MS, RD, LD, Clinical Dietitian-Acute and Hospice Care, Temple, Texas, 2001 MEDVAMC Internship Graduate (Houston) 

I started my dietetic internship at the VA with very little nutrition experience, so I was very nervous. When I showed up the first day, there were 7 other interns just as nervous as I was. We instantly bonded! I learned all the ins and outs of the hospital and felt very comfortable with charts, staff, and procedures. I liked staying at the VA for most of my rotations because I did not have to learn new procedures with each rotation, which allowed me to focus on learning the nutrition aspect of patient care. The patient care was definitely "hands-on" which is the best way to learn. After I was done with each rotation, I felt confident that I could go to any hospital and be ready to take on a job as a RD. I also felt totally prepared for the RD exam after the internship. Having my Master's degree has been an important aspect in my career, so it was definitely worth the extra studying. The stipend also helped make ends meet since we were too busy for outside work. Although it was challenging, the overall experience was great and the knowledge I gained was invaluable. I have felt confident in my abilities since day one (Houston) as an RD and I have the VA internship/Masters Degree program to thank!
-Cassie Dimmick, MS, RD, LD, CSSD, Owner- Achieving Your Best, LLC Private Practice, Pearland, Texas, 2002 MEDVAMC Internship Graduate (Houston) 

My internship at the Houston VA provided me with a strong clinical nutrition education. Since graduating from the internship, I have been a preceptor to other interns from non-VA facilities and worked with recent grads from the Houston VA as well as non-VA. I can say without a doubt that the Houston VA interns have stronger clinical skills and a higher proficiency level than other interns.
-Athena (Towns) Evans, MS, RD, LD Diabetes Care Coordinator, Denver VA Medical Center, 2002 MEDVAMC Internship Graduate (Houston) 

The MEDVAMC internship is in all-inclusive experience, where you really get to know the facility and comfortable with working with its wide array of patients and providers. It's a one-stop-shop for dietetic interns and patients alike! The research and facility capabilities here are phenomenal; you just have to know where to look and not be afraid to do so.
-Anne Utech, MS, RD, Clinical Dietitian, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, 2004 MEDVAMC Internship Graduate (Houston) 

The VA internship was a very challenging yet rewarding experience for me. I loved being in on the "cutting edge" of health care and enjoyed being exposed to various health conditions to see what area interested me the most. The best part, I was able to complete both my Masters and internship in a little over a year! Being honest, the internship was sometimes stressful, but looking back now it was well worth it. It made me better equipped to handle tough MNT problems, as well as difficult patients. Plus, I made some great friends and got to be trained by awesome dietitians!!
-Adrienne (Ferguson) Jacobs, MS, RD, LD, Dietitian, Chickasaw Nation Health System, Oklahoma, 2005 MEDVAMC Internship Graduate (Houston) 

The MEDVAMC Dietetic Internship offers a valuable and rewarding experience for those entering the exciting field of nutrition. This highly respected internship allows students to find their own niche within the world of dietetics whether it be clinical, community-based or beyond. As a former intern, I am thankful for my experiences among skilled preceptors who encourage critical thinking, advanced technology with electronic charting, and a variety of learning opportunities to become future leaders in nutrition.
-Kristen Tidwell RD, LD, Clinical Dietitian, River Oaks Hospital, Houston, 2006 MEDVAMC Internship Graduate (Houston) 

"My internship at MEDVAMC prepared me for work as a registered dietitian by helping build a strong clinical base and thorough understanding of the many ways altered nutrition can affect the body. While the majority of my experiences occurred at the VA, elective, pediatric, and community rotations provided an alternative to working with the veteran population. I truly appreciated how organized the internship was, as I was provided my schedule for the entire year in the first month of the internship!"
-Erica D. McBeth, RD, LD, Clinical Dietitian, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Associates, Houston, 2007 MEDVAMC Internship Graduate (Houston) 

