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Dietetic Internship Program

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Orlando VA Dietetic Internship

 

 Orlando Healthcare

Program Introduction

Dear Applicant,

Welcome to the Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) Dietetic Internship website! Here you will find all the information you need to help you decide why our internship is the best option for succeeding in your professional career.

The OVAHCS DI Program provides 1,224 hours of supervised practice experience across four core areas: medical nutrition therapy, food services, community nutrition, and research. Over the course of 41 weeks, beginning in August and concluding in May, interns are immersed in a diverse range of learning experiences that reflect the full scope of dietetic practice.

Our program is based primarily at the Lake Nona Campus in Orlando, Florida. Interns also have the opportunity to rotate through outpatient clinics in Lake Baldwin, Viera, and Palm Bay, as well as other sites that broaden their professional exposure and strengthen their adaptability in varied healthcare settings.

The OVAHCS DI Program will accept four interns for the Academic year 2027.

The OVAHCS serves more than 140,000 Veterans in Central Florida, and we strive for a 24/7 world-class healthcare service committed to the I CARE values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.

Here are some highlighted characteristics of the program;

  • Preceptors: our dietitians’ practice at one of the highest scopes of practice in the VA. Our preceptors are committed to providing mentorship, guidance, and hands-on training that will equip our interns with the competencies and confidence needed to excel in a wide variety of nutrition and dietetics roles.
  • Learning activities and curriculum: our program is guided by evidence-based practice. We endeavor for the appropriate practice of the Nutrition Care Process, Nutrition Focused Physical Exam, and comprehensive provision of Nutrition Support.
  • Research: students will complete a special project that provides the opportunity to work on and practice the scientific method.
  • Work Opportunity: we can assist you in finding a job within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The VHA is America’s largest integrated healthcare system.

Because the VA is a federal agency, you must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for and participate in our dietetic internship program.

Upcoming Virtual Open House Events

Thank you for your interest in the OVAHCS Dietetic Internship in Orlando, Florida. We hope you can find all the information on our webpage, and if not, we will be honored to assist you by email at giselle.diaz-luquis@va.gov.

We look forward to welcoming you to our program and to the Orlando VA Healthcare System family.

Sincerely,

Giselle M. Diaz Luquis, DCN, MHSN, RDN
Dietetic Internship Director
Orlando VA Healthcare System
13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, FL
giselle.diaz-luquis@va.gov
407-267-7694

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