Completing the dietetic internship at the MEDVAMC was the best decision I ever could have made. The internship is very organized and provided a great learning environment for me to expand my knowledge and receive hands on clinical training. Since the VA internship is known to be competitive, I think it also opened doors for me to obtain interviews and job offers. I am still very happy with my choice.
-Bonnie Buzek, MS, RD, LD, Clinical Dietitian, St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Houston, 2007 MEDVAMC Internship Graduate (Houston) 

"The VA Combined Dietetic Internship program was a great experience. I felt I was able to develop a strong foundation to enter the field of dietetics. In the combined program, you learn to apply nutrition principles and design interventions not only at the individual level, but also for community programs and broader-based nutrition organizations. The VA provides a wonderful learning environment as the medical center is a large hospital with on-going research projects and learning opportunities. As an intern, you function as a vital member of health care teams and gain insight into caring for the patient using a multi-disciplinary approach to patient care. The staff is dedicated to education in a supportive and organized environment. I was extremely satisfied with my education and development with the VA program. Upon completion, I felt I was well-equipped to enter the field with above-level dietetic skills."
-Katrina Hartog, MPH, RD, CHES - Graduating Class: Combined Program, June 2007, Clinical Dietitian, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (Los Angeles)

"As a graduate of both the VA Greater Los Angeles Dietetic Internship and the UCLA Master's in Public Health programs, I have entered the field of dietetics with an exceptional knowledge base. The internship provided invaluable hands-on experience in the fields of clinical, community, and administrative dietetics that proved to work in excellent compliment to the MPH program's core curriculum. The MPH, RD combination has given me an edge in the dietetics and public health world and left me well-prepared for a variety of job opportunities. I highly recommend both the VA GLA internship and the UCLA MPH program."
- Janice Holm, MPH, RD, CHES - Graduating Class: Non-Degree Internship, May 2007; MPH Completed June 2006, Clinical Dietitian, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System-Long Beach site (Los Angeles)

"I highly recommend the VA internship to all of my friends who are applying for dietetic internships because of its strong dynamics and the fact that it is a teaching hospital. Upon completion of my internship I felt that my clinical and community skills were above and beyond an entry level dietitian because all the healthcare professionals at the VA are open to teaching and helping you excel. As an intern you really feel welcomed and part of the interdisciplinary team, which really empowers you to do your best in the internship. Lastly, the VA internship is very reputable in California, which makes it easier to finds high level jobs. Other interns and I were hired as clinical dietitians at hospitals that required past clinical experience because of the fact that we graduated from such a challenging and well rounded program."
- Nancy Daghighian, RD - Graduating class: Non-Master Program, June 2005, Kaiser Permanente-Outpatient Dietitian, Healthy By Design Nutrition-Private Practice (Los Angeles)

"The VA Greater Los Angeles Dietetic Internship provided me with a solid foundation in administrative, community, and clinical dietetics. I was able to rotate through a busy urban hospital and its ancillary clinics. At one of UCLA's teaching hospitals, I had the opportunity to be in an intense learning environment and participate in interdisciplinary rounds which taught me practical skills. I became familiar with the chronic diseases that are becoming more prevalent, including diabetes mellitus, end stage renal disease, hypertension, and obesity. Most importantly, I worked with preceptors who taught me one-on-one."
- Nina Segil, MPH, RD - Graduating Class: Non-Master Program, June 2004, Century City Doctors Hospital, Clinical Dietitian & Private Practice (Los Angeles)

"The combined program was a wonderful experience. The versatility of this program offered both a broad-based education in the field of public health, and also the technique of medical nutrition therapy at the individual level. Studying public health opened my eyes to the societal prevention and intervention efforts of health enthusiasts through media, legislative, and educational venues. The dietetic internship rotations allowed me to form and exercise clinical skills in a practical manner. Being face to face with patients was a wonderful hands-on application. Overall the combined program allowed me to become more well-rounded as a dietitian, and having the Master's Degree gives an "edge" in the job market. I am grateful for the experience of the combined program; I would recommend it to those who are seeking academic learning coupled with applied patient care."
- Jennifer Romo, MPH, RD - Graduating Class: Combined Program, June 2003, Clinical Dietitian, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (Los Angeles)

"The VA Dietetic Internship/UCLA MPH combined program was a very rewarding and comprehensive program that has taught me valuable clinical and program planning skills. The VA hospital is a great environment for learning and the preceptors are supportive. Upon graduation, I felt well-equipped for a clinical or public health job."
- Elaine Cheung, MPH, RD - Graduating Class: Combined Program, June 2003, Registered Dietitian, Regional Perinatal Service Center, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center (Los Angeles)

"The non-combined program gave me more than just the skills to work in a clinical setting. I now teach Nutrition to students in a bachelor's program in Culinary Management, and am Assistant Director for the program. I also maintain a private practice as an RD. The VA internship included many projects that helped me hone my management and teaching skills and prepare me for the direction I've chosen for my career. As a teaching hospital, the dietitians, allied health staff and physicians are always willing to take the time to instruct, making for an educationally positive environment. I highly recommend the internship for anyone looking for a well-rounded and complete program."
- Christopher Lauderdale, RD - Graduating Class: Non-Master Program, June 2002, Chef Instructor, Art Institute of Orange Country (Los Angeles)

"I highly recommend the Combined Dietetic Internship through the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System and UCLA. The internship prepared me for entry into the world of dietetics by teaching me, in great detail, about all three areas of dietetics (clinical, community, and administrative). All of the preceptors in the internship are highly educated and easy to work with. They encouraged me to work independently and this made for a smooth transition into my first job. Completing the Master's degree in Public Health at UCLA has helped me advance my career beyond my expectations. I am currently working as a nutrition and health instructor at three community colleges and this would not be possible without completion of the master's degree."
- Kristy Long, MPH, RD - Graduating Class: Combined Program, June 2002, Dietitian and Exercise Physiologist for the Santa Ana College Wellness Program and Private Practice (Los Angeles)

"Although challenging at times, the VA thoroughly prepared me for obtaining nutrition positions that were above entry-level upon graduation. I found myself "training" other non-VA graduates -- all of whom expressed their wish to have interned at the VA! I still refer to my VA manual when I have a policy or diet question now in my position as Chief Clinical Dietitian."
- Andrea Brekke, RD - Graduating Class: Non-Master Program, June 2001, Supervisor Ambulatory Nutrition, New York Presbyterian - Columbia/Cornell Medical Center (Los Angeles)

"In my opinion, The VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System Dietetic Internship Program is one of the best in the country. In a thorough search of internships across the US, I found that none offered such a well-rounded, quality program as the VA. As a VA graduate, I am even more convinced this is true. Its' outstanding reputation and excellent education helped me obtain a terrific job. Exceptional preceptors and challenging rotations set in a progressive, teaching environment, where the dietitian is an integral part of the health care team, are what I believe set this internship apart."
- Julie Berns, RD - Graduating Class: Non-Master Program, June 1999 , Marketing Manager, Computrition (Los Angeles)

"I really enjoyed that we could make the internship as much of a learning experience as we wanted. By that I mean that we had the freedom to observe procedures we wanted to see, choose our own case study to research and use our special interest weeks to our future's advantage. The projects and handouts we developed were actually put to use, giving a sense of great accomplishment and empowerment. The Internship was a very strong program!"
- Nicole Valdez, MPH, RD - Graduating Class: Combined Program, June 1998 , Senior IT Systems Analyst, Aptium Oncology (Los Angeles)

"As a teaching hospital, the VA is at the cutting edge of new treatments, education and management styles, and patient care philosophies. Interns have a unique opportunity to learn from a dedicated and energetic group of Registered Dietitians, as well as from other health professionals and students who work together with patient care teams."
- Sheri Barke, MPH, RD - Graduating Class: Combined Program, June 1997 , Nutrition Education Coordinator, College of the Canyons Student Health & Wellness Center (Los Angeles)

"The Internship at West Los Angeles VAMC had an excellent variety of experience and was mentored by proactive dietitians that served as role models for interacting in a team approach to patient care. The program speaks for itself in terms of excellence as we hire many VA graduates. From my internship class alone, two of us were hired and placed within intense positions (Renal and Nutrition Support) within one year of employment!"
- Tanya Tong, MPH, RD - Graduating Class: Combined Program, June 1992 , Systems Analyst for Nutrition, Medsphere Systems Corporation (Los Angeles)

"I must say I have never been extremely apprehensive about teaching classes, but with all the presentations that we did for our internship and with the classes I teach here at WIC I find I've been well prepared and feel at ease."
-Anne Majsterek, RD - Class of 2005, WIC Program, OK (San Diego)

"The VA San Diego internship provided me with well-rounded experiences in clinical, administrative, and community dietetics. The training was intense and challenging, but I felt confident when taking my RD exam and looking for my first new job as a dietitian."
-Julie (Newberry) Stacey, RD, LD - Class of 2005, WIC Program, St. Petersburg, FL(San Diego)

"This internship exposed me to the wide variety of professional opportunities available for dietitians. The "hands-on" approach made me feel confident that I could step into any of these areas and excel. I really enjoyed the interdisciplinary approach of working with professionals in both the hospital and the community setting."
-Amy Haessly, RD - Class of 2003, Vista Unified School District, CA (San Diego)

"The internship provided a well-rounded experience in dietetics - I feel like I saw things many dietitians will never have the opportunity to see. This helped me figure out what area of dietetics I was most interested in. The internship was challenging and a lot of hard work, but this made it a great learning experience and personally fulfilling. The preceptors truly care about the interns' learning experiences, and this is part of what makes it such a great internship."
-Lori Thacker, RD - Class of 2003 (San Diego)

"When I graduated from the San Diego VA Internship Program, I felt that there wasn't any job I couldn't handle. My first and current position in Dietetics is managing a Spanish-speaking WIC office in Omaha, Nebraska. The organizational skills I developed at the VA, as well as the thorough training in administration, have really helped me adjust to the challenges of management."
- Niki Dorcas RD - Class of 2002, WIC Program, Omaha, NE (San Diego)

"What a staff! These dietitians are some of the most talented and knowledgeable in the field! The VA San Diego Healthcare System strives to create an internship and work environment that challenge and inspire you to do your best work possible. My internship class had a good experience. We all bonded and felt a great sense of accomplishment and pride when we graduated...and we were all definitely prepared to take on any job in the field!"
-Marley Nelms, MPA, RD - Class of 2002, Research Project Coordinator, UCSD, CA(San Diego)

"I feel that my training in the San Diego VA internship more than prepared me for any entry-level dietetics job. The hands-on experience and one-on-one instruction not only increased my knowledge tremendously, but hugely improved my confidence in teaching nutrition. One of my favorite things about the program were the patients...the veterans. Hearing their stories and experiencing their patriotism always kept me looking ahead. The program was challenging, yet survivable. I feel very proud to be a San Diego VA Internship grad!"
-Lacy Tubbs, RD, CLE - Class of 2002 (San Diego)

"It was apparent to me that I had excellent training in my internship from the first job that I took after I finished the program. The strength of the San Diego VA Internship is the rigor of the program and the high expectations that the preceptors require of the interns. It was a challenging, but rewarding nine months."
-Amy Sturm Culp, RD - Class of 2001, Private Practice, TX (San Diego)

"The internship at the VA San Diego Medical Center was very comprehensive and one of the best learning experiences I have ever had. All of the rotations made me a well-rounded graduate and so prepared for my first position as a Registered Dietitian. I also felt that I learned outstanding time management skills that allowed me to excel in graduate school to earn my Master of Business Administration (MBA), as well as in many other areas of my life."
-Jennifer Freeman, MBA, RD - Class of 2000 (San Diego)

"I would say one of the most important aspects of the VA internship that I found beneficial in my position at Novartis Nutrition was learning the key duties and responsibilities of the different positions in the Food Service Department. At every facility that I visited I was expected to make about 4 contacts. It was vital that I could switch gears from talking to the Food Service Director about streamlining they're ordering process to discussing the benefits of an immune enhancing formula to the Chief Clinical Dietitian."
-Luis Savigne, RD - Class of 2000 (San Diego)

The internship at the VA was one of the best experiences I have ever had. Not only did it get me ready for successfully passing the RD exam the first time, it also exposed me to a wide variety of medical conditions, including mental health issues and spinal cord injury, which are not normally part of a dietetic internship. The dietitians, kitchen staff and support personnel in the VA were very committed to enabling the intern to have a successful internship. I was able to go to just about anyone and ask questions and get the help I needed. The internship director is a great example and is so committed to her interns. Her door is always open. The atmosphere of the internship class was one where I did not feel intimidated by others and felt that I was always heard in any discussion.
-Pamela Russell, RD, LD, Clinical Dietitian/Health Educator, St. Louis County Department of Health, St. Louis, MO, Class of 2006-2007 (St. Louis) 

Any internship can provide you with practical experience and prepare you for a career, but the St. Louis VA will prepare you for life, to stand on your own feet, and to make your own steps in your life to that desired destination.
-Monical Studer, Clinical Dietitian, Memphis VA Medical Center, Memphis, TN. Class of 2006 – 2007 (St. Louis) 

The complicated patients have really helped me develop my clinical skills as well as my critical thinking and problem solving skills. The individual attention and one on one learning with the preceptors are great program strengths. The preceptors at the VA were amazing - they were all very knowledgeable and were great teachers and mentors. I am more than satisfied with this internship program. It definitely went above and beyond preparing me for a career in dietetics. I feel a lot more confident in my nutritional knowledge & skills.
-Nicole (Morgan) Buchek, RD, LD, Clinical Dietitian, St. Louis DVA Medical Center, St. Louis, MO, Class of 2005 - 2006 (St. Louis) 

You get to work with a highly respected, highly respectful, and highly appreciative population. You get to use state-of-the-art technology. You are well respected by the other disciplines, and you have a lot of growth potential. The VA preceptors take a personal interest in each and every intern vs. other internship programs where you are scattered all over the community throughout the internship and the preceptors aren’t as vested in you. I’d love to get into sales but would pass on a sales position in a second for a VA position. The VA has just felt “right” from day one.
-Josh Dale, MBA, RD, LD Clinical/Community Dietitian, Food Outreach, St. Louis, MO, Class of 2005 - 2006 (St. Louis) 

Great experience - incredibly pleased and glad that I was able to complete my internship here. The staff relief rotation really helped to build my confidence and made me feel as if I could get an entry level position tomorrow and be successful at it.
-Verenda Gordon, RD, LD Clinical and Foodservice Dietitian, Kenneth Hall Regional Hospital, East St. Louis, IL Class of 2005 - 2006 (St. Louis) 

The internship was a great experience. The preceptors are very caring individuals who wish to help the interns succeed. The veteran population yields a combination of difficult medical conditions and social needs that together provide challenging cases for the interns. The class size is the perfect number for one-on-one interactions with staff, yet still enough to pair people up for projects.
-Rachel Kramer, RD, LD, Research Dietitian, Philadelphia, PA, Class of 2005 - 2006 (St. Louis) 

I love the small class size – I think this is a very important factor of part of the reason the internship is great.
-Stacie Metzger, RD, LD, Research Dietitian, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, Class of 2005 - 2006 (St. Louis) 

The individual attention and one on one learning with the preceptors are great program strengths. The preceptors at the VA were amazing - they were all very knowledgeable and were great teachers and mentors. The internship director is so organized and reliable and motivates all of us; you can tell she loves her job.
-Jenny Paul, RD, LDN, Clinical Dietitian, Mercy Health System, Rockford, IL, Class of 2005 - 2006 (St. Louis) 

It has been over a year since I graduated my internship at the St. Louis VA hospital. Today I am continuing to learn and practice at Mission Hospitals in Asheville, NC. Now, I am a preceptor for interns from different programs, and I can honestly say that none of them come close to the level of experience, quality, and organization I received at the VA. To this day I can still count on Amy as a resource for information and moral support. I am truly grateful to her and the rest of the staff for their dedication and intelligence.
-Cara Elio, RD, LDN, Clinical Dietitian, Mission Hospitals, Asheville, NC, Class of 2004 - 2005 (St. Louis) 

The VA dietetic internship opened many doors for me as a dietetic professional because I was exposed to so much more than just clinical nutrition. My experience writing articles for the Hearty Bites subsection of Suburban Journal has now led me to be a regular contributor. I also volunteer with the St. Louis Dietetic Association after having attended meetings and gaining networking opportunities as an intern. Not only do I have some great professional networks, but I also have many wonderful personal friendships thanks to my involvement with the St. Louis VA Dietetic Internship.
-Ashleigh Herman, RD, LD, Clinical Dietitian, St. Louis DVA Medical Center Class of 2004 - 2005 (St. Louis) 

The St. Louis Veterans Affairs Dietetic Internship was a great option for me because I was uncertain of which area of nutrition I was interested in. Because the VA Internship is a generalized program it offered me the opportunity to experience many areas of dietetics, while still allowing me to gain enough knowledge in each area to use in professional practice. I am currently employed as a Clinical Dietitian and an Assistant Food Service Director at a long term care facility. The VA Internship provided me with the experience necessary to excel in both of these positions. The small class size was an additional benefit because I received personalized attention from the director and one-on-one instruction from each of the preceptors. This was a very essential feature of the internship because I was able to collect so much advice and guidance that can put towards my professional career goals.
-Kim Keubler, RD, LD, HDS Services Clinical Manager and Assistant Food Service Director, Eden Retirement Community ,Glen Carbon, IL Class of 2004-2005 (St. Louis) 

The VA internship was a great experience for me! It offered a vast array of rotations and variety to help develop my skills as a dietitian. I felt well prepared for both my RD exam and my first clinical position after leaving the VA. It combines both dynamics of rotations along with didactic class work, which really help to build great skills for an upcoming dietitian. The small intern class was also a great way to gain more hands on experience and work one on one with all the dietitians, who by the way are a great group to work with! Overall I really enjoyed my time at the VA internship and continue to use knowledge and skills gained in my everyday clinical career.
-Kim Tackitt, RD, LD, Clinical Dietitian in Transplant, MICU/CCU, University Hospital, San Antonio, TX, Class of 2004-2005 (St. Louis) 

I know I gained more knowledge than I ever thought possible by going through the VA internship! No other place could have offered the instant connections we had with all the on-site dietitians. Each dietitian was willing to go out of their way to assist me in gaining confidence in the field. The fact that many of the rotations took place on site at either Jefferson Barracks or John Cochran helped our intern class use each other as resources and also allowed us to become friends. The best part about the internship was being given the opportunity to teach diabetes and cardiac rehab classes! Although the internship was a lot of hard work, this was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had!!
-Jessica Ballmann, RD, LD, Renal Dietitian, St. Louis, MO, Class of 2003-2004 (St. Louis) 

The internship at the VA prepared me for a position as a clinical RD by giving me experience with a difficult and complicated patient population that I don't think I would have encountered in any other program. It made me comfortable with complex medical conditions such as liver disease or dialysis compounded with diabetes. At every point through the internship I felt truly supported and I felt like my internship director (Amy) cared about me and my learning process. I walked away from the process feeling completely satisfied with my experience and look to return to the VA as an employee in the future. In addition to my learning, I met my professional mentor (personal in a lot of ways also), Amy Knoblock-Hahn. To this day, two years after my graduation, I still look to her for support and advice. She is wonderful!!!
-Leah (Broeker) Gonzalez, RD, LD, Clinical Dietitian, Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital, Class of 2003 - 2004 (St. Louis) 

My internship experience at the VAMC in St. Louis was a very positive one. The rotations often provided unique experiences (such as the rotation in the spinal cord injury unit and special interest week) and invaluable preceptors. Due to the small internship class size, we could focus on learning, as well as forming lasting friendships. The director (Amy) was most helpful and an indispensable resource for answering all questions, and providing exam preparation and job opportunities. After the internship, I had no difficulty passing the registration examination or finding employment of my choice. Additionally, the stipend received provided a financial break. Overall, these experiences were unique to the VAMC in St. Louis, and I would highly recommend this internship program.
-Christina Popp, RD, LD, Oncology Dietitian, Saint Louis University Cancer Center, Class of 2003 – 2004 (St. Louis) 

I have always been proud to display my certificate of internship completion from the VA medical center in my office for colleagues, patients, and family members to see. The things I liked most about the internship were the small class size, daily 1:1 attention from exceptional preceptors, computerized charting, and opportunities to learn more about dietetic opportunities in the St. Louis community. My biggest accomplishment during the internship was gaining confidence in practically applying knowledge obtained as an undergraduate and knowing that I was fully prepared for accepting my first position as a registered dietitian responsible for the nutritional care of 120+ patients in four outpatient dialysis clinics in Arizona. I am currently in the process of completing my master’s degree and I feel that my dietetic internship played a huge role advancing my critical thinking and organizational skills which has allowed me to excel at the graduate level.
-Amy (Beiermann) Norris RD, LD, Clinical Dietitian, St. Louis DVA Medical Center, Class of 2001 – 2002 (St. Louis) 

The St. Louis VA internship was a very educational and career enhancing experience for me. The internship prepared me for the RD exam and helped me to develop the skills and confidence needed to enter the dietetic workforce. The preceptors and the internship director (Amy Knoblock-Hahn) displayed genuine concern for my development as a dietitian and provided the support and one on one attention needed for me to excel in areas that may have been a challenge for me personally. I believe that my success as a clinical dietitian and with my current job as a community dietitian and health educator could not have been possible without the VA internship. I feel honored to have been a part of such an awesome program and I am confident in saying that the VA internship is by far the best internship program in the St. Louis area!
-Amanda Clover, RD, LD, School-Community Health Educator, BJC HealthCare School-Outreach and Youth Development Department, St. Louis, MO, Class of 2001-2002 (St. Louis) 

The medical center alone provides an environment that is ideal for dealing with the extremes of real-life dietetics. The preceptors and other health care professionals within the medical center provided the perfect balance of guidance and independence needed to hone one's professional skills. Beyond the medical center, the internship provided plenty of opportunities to explore individual interest and more non-traditional routes of dietetics. Overall the internship was a fantastic experience. So much so, that I decided to stay as an employee!
-Jackie (Kaufman) Henderson, RD, LD, Outpatient Dietitian, St. Louis DVA Medical Center, Class of 2001 - 2002 (St. Louis) 

I had no idea the great reputation this internship has until I started. I made wonderful friendships during the internship year that I still keep in touch with 7 years later. Tampa is a great place to live with plenty to do and I landed the best job ever, working as an RD at the Tampa VA.
-Not named, James A. Haley (Tampa) VA Medical Center (Tampa) 

This staff is ready to greet you with open arms! Independent thought is encouraged but the resources are plentiful, and the best efforts are made in helping meet the needs of our dietetic interns. The eagerness of the staff was evident to me right away when I was an intern. There wasn't anyone I felt I couldn't ask for help.
-Not named, James A. Haley (Tampa) VA Medical Center (Tampa)